Like Others have said, if someone is getting off soon, do everything you can to get them off on time. Likewise, if a crew member tells you they want off on time for >>>>>>> (birthday, or family thing, etc) do everything you can to get them off that day on time.
but also remember, they are scheduled to work for 12 hours, so if they are the only crew you have available, and you can't hold the call, give it to them.
Dispatchers that have favorite crews, and punish other crews cause problems.
I'm not going to lie, I had my favorite crews. Typically these crews didn't give me attitude, went on their job, didn't drag their feet, didn't complain about doing their job, didn't milk there scene times, basically did their job, and realized that I had a job to do, and sometimes my job was to make them work harder than they wanted. Oh, and brought us coffee/food when we couldn't leave the dispatch center. These crews often got asked where in the city they wanted to post, and I would accommodate them if I could. Note: I didn't say they didn't do any work, but if they wanted a certain area, and they were able to cover their calls in a time frame approved by my supervisor, I would try to accommodate.
Those that were rude, milked their scene times (or in hospital times), and generally *****ed about getting a job, well, they weren't given favorite status.
and before you ask, people who were "my favorites" did get late jobs, did get ****ty calls, and did take calls that they would have much rather avoided.
Don't let dispatchers send runs out after the fact without telling the crew that the pickup is overdue, (nothing like getting yelled at for beining late with no knowledge that we are late)., be honest tell the crew that the pickup is late due to _______.
totally agree
I will be more likely to clean up and head back in service to help out with coverage for my area if I am not getting harassed constantly about my stretcher status. Also, if we ask dispatch to stand by for a second while off at the hospital, give us time to unhook and transfer the patient, also get them set up in bed and give report to the nurse and wash up. They are never at the bed side awaiting report like they are supposed to be (at least in our area anyways). Most times I need to chase down the receiving RN for a signature to complete paperwork as well.
seriously? you really think a dispatcher has nothing better to do but harass you about your status? Maybe the supervisor is telling them to check on you. or maybe management tells them "check on them after 10 minutes, or else you, the dispatcher, can be disciplined." Maybe if you cleaned up quickly and headed back in service to help out your coverage area, you wouldn't be "harassed constantly about my stretcher status." maybe the reason you are "harassed" is because you drag your *** when there area other calls that need to be covered in your primary?
Let me tell you the deep dark secret about dispatchers: we have a job to do, just like you do. we are often more micromanaged than field staff. and to be honest, most dispatchers wouldn't care what you are doing, as long as you kept them in the loop. If you need more time, let them know why so they can document it appropriately. If you need to get food, let them know so they can creatively cover for you (yes, most will, assuming it won't get them in trouble). if you need to leave your coverage area, do a personal errand, or just need a break to cool down or warm up, just call them (or even better text them, even the dispatch center allows phones) so they know what is happening when a supervisor asks them why you are doing what you are doing and are not where you are assigned to be.
If you need more time (on a scene, in a hospital, whatever), instead of being pissed that the dispatcher is doing his or her job, just call them and advise them on what the delay is. Most will simply document it, and not bother you again until your management set up time limit expires again.
Sorry for the rant, but some people make this whole job much harder than it needs to be.
