Disappointed in humanity sometimes

[Household6]

Responded to a slip and fall in a parking lot, outside of a busy mall. Patient's foot was straight up sideways. Outside air temp was about 6 degrees. She sat on the sidewalk yelling for help for about 15 minutes before someone finally drug her inside and called 911..

I thought her time estimate was exaggerated until I cut off her pants and saw the frostbite where her skin was laying on the sidewalk, and took her temp (92)

Sometimes I wonder if I'm too tenderhearted for this job, got back to quarters and had to stifle tears while I choked down a smoke. Dude, that was someone's mama, someone's grandma.

Ya know, it's darned near Christmas.. This one bothers me, because I'm ashamed of the people in my town. *thanks for letting me vent*

 

[mycrofft]

The hood is better for you and your kind being there. Keep the faith.

 

[DrBeat]

I don't think this is a job for coldhearted people.. assisting a person is not just about patching up wounds and scratches. Human contacts sometimes are more effective than medicines, and empathy is always a good trait in an EMT.

 

[ZombieEMT]

Agreed that humanity has taken a turn. Too many people pretend to be concerned but will not take the appropriate steps to help. Everyone wants to be nosey but nobody wants to act.

On a similar note, a very common occurrence at my volunteer department is for an unconscious person at the rest stop. People will fall asleep in their car and someone will forget that its a rest stop and just call 911. Now calling 911 normally sounds like a good idea, but if someone is unconscious, cant you at least establish that they are unconscious. CPR is simple even if its Cardiac Arrest.

The issue is that it is a waste of resources. On an unconscious on the Turnpike, its automatically going to get State Police, EMS and Fire dispatched. You will typically have multiple police units respond. In addition to the ambulance and engine you might have the EMS supervisor and fire officer respond, for someone sleeping.

 

[bbmtnbb]

Had a trip and fall-mechanical from ground level-in front of the mall two days ago. No less than 6 cars stopped to help the 82 y/o male with blankets and called 911, I assess him briefly until fire showed up, but I definitely was proud of the members of my community...It is not everyone, kindness this holiday season and year round abounds.
In this job you must care first and foremost. What we do is care for people. You are a great service to your community--just keep doing it. We all have those bad days that really piss us of. Just hang in there as the community seems to need you.
Yes she was someone's mama and grandma and you knew it and acted appropriately. Thank you for your service means something.