stephenrb81
Forum Lieutenant
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Was dispatched to a "possible overdose/unresponsive". Arrived on scene and found patient unconscious in bed. Patent Airway, Resp 16, Pulse 70s, Responds to Pain, Initial BP 118/72, Glucocheck 94. Family Believes pt od'd on Ativan (Pt had 30 day supply, was in day 28 of Rx) and ETOH.
Once in the back of the ambulance, I was switching pt from portable O2 to the amb's O2 when a family member jumps in the back and said she just wanted to tell the pt goodbye and will see her at the ER. She then questioned why we haven't started a line on the patient yet. I attempted to explain that we are a BLS unit and will have an ALS unit meet us en route to the hospital. She then started into this fit about Activated Charcoal.
I am great at remaining calm, I understand family and bystander's fear and apprehension and I can understand how they can become frantic. I explain to her calmly that I am unable to give her charcoal at this time. I was just fixing to explain why when she informed me, in an unfriendly manner, that I better give her some charcoal and the pt will respond positively in 20 minutes. She then got out of the back of the ambulance and proceeded to slam the back door. How can expect me to administer the activated charcoal to an unconscious patient?
I can get over being yelled "DO SOMETHING" by family on scene. As I mentioned, I understand their reactions and I don't let it get under my skin. I don't mind being asked "why aren't you doing <insert intervention here>", more often than not, the explanation is received positively. But it crosses the line when they jump in the back of my truck and start yelling at me *TELLING* what I better be doing.
Is this considered an "ego-slap" because I am being told what to do while "on my turf" or is it acceptable to get just a little pissed in a case like this
Once in the back of the ambulance, I was switching pt from portable O2 to the amb's O2 when a family member jumps in the back and said she just wanted to tell the pt goodbye and will see her at the ER. She then questioned why we haven't started a line on the patient yet. I attempted to explain that we are a BLS unit and will have an ALS unit meet us en route to the hospital. She then started into this fit about Activated Charcoal.
I am great at remaining calm, I understand family and bystander's fear and apprehension and I can understand how they can become frantic. I explain to her calmly that I am unable to give her charcoal at this time. I was just fixing to explain why when she informed me, in an unfriendly manner, that I better give her some charcoal and the pt will respond positively in 20 minutes. She then got out of the back of the ambulance and proceeded to slam the back door. How can expect me to administer the activated charcoal to an unconscious patient?
I can get over being yelled "DO SOMETHING" by family on scene. As I mentioned, I understand their reactions and I don't let it get under my skin. I don't mind being asked "why aren't you doing <insert intervention here>", more often than not, the explanation is received positively. But it crosses the line when they jump in the back of my truck and start yelling at me *TELLING* what I better be doing.
Is this considered an "ego-slap" because I am being told what to do while "on my turf" or is it acceptable to get just a little pissed in a case like this
