My partner is a moron.

[redbull]

My partner is a moron.

I'm fairly new, was hired by a private a few months ago and am paired up with this cocky, confident pretty boy EMT who takes the lead on all the non trauma medical emergency calls as opposed to working with me.

We had one call where we went to an assisted living home to answer a call about a woman with "back pain." We arrive, she'ss with her son, lying supine on the bed, complaining of back pain. After I interviewed the nurse, there was no suspicion of foul play, and I went back to see my partner and the pt. My partner asks where it hurts and she touches her right hip then starts wailing. Here's what my partner does, and you tell me if this is right:

1) "I've never seen anything like it." Picks up his phone, calls a paramedic *not part of our company* and asks for advice.

The paramedic suggests putting the pt on the stretcher. Really?

2) My partner calls the pt's primary care facility and ETA's us (to have a medical team awaiting).

Are you fcuking kidding me? He ETA'd us for back pain??? She didn't say the pain radiated anywhere else so I wasn't suspecting myocardial infarction or anything serious that would require us to call it in to her hospital. Therefore, he was rushing me to get my paperwork and things so we could get on the bus and haul ***. Gimmie a break. The hospital was one exit away from where she was.

We get the pt on the strecher and, thanks to you guys, I padded her voids and where it hurt just to help make her feel a bit more comfortable. The pt's son ends up carrying OUR longboard out for us as we roll the pt into our bus.

This to me was embarrassing. I did not say anything to my partner, I only started to think of this a few weeks after it happened, as I was talking to my EMT buddy last night over the phone (her partner's a moron too)

What do you guys think about this matter? I didn't think this needed an ETA or a second opinion. If anything don't you think he should have called medical director instead of his pal? SMH!!!!!!!

 

[TransportJockey]

I don't get teh big deal about calling the ED to give a heads up. But then again, in every system I've ever worked in, we called on all patients going to the ED, including run of the mill IFTs from SNFs

 

[redbull]

I don't get teh big deal about calling the ED to give a heads up. But then again, in every system I've ever worked in, we called on all patients going to the ED, including run of the mill IFTs from SNFs

The hospital was already notified as per the assisted living home. That was the destination on our pager as well as the patient's paperwork. the hospital KNEW we were going there. But to call them for it and add more pressure on himself by hustling me *he was the driver*.

 

[MedJPavlo]

sounds to me like your partner is just green and over zealous to be an emt.

 

[Sasha]

Have you looked at yourself and your problems and not your partner? Maybe he takes the lead because you are incompetent or give the air of hesitation. Maybe he steps up and takes the lead because you're too slow, or not doing what needs to be done.

I see no problem with what he did.

 

[redbull]

Have you looked at yourself and your problems and not your partner? Maybe he takes the lead because you are incompetent or give the air of hesitation. Maybe he steps up and takes the lead because you're too slow, or not doing what needs to be done.

I see no problem with what he did.

No actually I'm not incompetent, where did you get that from? I used the words "cocky", "confident" not to mention he spends most of the time on his phone with his girlfriend and hits on aides. Why would I be incompetent starting out? I'm trying to do the best I can and not get CANNED.

 

[redbull]

sounds to me like your partner is just green and over zealous to be an emt.

Thank you. He's a basic, just like me. Worked in two other privates prior to this one.

 

[redbull]

@ SASHA:

So let me get this straight - you don't see anything wrong with him hitting up the ER, thus putting more prsesure on himself to get there when they were already notified of the emergency? You also don't mind him calling an ALS buddy of his for an opinion as opposed to asking his PARTNER first?

 

[Sasha]

Because you're not experienced and maybe your education was lacking? Not saying it is definite but it is a possiblity. I spent all shift talking to my boyfriend, but I have been told I'm a good medic.

I often find people who put out by their partners are not getting the job done and are ticked when someone steps up and picks up the slack.

How is he talking on his phone all shift if he's taking the lead on your calls?

Just because you think you're god's gift to EMS doesn't mean you are.

 

[TransportJockey]

@ SASHA:

So let me get this straight - you don't see anything wrong with him hitting up the ER, thus putting more prsesure on himself to get there when they were already notified of the emergency? You also don't mind him calling an ALS buddy of his for an opinion as opposed to asking his PARTNER first?

I still don't see the problem notifying the ED. And calling an ALS provider for a quick consult sounds liek a good idea if he has suspicion of something else wrong. Even if the medic doesn't work for your service.

