the 100% directionless thread

Did this turn into 100% directionless?
 
I'm walking with my sister and we pass an elderly (perhaps 70s) gentleman laying on the grass, obviously homeless. It's a September night in WI, the low is 49 F. He is wearing a light jacket, but has no blanket or sleeping bag. I approach him and ask him if he's had enough food and water that day. He is shivering. There is an empty liquor bottle next to him. I go back to my car to see if I have a blanket, come up empty. I come back and he's standing next to the gas station smoking a cigarette. I ask him if he's cold and he is nonverbal.

WWYD?

I called the nonemergency number and they sent out an ambulance. The medics were able to get him to talk. He revealed a dx of schizophrenia, he hadn't been on his meds. No acute concerns. Main concern was exposure. Shelters had closed their doors for the night, but the medics gave him two blankets, I gave him my fleece to wear under his jacket, and law enforcement bought him a hat and gloves at the gas station. He's the toastiest man on the block tonight. Overall I think that was the best we could do under the circumstances.

Major kudos to the medics for their communication skills.
 
Me? Keep walking. He’s never going to leave the streets and will abuse the system until he dies.
 
CCCSD said:
Me? Keep walking. He’s never going to leave the streets and will abuse the system until he dies.
Click to expand...

You wouldn't be concerned about the exposure risk?
 
I'm really curious to know what people would do. I come from a rural environment and we would NEVER leave an elderly gentleman lay like that out in the cold. I understand things are different in the big city, which is where I am currently, but I wanted to make sure he was warm for the night at least.
 
@CCCSD are you from a warm state?
 
Dear JCAHO evaluators, thanks for not allowing the only the doc in the ED to come see the crashing and non compliant COPDer, I’m sure your conversation could not wait just a minute or two. Shoulda walked by with a conspicuously open beverage container, maybe that would have distracted them.
 
Well...got close to a year between the last flight app. Reapplied today since I've got almost another year of urban EMS + CCT experience. Hopefully this makes it to the interview stage.

Side note, anyone have any thoughts on med trans? They're opening one nearby too. They're gonna work out of another hospital here. Can't say I am a fan if HCA, I have concerns there. But have no experience with med trans. On the fence about applying there.
 
StCEMT said:
Well...got close to a year between the last flight app. Reapplied today since I've got almost another year of urban EMS + CCT experience. Hopefully this makes it to the interview stage.

Side note, anyone have any thoughts on med trans? They're opening one nearby too. They're gonna work out of another hospital here. Can't say I am a fan if HCA, I have concerns there. But have no experience with med trans. On the fence about applying there.
Click to expand...
What are your choices?

MedTrans is part of the AMGH power house. AMR, GMR, REACH, AEL, Gaurdian. Lots of opportunities to relocate if thats your thing.

Negatives, if you get fired from one, youre blacklisted from them all.

Postives, at least with AEL and AMR, if AEL is FT,once you hit 40 hours, anything you work at AMR is also OT.
 
GMCmedic said:
What are your choices?

MedTrans is part of the AMGH power house. AMR, GMR, REACH, AEL, Gaurdian. Lots of opportunities to relocate if thats your thing.

Negatives, if you get fired from one, youre blacklisted from them all.

Postives, at least with AEL and AMR, if AEL is FT,once you hit 40 hours, anything you work at AMR is also OT.
Click to expand...
Both hospital based. One is established, runs with Air Methods. Con is that I hear there is a lot of political BS. However, their crews seem solid, the doc that runs it is well liked, and I know they're a CAAMTS program. They seem to have good equipment. They fly 135's, Hamilton vents, VL. I cant remember if they're carrying blood or not. We have a ground truck we will transport them in when needed, that I would like. Also 36 hours a week, 24/12 is what I have been told. But the hourly rate is better too.

The other I dont know much at all about. Its hospital based with HCA and as profit driven as HCA is, that worries me some. I dont know anything about med trans from a safety aspect which is what I care about most. So CAAMTS? 36 hours with a $20.50 pay rate is what a coworker got offered. I do know they work in the ED on down time which I think could be pretty fun. But this is a developing program, so some of this is still working its way out to us.
 
MedTrans is CAMTS accredited. If you know any of their crews, find out if they feel pressured to fly.


Otherwise flip a coin, unless its survival flight, friends dont let friends work at survival flight.
 
GMCmedic said:
MedTrans is CAMTS accredited. If you know any of their crews, find out if they feel pressured to fly.


Otherwise flip a coin, unless its survival flight, friends dont let friends work at survival flight.
Click to expand...
There aren't any crews. They are hiring to staff it, this is a brand new program. I suppose I can ask those questions in an interview about the decision making process.

Its not survival flight. That's exactly the kind of thing I am trying to avoid. I'd quit the job before staying in a place like that.
 
NomadicMedic said:
I just accepted a job with our regional EMS council as the regional Education Specialist. No more medic shifts. Fully driving a desk.
Click to expand...
How long before you mount a lifepak and lightbars to your desk?

Congrats!
 
StCEMT said:
Fun fact. Trauma shears will not cut through a glock.
Click to expand...
Having a hard time deciding if I should file this under the "Well, duh" category or the "WTF were you doing?" category.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top