Man's death puts spotlight on paramedics’ wait-for-police policy

[firetender]

we are no(t) expected to knowingly put ourselves in danger.

This is an aspect of remuneration that really bugs me.

The reality is, medics (and for the sake of illustration, let's keep it private sector/company medics because generally their salaries are smallest) are more consistently in threat of bodily harm than either police or fire personnel. Yes, even more than cops because unarmed, we're out there without deterrent. The "unknowingly" factor would be consistent as anyone can tell you who's hauled a 300 pounder down stairs with a bad step!

We're not even talking about contagious diseases, either. If we're going to be real, we may as well admit taking on the job is knowingly putting yourself in danger. The only variable is how much danger are you willing to handle? And that takes place on a situation by situation basis.

Given the lack of acknowledgment (and support!) each medic deserves the right to limit his/her own involvement in dangerous situations. I believe a hazard differential of at least 10% should be figured in to all of your paychecks today!

 

[scottmcleod]

Judging by the posts here, nobody's bothered to read the reports on this one, have they?

The EMD f***ed up, the Medics f***ed up, the supervisor was left with a difficult decision.

In the meantime, the situation went south for the old man.

Here's the link to the reports. Read them. They're an interesting review about the process, and where there might be some issues that need to be addressed.

http://www.toronto.ca/your_health/ems.htm