I may have opened a can of worms....

[DT4EMS]

There was a news article regarding a medic getting into a fight with a "robbery suspect" in the back of the ambulance a few weeks ago.

I called and emailed the EMS agancy and contacted their local PD that is handling the investigation. I asked if the medic received ant prior training and the answer was "No".

I am not saying this is so, but it almost sounded like the agency was trying to distance themself from the medic. If the medic was in the wrong, he should be prosecuted, BUT if he was defending himself that should be an entirely different story.

I am trying to help any way I can. Maybe it isn't my place but I don't see a line of folks standing up for medics rights.

I put this up to ask your opinions. This is an amwesome forum where people make legitimate posts.

 

[JJR512]

What exactly is it you're looking for an opinion about? I doubt anyone would disagree that if the medic was in the wrong, he should be treated accordingly, or if he was defending himself, he shouldn't be in any trouble.

 

[DT4EMS]

What exactly is it you're looking for an opinion about? I doubt anyone would disagree that if the medic was in the wrong, he should be treated accordingly, or if he was defending himself, he shouldn't be in any trouble.

I have had the opportunity to speak with several medics, that over the years, have been fired for defending themself. I did not work with them, just met them after the fact. ALthough I am only getting one side of the story several stories were very believable.

I was more trying to stimulate thought than a debate. I can hardly think of "many" medics that would be transporting a pateint looking to fight them. According to the article, the "patient" was an alledged "robber" who may have had an overdose.

I am still waiting o hear back from the detective working the case. Regardless it will be a learning experience when we know the outcome.

Heres why:

1) IF the medic assaulted the patient, the agency should also be liable for "Failure to train". Knowing the medic faces the possibility of aggressive situations both on his/her part and the part of the patient, an agency must have some sort of training. There are several courses including PPCT, CPI and of course DT4EMS to address such situations.

2) If the medic was the victim and the agency did not stand behind him, it is a true failure of the system as a whole. Again, failure to train would be the platfrom the medic could stand on to not only retain a job, but recoup lost expenses, wages and legal fees.

I asked about trainining, the training supervisor stated they do not provide any. If a person fails to prepare, they prepare to fail. Even if the training centers around recognition of kinesic and paraverbal communication that alerts the medic/EMT to impending problems.....at least you are training them.

Now if a person acts outside of the training, the agency can and should distance themself. If all you do is hide under the covers and pretend the "monster" doesn't exist, well then I hope they write a fat check.