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I was skimming through the articles on the Charlotte Observer and came across this one describing a tragic accident resulting in the death of a wife on the way to the hospital.
Husband crashes on way to hospital; wife dies | CharlotteObserver.com (http://www.charlotteobserver.com/597/story/506017.html - broken link)
First and foremost, my sincere condolences to the family for their loss, and I hope the husband has a full recovery.
My intention is not to Monday morning quarterback this, but as someone who worked a number of years in EMS, I'd just like to reinforce that we're here for a reason. Technology has allowed us to greatly enhance the level of care that we can provide a pt.
I do understand that when a loved one is hurt or in pain that it, we instinctively want to do whatever we can and as quickly as we can. I also understand that when you dial 911, it takes on average another minute to dispatch, 2-3 minutes to actually get to the ambulance, and then 5-8 minutes to get to the scene, sometimes longer in remote areas. Altogether from the time you call to the time the EMT's are actually in your house delivering care, it could easily be 10-15 minutes, but treatment starts immediately with oxygen, EKGs, medications, etc.
I don't wanna ramble on, but just remember, if you have an emergency, 911 is here. Again, my condolences to the family.
My intention is not to Monday morning quarterback this, but as someone who worked a number of years in EMS, I'd just like to reinforce that we're here for a reason. Technology has allowed us to greatly enhance the level of care that we can provide a pt.
I do understand that when a loved one is hurt or in pain that it, we instinctively want to do whatever we can and as quickly as we can. I also understand that when you dial 911, it takes on average another minute to dispatch, 2-3 minutes to actually get to the ambulance, and then 5-8 minutes to get to the scene, sometimes longer in remote areas. Altogether from the time you call to the time the EMT's are actually in your house delivering care, it could easily be 10-15 minutes, but treatment starts immediately with oxygen, EKGs, medications, etc.
I don't wanna ramble on, but just remember, if you have an emergency, 911 is here. Again, my condolences to the family.
No one is underestimating EMS and I understand you are bias, but if you're arguing that everyone should "wait" for EMS vs. driving to the hospital, I would think most who read that would think you're crazy.
There were 300 fatalities involving occupied EMS ambulances in the US from '91 - 2000. Hardly a guarantee that you will end up at the hospital in one piece.
300 fatalities over a 9 yr period and that includes driving in states of emergencies when conditions are iced over, snow storms, and every other condition. You want a guarantee that you will arrive at the hospital in one piece?
Ambulance Role (Striking vs. Struck)--Designating a vehicle as "striking" does not necessarily mean that vehicle was at fault.
Fact is it happens all too often, people have an expecting wife and the game plan is to rehearse throwing her in the car and driving the quickest route to the hospital. I never in my post said, this husband did the wrong thing, if I wanted to do that I'd post on the paper's forum. I was trying to inject some logic in waiting and understanding that waiting for an ambulance means treatment starts when the EMT gets on scene, but whatever, go thru hospital registration that'll certainly ensure medical attention immediately.
What are the stats on ppl dying in waiting room over the same period of time? Also find out what percentage of those were pts that died, cause usually it's the lowly paid EMT trying to deliver care in the back. Pts are strapped down to the stretchers with safety belts and restraints.
Listen, you cannot rationalize this because you are BIAS to the EMS, period!
Just like a commissioned salesman cannot be objective, its the same thing. Sorry, but you can't be objective in this case.
I don't get your post above, do you or don't you think he did the right thing? First you say he didn't do the wrong thing, then you say you are adding "logic" in waiting and understanding waiting for treatment from an ambulance.
With a username MysteryMT - Mr. EMT, yeah I'm bias, it's even listed in my profile.
I'm not commenting on whether I think he did right or wrong. Please quote my OP where I even reference the husband other than offering my condolences to the family.
I'm not commenting on whether I think he did right or wrong. Please quote my OP where I even reference the husband other than offering my condolences to the family.
First and foremost I am not criticizing the EMS, they do a great job.
All I'm saying is that this is a silly argument because of course you are going to "logically" defend your line of work in this situation. Again, its just like arguing w/a union worker, or a Realtor on if its a good time to buy. Objectivity of course will be thrown out the window.
My understanding is the forums are places where ppl can ask questions and inform others of information they have a unique understanding of. EMTs have never been paid on commission. I promise you, I am perfectly happy working a 12 hr shift where all I have to do is eat, sleep and watch TV. I get paid whether I get a call or not, so what motivation would I have to ask people to call 911? This isn't like other jobs, if demand drops off 50%, you won't be seeing a bunch of firehouses getting shut down.
My understanding is the forums are places where ppl can ask questions and inform others of information they have a unique understanding of. EMTs have never been paid on commission. I promise you, I am perfectly happy working a 12 hr shift where all I have to do is eat, sleep and watch TV. I get paid whether I get a call or not, so what motivation would I have to ask people to call 911? This isn't like other jobs, if demand drops off 50%, you won't be seeing a bunch of firehouses getting shut down.
For your information, firehouses do face cuts in tough budget times just like any other public service (ie law enforcement).
I'm not accusing you of "being on commission". You didn't understand my comparison.
I was saying since you work in the field, you have the blinders on to being objective in this argument. Just like if I asked a Realtor if it is a good time to buy. They take it personally and it affects their pocketbooks, so of course realtors are going to say its a good time to buy. Also, if I told a union worker that his high benefits are the reason why ford and gm are broke, he's not going to like that, but its the truth. Just like you are going to side w/911 in this case. You cannot be objective.
First and foremost I am not criticizing the EMS, they do a great job.
All I'm saying is that this is a silly argument because of course you are going to "logically" defend your line of work in this situation. Again, its just like arguing w/a union worker, or a Realtor on if its a good time to buy. Objectivity of course will be thrown out the window.
Will you accept the argument of someone NOT affiliated with EMS?
You know I love ya Jack (even though we always seem to disagree!), but I'm with MysteryMT on this one. It is just downright foolish to try to rush to the hospital rather than call 911 - unless of course you live right down the street from the hospital. If you can't get there in 2 minutes yourself your best bet is 911. The EMT's can start treatment immediately upon reaching the scene whereas the person being driven by family to the hospital loses very precious moments getting there. In a crisis when every minute counts you don't want to be stuck in traffic or sitting at redlights - you want to let the medical help get to the ailing person ASAP - that just doesn't happen if you don't call 911.
JUST MY 2 CENTS
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