Is this an appropiate reason for Code 3 Transport?

E

exodus

Forum Deputy Chief
Messages
2,895
Reaction score
242
Points
63
Last night I got dispatched to a prison Code 3 for an inmate for extreme abd pain. Non-Radiating splitting pain, 10/10 and this guy has been shot before, he said this is worse. Entire left side hurts him on palpation, and LRQ is rigid and distended. Secondary showed distal edema, and extreme scrotum edema. He's on lasix for that, but it hasn't been working. And has no hx of CHF.

If this was a sudden thing I would definetly do code 3 transport, but it was going on for a few days. Main reason I upgraded is because of the extreme pain he was in - he cried... - and the distension and rigidity. Also our code 2 transport from this place to the approved (We have to go to a certain one unless it's critical) ER is about 40-45 minutes, on code 3 it cuts it down to about 20-25. Reason being is the 905 freeway is a major border crossing, and the stop lights were all way backed up.

Nobody said anything about it to me, but I was wondering, other than those complaints, the VS were wnl.
 
I wold have definitely gone code 3 in your situation because of the ETA, but if the hospital were closer i wouldn't have
 
kecpercussion said:
I wold have definitely gone code 3 in your situation because of the ETA, but if the hospital were closer i wouldn't have
Click to expand...

Yeah, totally. We're usually 5-10 out from a hospital anywhere pretty much in San Diego. But we're RIGHT next to mexico here.
 
It sounds like it was reasonable to me. But I know at least in my area it if the EMT's call and even if someone doesn't agree with it tell them with the signs/symptoms it could have been life threatening.
 
I would have gone code 3 for the simple reason you are BLS, he may have been compensating or his "WNL" may not have been WNL for him, although it could be the book's definition of normal limits.

People aren't in pain for no reason. The fact the pain was that extreme was worrisome.
 
Off topic question, how does transporting prisoners work? Did guard(s)/LEO ride with/behind you?
 
zappa26 said:
Off topic question, how does transporting prisoners work? Did guard(s)/LEO ride with/behind you?
Click to expand...

Guard rides with you for several reasons. Protection, to unshackle the prisoner if needed, containment, and because the guard must remain with the prisoner at the hospital.
 
Disagree Sasha. Just because someone, especially an inmate, says they are in pain doesn't make it so. Wouldn't be my first time dealing with an inmate making up or just exhagerating pain to get out for a little bit.

Having said that, we really can't judge if the pain is legit or not, but pain alone doesn't warrant code 3.

What does warrant it, IMO, is the horrendiously long transport time along with LRQ distension.
 
I think if going code 3 cuts a 40 minute transport time in half, coupled with a distended rigid abdomen makes a code 3 an appropriate choice.
 
Linuss said:
Disagree Sasha. Just because someone, especially an inmate, says they are in pain doesn't make it so. Wouldn't be my first time dealing with an inmate making up or just exhagerating pain to get out for a little bit.

Having said that, we really can't judge if the pain is legit or not, but pain alone doesn't warrant code 3.

What does warrant it, IMO, is the horrendiously long transport time along with LRQ distension.
Click to expand...

I don't care if they are making it up, not taking the chance. Pain alone, no, but pain without the means to control it, yes. Pain can do bad things to the body.
 
Sasha said:
I don't care if they are making it up, not taking the chance. Pain alone, no, but pain without the means to control it, yes. Pain can do bad things to the body.
Click to expand...

haha kinda gotta agree with sasha on this one? was it not possible to call for an als intercept?
 
I don't think i would've bothered with an ALS intercept. Seems like the only thing anyone could really do to "help" was fast transport
 
Sasha said:
I don't care if they are making it up, not taking the chance. Pain alone, no, but pain without the means to control it, yes. Pain can do bad things to the body.
Click to expand...

You're one of tge most outspoken against going code 3 to the hospital.

Pain alone that I can manage or not is not a legit reason ALONE to put innocent people at risk. Someone can take 10more min of pain over risking someones life.


But as I said, the distension and length DO warrant it.
 
Linuss said:
Disagree Sasha. Just because someone, especially an inmate, says they are in pain doesn't make it so. Wouldn't be my first time dealing with an inmate making up or just exhagerating pain to get out for a little bit.

Having said that, we really can't judge if the pain is legit or not, but pain alone doesn't warrant code 3.

What does warrant it, IMO, is the horrendiously long transport time along with LRQ distension.
Click to expand...

Being judgemental aren't we? The pain is not warrants the l/s but the what is wrong with the patient as I have not heard any suggestions. This is what should warrant if the patient is need of urgent care, not their ability or pain threshold.

R/r 911
 
Linuss said:
You're one of tge most outspoken against going code 3 to the hospital.

Pain alone that I can manage or not is not a legit reason ALONE to put innocent people at risk. Someone can take 10more min of pain over risking someones life.


But as I said, the distension and length DO warrant it.
Click to expand...

Reread my post. My reason for going code 3 was this

I would have gone code 3 for the simple reason you are BLS,
Click to expand...

You are the one who misinterperted it as going code 3 because he is in pain. That is NOT what I said. I said the pain is worrisome. As is the edema.

I have not heard any suggestions
Click to expand...

Could be a number of things.. CHF, some kind of obstruction like a lymphatic or venous obstruction? Aahh. Don't know, just throwing it out there. Trauma?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Ridryder911 said:
Being judgemental aren't we? The pain is not warrants the l/s but the what is wrong with the patient as I have not heard any suggestions. This is what should warrant if the patient is need of urgent care, not their ability or pain threshold.

R/r 911
Click to expand...




Which is why I said
"What does warrant it, IMO, is the horrendiously long transport time along with LRQ distension."

in the very post you quoted.
 
Well I would say Code 3 is appropriate. One because of the ETA. Second is because this guy is a prisoner. The less time spent in the rig with this dude the better. Even with LEO on board, its still dangerous. Anything could happen. Get the guy to a hospital ASAP. For everyones sake.
 
I wold have definitely gone code 3 in your situation because of the ETA, but if the hospital were closer i wouldn't have
Click to expand...

I think if going code 3 cuts a 40 minute transport time in half, coupled with a distended rigid abdomen makes a code 3 an appropriate choice.
Click to expand...

Well I would say Code 3 is appropriate. One because of the ETA. Second is because this guy is a prisoner. The less time spent in the rig with this dude the better.
Click to expand...

I suggest you both take a look at the studies that have looked at the effect of lights and sirens on transport times. I think you're all in for quite a nasty surprise, especially you Lifeguards.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top