 

[Sasha]

So let me get this straight - you don't see anything wrong with him hitting up the ER, thus putting more prsesure on himself to get there when they were already notified of the emergency? You also don't mind him calling an ALS buddy of his for an opinion as opposed to asking his PARTNER first?

Nope. I've called report it when still on scene before, after the nursing home has given report. Problem with nursing homes is they don't always paint the whole picture, and you often find more. Example: A common one, getting called for abdnomal labs and finding AMS. Getting called for a fall and figuring out they fell because their heart is going crazy.

If my partner is a brand new EMT sure I'll call my mentor (who also happens to be my boyfriend) for advice before consulting them.

 

[redbull]

Because you're not experienced and maybe your education was lacking? Not saying it is definite but it is a possiblity. I spent all shift talking to my boyfriend, but I have been told I'm a good medic.

I often find people who put out by their partners are not getting the job done and are ticked when someone steps up and picks up the slack.

How is he talking on his phone all shift if he's taking the lead on your calls?

Just because you think you're god's gift to EMS doesn't mean you are.

Um Sasha, whats with the jabs? "Just because you think you're God's gift to EMS"

Secondly, picking up the slack? He walks in and starts talking to the patient then starts -- it has nothing to do with me being lazy. You're making assumptions. Your responses are lacking. Just stay out of this, how about that? Your boyfriend's calling. Lol.

BUT STILL --- I'd have to question why he didn't ask me what I thought as i was standing right friggin' there. There's no I in Team.

Also -- he pulled over during a transport during an MVA -- there were two fire trucks there. What could we have done? We had a pt on board! He wanted to see if he could help...what could we have done? We had a friggin' pt on board! This guy is all show.

 

[Lola99]

I don't see a problem with calling in even if they were already notified prior. My company actually requires it for every patient. I am not one for having anyone other than crew / fd / first resp / pd help carry equipment, but that's just me. Calling a medic friend is useful sometimes. Discussing with your partner should come first, I'll give you that, but you have to build up some trust, too. Talk to him about the call and why he did the things you find wrong. Maybe he saw or thought he saw something you didn't consider and since you weren't mentioning it outright, wanted a second opinion?

 

[Sasha]

That's the attitude you give off.

He walks in and starts talking to the patient then starts

I walk in and talk to the patient too, then start my treatment. Best way to asses a patient is by talking to them.

 

[redbull]

I don't see a problem with calling in even if they were already notified prior. My company actually requires it for every patient. I am not one for having anyone other than crew / fd / first resp / pd help carry equipment, but that's just me. Calling a medic friend is useful sometimes. Discussing with your partner should come first, I'll give you that, but you have to build up some trust, too. Talk to him about the call and why he did the things you find wrong. Maybe he saw or thought he saw something you didn't consider and since you weren't mentioning it outright, wanted a second opinion?

Thanks, will do, but --

Pt did not have radiating pain. Pt complained of hip pain. I spoke with the nurse in charge and got a list of her meds, and documented what had happened (it was acute). Pt's son was with her. Not much else info. I took it for acute back pain and to put the pt on the stretcher and pad her voids. My partner said "never saw anything like it before". I don't know. Maybe he didn't. But still, the best thing for him to do, BEING MY PARTNER was to ask me instead of whipping out his phone and calling his buddy. I covered my *** and documented that he called his buddy for an opinion (that of which he carried out with).

And like I said, as far as putting more pressure on himself to haul *** to the pt's primary care hospital, thus hustling me, a whole lot of bullcrap that could have been avoided, doesn't anyone else see this? What would you have done? What are your thoughts? Instead of someone attacking me and making assumptions, which also doesn't help this, or my views.

 

[reaper]

Pt wailed when you touch right hip? How is this back pain? Why would you board her?

Every service I have worked for in 20 years require I notify ED of what we are bringing in and an ETA. NH's will give bad reports, call wrong hospital, or tell you wrong hospital. This you will learn with time.

I see nothing wrong with him calling a medic for advice. He is covering all he can. Someone has to take the lead on a call. Get there first and take the lead!

You don't like him, it shows. You bring up him talking to girlfriend and hitting on aides. How is that an ems problem? You have looked for reasons to not like him, rather then try to work together.

 

[Sasha]

Pt wailed when you touch right hip? How is this back pain? Why would you board her?

Every service I have worked for in 20 years require I notify ED of what we are bringing in and an ETA. NH's will give bad reports, call wrong hospital, or tell you wrong hospital. This you will learn with time.

I see nothing wrong with him calling a medic for advice. He is covering all he can. Someone has to take the lead on a call. Get there first and take the lead!

You don't like him, it shows. You bring up him talking to girlfriend and hitting on aides. How is that an ems problem? You have looked for reasons to not like him, rather then try to work together.

Well hello boyfriend. Why are you not calling me? redbull said you were.

 

[abckidsmom]

I'll bite.

I think that when you're dealing with a partner who isn't doing things the way you'd like to see them done, you need to communicate with your partner, that day or possibly the next day, to make sure that you all have the same expectations.

Sounds like you guys are working a BLS ambulance in an IFT company, right? And you just happened to get a patient going to the ER? So this was not your standard call, and you don't really have the day-to-day experience with this guy to deal with an "emergent" situation without communication.

For next time: discuss in your downtime what the role of the lead EMT is on calls. Discuss what you'd like to see happen, and when you obviously have to split up (one to talk to the nurse and one to talk to the patient) you need to have some practice guidelines.

Honestly, I sorta see a little bit of Sasha's point because it seems like both of you are extremely inexperienced, easily jazzed up EMTs. When you call the hospital, unless you're calling for a trauma alert, nobody's waiting for you. They're doing their work, and will deal with you when you get there. So no need to feel enormous pressure. What did he tell them your ETA was? 10 minutes? 15? No big deal.

In this call, here's how I would handle the situation with a partner who knew what he was doing:

I would go to the patient, get the story from her and her son. Partner would go to the nurse and get the paperwork and the story. Alternatively, I'd get the story from the nurse on my way through the hall to the patient.

Then we'd load the patient (did she fall? What's caused her pain? Why are you ruling out "foul play"?) (word, BTW: another clue that you are as hyper and inexperienced as your partner)

Then we'd go to the ER.

I would have a talk with the partner about doing embarassing things in front of staff, patients, and families, but in the end, it's your partner that has to look this stupid. You only look as dumb if you are treating him like he's to be respected.

 

[redbull]

Pt wailed when you touch right hip? How is this back pain? Why would you board her?

Every service I have worked for in 20 years require I notify ED of what we are bringing in and an ETA. NH's will give bad reports, call wrong hospital, or tell you wrong hospital. This you will learn with time.

I see nothing wrong with him calling a medic for advice. He is covering all he can. Someone has to take the lead on a call. Get there first and take the lead!

You don't like him, it shows. You bring up him talking to girlfriend and hitting on aides. How is that an ems problem? You have looked for reasons to not like him, rather then try to work together.

Well, that's your company's standards, and while we are on the job, we're not supposed to be talking on the phone, especially when we're around doctors, nurses, etc, or hitting on any aides. Professionalism. I'm looking at it from a third-party perspective.

We have a medical director that works for the company - why call a buddy of his?

Not only did I make sure the hospital was the correct destination from our comapny and the nursing home, but also from the pt and the pt's son who said the nursing hoem notified the ER.

 

[redbull]

I'll bite.

I think that when you're dealing with a partner who isn't doing things the way you'd like to see them done, you need to communicate with your partner, that day or possibly the next day, to make sure that you all have the same expectations.

Sounds like you guys are working a BLS ambulance in an IFT company, right? And you just happened to get a patient going to the ER? So this was not your standard call, and you don't really have the day-to-day experience with this guy to deal with an "emergent" situation without communication.

For next time: discuss in your downtime what the role of the lead EMT is on calls. Discuss what you'd like to see happen, and when you obviously have to split up (one to talk to the nurse and one to talk to the patient) you need to have some practice guidelines.

Honestly, I sorta see a little bit of Sasha's point because it seems like both of you are extremely inexperienced, easily jazzed up EMTs. When you call the hospital, unless you're calling for a trauma alert, nobody's waiting for you. They're doing their work, and will deal with you when you get there. So no need to feel enormous pressure. What did he tell them your ETA was? 10 minutes? 15? No big deal.

In this call, here's how I would handle the situation with a partner who knew what he was doing:

I would go to the patient, get the story from her and her son. Partner would go to the nurse and get the paperwork and the story. Alternatively, I'd get the story from the nurse on my way through the hall to the patient.

Then we'd load the patient (did she fall? What's caused her pain? Why are you ruling out "foul play"?) (word, BTW: another clue that you are as hyper and inexperienced as your partner)

Then we'd go to the ER.

I would have a talk with the partner about doing embarassing things in front of staff, patients, and families, but in the end, it's your partner that has to look this stupid. You only look as dumb if you are treating him like he's to be respected.

Thanks.