Shishkabob
Forum Chief
- 8,264
- 32
- 48
We had a call today because someone freaked out when a slightly demented patient tried to drive their car. Again, slightly demented, but otherwise able to refuse care. Just didn't know what city they were in (they were from out of state)
That callers reasoning? The patient, who had never been to that facility before, had to call and ask for directions! Plus, on the patients papers were doctors orders that stated the patient was not to drive.
I asked the reporting party if they wanted to use the hospital as a hotel and when they asked why I said because taking someone to the hospital that has no medical need nor want will be sent straight to the waiting room, where they will be free to walk away. I then told them that a doctors orders are not legally binding, and that as long as the person legally has their license, they can drive. That is the very reason why PD would not arrest the person, and why we would not transport.
Yes, I'll say that for a demented patient, driving possibly isn't the best thing, but just because you don't know where you're driving doesn't mean you suck at driving and are a danger to others. We finally just had a local friend of the persons come pick them up to take them home.
Such a waste.
That callers reasoning? The patient, who had never been to that facility before, had to call and ask for directions! Plus, on the patients papers were doctors orders that stated the patient was not to drive.
I asked the reporting party if they wanted to use the hospital as a hotel and when they asked why I said because taking someone to the hospital that has no medical need nor want will be sent straight to the waiting room, where they will be free to walk away. I then told them that a doctors orders are not legally binding, and that as long as the person legally has their license, they can drive. That is the very reason why PD would not arrest the person, and why we would not transport.
Yes, I'll say that for a demented patient, driving possibly isn't the best thing, but just because you don't know where you're driving doesn't mean you suck at driving and are a danger to others. We finally just had a local friend of the persons come pick them up to take them home.
Such a waste.
Last edited by a moderator:
