Why don't you run?

[medichopeful]

I could have sworn I saw a thread on this at some point, but I searched a few times and didn't come up with anything.

Why don't EMS providers run on calls? I'd just like to see some of the reasons.

On a side note, if anybody can find that thread, that would be great.

Thanks!
Eric

 

[mycrofft]

Three reasons I don't:

1. Your job depends upon your unflappability. Running is a "flap". You will not save enough time to save a life, you will excite bystanders, draw dogs, and arrive sweaty and winded and usually short something..like the ambulance litter.
2. Atrial fib. It's embarasing when they offer ME O2.
3. It draws fire from the Tower.

If you walk rapidly, it gives you time to assess safety, consider your approach, maybe even call for backup or LE or whatever.

 

[Onceamedic]

Move and act with deliberation, methodically and with calm and efficiency. It is safer and more effective.

and.. most of us are too fat to run.

 

[Shishkabob]

If it comes to the point where the seconds I save by running have any difference on pt outcome, then chances are it's already too late.




That and I'm lazy. I'm not paid to run.

 

[JPINFV]

1. You control the scene, the scene does not control you. If you're running, the scene is in control.

2. Running=stress=harder memory recall=harder to provide good, competent patient care.

3. Running is for police. At least with police chases I get the oppertunity to be on TV (11:00 news, COPS, Worlds Scariest Police Chases. You get the picture.)

4. 99% of patients aren't running, so you shouldn't be trying to catch up with the patient. That 1% that will run are normally psychatric patients that are eloping. I'm not trained in hand to hand combat and my requests for Haldol dart guns keeps being denied. Ergo I defer to the service discussed in point 3.

 

[medichopeful]

Sounds good. But now here's another question. Is there any reason why you SHOULD run? I'm merely curious.

 

[Onceamedic]

If you're being shot at.......

 

[Hal9000]

If someone is coming at you with an axe, car, semi, herd of feral pigs, etc.

 

[spinnakr]

herd of feral pigs, etc.

Especially that one, although I'm not sure which one would be more of a reason to run: a herd of feral pigs, or a hear of virile pigs?

 

[JPINFV]

Sounds good. But now here's another question. Is there any reason why you SHOULD run? I'm merely curious.

Zombies. Rule number 1: Cardio.

 

[Mountain Res-Q]

Rule Number One: Never run toward a scene.

Rule Number Two: Always be prepared to run away from a scene.

The few extra seconds spent walking into the scene will almost never make the differnce between life and death of your patient... but those few extra seconds can be the difference between life and death (or at least some serious booboos) for you. SCENE SAFETY, SCENE SAFETY, SCENE SAFETY! That and, as Linuss said, I am lazy...

 

[JPINFV]

Actually... rule number two is "beware of bathrooms."

 

[Mountain Res-Q]

On a side note, if anybody can find that thread, that would be great.

http://www.emtlife.com/showthread.php?t=12306

You would not believe how I found that... It looks like MMiz has been adding some new features to the forums. I found it up above... it is titled "SEARCH". I know, I know, I was thinking the same thing... HOW NOVEL!!! But it is true; if you hit that button and then type in the topic you wish to search for, BAM!!! just like that... SHOCKING!!! :lol:

 

[medichopeful]

http://www.emtlife.com/showthread.php?t=12306

You would not believe how I found that... It looks like MMiz has been adding some new features to the forums. I found it up above... it is titled "SEARCH". I know, I know, I was thinking the same thing... HOW NOVEL!!! But it is true; if you hit that button and then type in the topic you wish to search for, BAM!!! just like that... SHOCKING!!! :lol:

Very funny Res-Q. You're a regular riot!

No, like I said, I searched like 3-4 times. It kept saying "no results found", which confused the hell out of me because I knew there should have been some results. If I remember, I even searched once on Google (now THAT is novel!).

But thanks for the thread. I think part of the problem was the fact that all the terms in the thread title were relatively short, so it would just ignore them. Or maybe search just wasn't working. But I did search. No need to worry lol

 

[EMSLaw]

I think people have hit most of the reasons why you shouldn't run. Besides, the equipment is too heavy, the stretcher will tip over, and arriving at the scene panting and sweaty is bad for patient confidence and my comfort. I sweat enough carrying a stair chair down a few flights, I don't need to add the aerobic component to it.

 

[piranah]

also....if you run.....your more likely to spill your coffee....noone wants to spill coffee

 

[DV_EMT]

Zombies. Rule number 1: Cardio.

epic movie.....


Codes in the hospital...... Everyone runs in our hospital codes.... espcially the ICU/CCU code teams cause they're usually way far away from where the code takes place.

on scene... a light jog is acceptable, but i usually walk.

 

[spinnakr]

Codes in the hospital...... Everyone runs in our hospital codes.... espcially the ICU/CCU code teams cause they're usually way far away from where the code takes place.

I think the key difference between an ICU/CCU code team and an EMS crew is that in a hospital, your feet are your primary mode of response.

 

[Scout]

Walk in
Run out.<optional>


You can trip,
You look better walking, cool calm deminer.
Running = work = breatlessness
You take more in.
FAR too much effort.

 

[Melclin]

I completely agree with all of the above, but I think it is possible, however rare, to come across a situation where a light jog is appropriate.

Anaphylaxis from a bee sting in the nature reserve. 500 metres from pt to nearest possible ambulance access.

Cardiac arrest/near drowning on large beaches. Again hundreds and hundred of metres from nearest access. I've seen medics jog in this particular circumstance a number of times.

In circumstances like this, cutting ~5 mins off your response time is possible and could easily make a difference.