I work for a 20 some unit private ambulance company running 911's and some private-line transports returning from ER visits and such. I also work nights in a college city in PA.
Dispatched for the possible alcohol poisoning, AOS to find male standing upright by own power, CAOx4 with a GCS of 15, but visibly and admittedly intoxicated. Wife wants him TNX for possible alcohol poisioning, because he vomitted x1. I attempted to explain to this female that although it can be, it can be just being drunk, in which case a ER bed isn't the place he needs, he needs to sleep it off just like You, I and 99 million others do every weekend.
My question lies in this drunk male. So He did not call 911, there fore did not request an ambulance. The wife requested the ambulance without telling the husband. He was "Fine". He was intoxicated, therefore AMS by the book. If he's AMS he cannot sign a refusal. But how far do you go? I mean its 120% legal to get as drunk as you want in your own home.
I'm sure the book says transport for intoxication, possible alcohol poisoning, ALS assessment at least, etc etc etc but I'm standing by my judgement as a human being that there is no reason a Intoxicated individual can be CAOx4 with a GCS of 15 thus negative for AMS, thus able to sign refusal or just "False Call" as the male had no idea we were even coming, wanted to EMS attention and was in his own home.
Thoughts?
Dispatched for the possible alcohol poisoning, AOS to find male standing upright by own power, CAOx4 with a GCS of 15, but visibly and admittedly intoxicated. Wife wants him TNX for possible alcohol poisioning, because he vomitted x1. I attempted to explain to this female that although it can be, it can be just being drunk, in which case a ER bed isn't the place he needs, he needs to sleep it off just like You, I and 99 million others do every weekend.
My question lies in this drunk male. So He did not call 911, there fore did not request an ambulance. The wife requested the ambulance without telling the husband. He was "Fine". He was intoxicated, therefore AMS by the book. If he's AMS he cannot sign a refusal. But how far do you go? I mean its 120% legal to get as drunk as you want in your own home.
I'm sure the book says transport for intoxication, possible alcohol poisoning, ALS assessment at least, etc etc etc but I'm standing by my judgement as a human being that there is no reason a Intoxicated individual can be CAOx4 with a GCS of 15 thus negative for AMS, thus able to sign refusal or just "False Call" as the male had no idea we were even coming, wanted to EMS attention and was in his own home.
Thoughts?