I guess I am passionate, because we had to discharge two Paramedics within the past two weeks to similar problems. Without going into great detail, one was an excellent veteran Paramedic that I would allow to treat any of my family member and I would place against anyone in medical knowledge. The other a promising new Paramedic. Both now, their careers probably tragically cut short because of poor personal decisions.
Unfortunately, many turned their heads and made excuses instead of actually dealing with the problems head on. Allowing such behavior in the workforce is condoning and enabling the person. Sorry, when one enters the workforce as a "professional" then there are obligations that one automatically assumes. This is not just passion, but understanding the responsibilities that comes with that position. There are NO excuses allowed, and if one cannot handle that type of responsibility, then they should not even consider or enter this profession.
This job requires much more than just knowledge in health care. There is a problem if one would ever have to worry about a random drug or alcohol screen at work. Unfortunately, most EMS do not require such because they would have to offer drug rehabilitation. Personally, I feel it would be a great idea to have such and EMS should require it.
I find it ironic that the nursing profession takes this much more seriously than EMS. In comparison, in my state; if one is found to be under the influence or impaired, or have been accused of narcotics at the work site, the nurse is assumed guilty until proven innocent by the Board. The reason is for the safety of the citizens. One has to prove to the board their innocence, and that there were special circumstances to allow them to behave, act, and operate. I have yet seen this to occur. Most of those have to either relinquish their license or go through an intense PEER program for one year, (at their costs) and be closely monitored, then be placed upon probation as determined by the board.
So yes, most medical professions take this seriously, just a shame as usual EMS does not take a stand.
Is the employer responsible? You bet! Await the civil law suit. They are responsible for their employees actions. This will be an endless fault, from the senior partner, shift supervisor to the administrator, etc. All responsible for their employees actions and behavior. This is why EMS has to mature and actually become a profession understanding its responsibilities.
Hopefully, there will be some positive outcomes from this and other tragic events. If there is enough paid out from insurance companies, they will enforce changes.
I foresee:
Mandatory EVOC before any driving of an EMS unit. Not a simple 8 hour driving in and out of cones, but an enhance 2 week driving program, which should be required already before anyone gets behind the wheel.
Training and education of supervisory positions to assess for "problems" in behavior in the work force. Increasing "black box" to monitor driving and increasing awareness programs of employees.
Larger services will start having developing "random" drug and alcohol testing. Hopefully, with services offering help and assistance for those found affected.
States EMS office will actually become what they should be. License and regulatory centers, that their primary responsibility is to assure safety to the public. Develop programs to assist those that are affected such as PEER programs, and monitor those persons.
Believe it or not, I personally am not for the government to ever be involved. Unfortunately, our profession will not be responsible, or police itself, therefore someone has to do it. If there is enough teeth in it; then most will comply.
I guess my passion is until we can clean up or own act we will never really be considered a profession. I have worked with literally a thousand partners, and yes, several I refused to work with or sent home. A situtation I should had never been placed in. A mature responsible person, would had never considered placing or jeopardizing anyone elses life. Again, this reflects back to the profession.
Like I said before: It's time for EMS and those involved in it, to grow up. Be responsible for their action and reactions. Regardless of this specific case, we have too many EVO incidents and accidents. One person dying is too many. We are here to save a life, not take any. It is time for us to be pro-active.
R/r 911
