Hi guys,
I recently rode with an EMT that I had never worked with before. This EMT drove “angrily” everywhere we went. When I say "angrily", I am referring to almost road-rage quality driving: slamming on brakes, accelerating so fast that your neck snaps back, etc. He wasn't too bad when I had a patient in the back, but when we were alone, I found myself biting my tongue more often than I wanted to. The last straw was when he peeled out of a parking lot and actually accelerated towards a pedestrian that was crossing the road! The pedestrian jumped out of the way and flipped him off. I realize that there are many different styles of driving in EMS; some drivers are a bit smoother than others. I'm not picky. But driving like a lunatic, and even worse when frustrated?
I don't have driving privileges yet (because I'm new to the agency) and felt trapped. Towards the end, as his driving worsened, I felt like I was stuck in a car with a boyfriend who has a serious anger management issue.
My question is, if anyone has ever been in a similar situation, what is your breaking point? When is enough, enough? Do you confront the driver? Do you take it up with your supervisor? Or, like me, or you foolish enough to bottle it up and say nothing until you get home? Should I still report the issue?
I was able to overlook his refusal to help check off the truck, his poor mannerisms, sour attitude and the fact that he flat refused my requests to go grab a bite to eat on four separate occasions due to refusing to relinquish the Xbox control (I was called in on my day off to cover this shift- hadn't had breakfast). I could be wrong, but I felt that he was driving aggressively to intimidate me.
I am new to my company and don't want to make any waves, nor do I want to be perceived as a troublemaker. However, when I reach a point that I am actually scared while riding in the passenger seat, there is obviously a problem.
Any feedback is appreciated.
I recently rode with an EMT that I had never worked with before. This EMT drove “angrily” everywhere we went. When I say "angrily", I am referring to almost road-rage quality driving: slamming on brakes, accelerating so fast that your neck snaps back, etc. He wasn't too bad when I had a patient in the back, but when we were alone, I found myself biting my tongue more often than I wanted to. The last straw was when he peeled out of a parking lot and actually accelerated towards a pedestrian that was crossing the road! The pedestrian jumped out of the way and flipped him off. I realize that there are many different styles of driving in EMS; some drivers are a bit smoother than others. I'm not picky. But driving like a lunatic, and even worse when frustrated?
I don't have driving privileges yet (because I'm new to the agency) and felt trapped. Towards the end, as his driving worsened, I felt like I was stuck in a car with a boyfriend who has a serious anger management issue.
My question is, if anyone has ever been in a similar situation, what is your breaking point? When is enough, enough? Do you confront the driver? Do you take it up with your supervisor? Or, like me, or you foolish enough to bottle it up and say nothing until you get home? Should I still report the issue?
I was able to overlook his refusal to help check off the truck, his poor mannerisms, sour attitude and the fact that he flat refused my requests to go grab a bite to eat on four separate occasions due to refusing to relinquish the Xbox control (I was called in on my day off to cover this shift- hadn't had breakfast). I could be wrong, but I felt that he was driving aggressively to intimidate me.
I am new to my company and don't want to make any waves, nor do I want to be perceived as a troublemaker. However, when I reach a point that I am actually scared while riding in the passenger seat, there is obviously a problem.
Any feedback is appreciated.