cledus
Full Member
the unknown medic
Posts: 37
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Post by cledus on Feb 19, 2005 4:36:05 GMT -5
I was on a scene the other night were one of the responders slipped on an ice covered hill. He fell flat on his face and slid down the hill about ten feet. He got up and said he was ok, it was after this I noticed a trail of blood in the snow. I shined my light on him and he was bleeding badly from his nose. He stated that he did not even notice this heavy bleeding. I helped him stop the nose bleed but begain wondering, when is it that you cut your losses. The Pt's house was about half a mile up a steep hill, the ambulance only made in about 30 yards up so the crew had to walk the strecher and there stuff the rest of the way. It was completly covered in ice. and on the way up I almost fell twice. We have a duty to act but when is it time to call the game on account of weather? . What if the call was for a public assist, or some other less than critical call.(not that we ever get calls like that) . Do any of my more ... knowledable(old guys) have any suggestions.
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Post by CMTMedic on Feb 19, 2005 7:01:54 GMT -5
While I am not classified as an "old guy" I would like to give my opinion. After all, when have I not? Knowing you I know that you would never just give up on a situation due to difficulties. With that said I agree that there seem to be dangers that are not always managed properly. What about the 700+ lb patient that needs to be moved and transported to the hospital because of skin problems? While skin problems can become serious if left untreated why do we risk our health in a situation almost sure to get somebody hurt? Are there other ways to address the person's problem? What about bringing assistance to them (house calls or specially trained responders)? What happens if we drop the patient? We are then responsible for more harm to them also. Is it worth the risk? As for the situation described, the best thing you can do is call for assistance from the resources available to you (road crews, fire department, additional EMS....). I guess there are several ways to go as far as opinions on this. One could be that people who live in rural areas make some sacrifices as far as services and conveniances. Most people who live in rural areas don't have a clue as to the emergency services that are available, or not available, to them until they need them and wonder why it took 30 minutes to get to them through the snow in the middle of the night up the unplowed 4 mile driveway. I do beleive that everyone has the right to the best service possible. While it is not practical for everyone to have a police officer, Doctor, and Fireman follow them around they have the right to the best we can provide with the conditions present. All in all, this job does include risks ,that is unavoidable. It is up to us to ensure that the risks we take are worth it. Save a lot, risk a lot, save a little, risk a little. By the way cledus, i do remember sitting on one of those driveways waiting for a plow to pull us out of a ditch (after we had walked to the residence and obtained a refusal). I was sure that the plow with chains was going to get stuck..... Ok, bring on the old guys....
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