Kind of long.
For the last couple of days I've had this idea bouncing around in my head. Those that have been in EMS for awhile have seen changes based on research driven practices. (Just a few. Like not using L&S for a PT with a hang nail because there is no life threating medical issues. Because of the higher risk of traffic accidents while running hot. Like no longer keeping pt's on a back board just because of the mechanism of injury and possibly causing other issues done the road.)
With all these changes I haven't seen any research into unneeded stretcher use. We don't use L&S as much do to the higher risk of accidents. So why are we risking a serious back injury while lifting and moving a pt that has no issues walking or was found standing and walking around. Were taught in school to minimize the risk to our selves to avoid injury and were taught how to reduce the risk of injury by safely moving with proper body mechanics. So why are we still puting our selves st risk for a serious back injury when it's not warranted. When I started 10 years ago the medic I worked with had already been in the game for 30 years. I learned a lot from him. One of those things is if a pt doesn't need a stretcher dont put yourself at risk for a back injury or the risk of dropping a pt or tipping the stretcher if it's not needed. Personally I think the issue is the new customer service approach to EMS were every pt gets the red carpet presidential treatment regardless of why they called. I get being nice to pt's but when do you draw the line.
For the last couple of days I've had this idea bouncing around in my head. Those that have been in EMS for awhile have seen changes based on research driven practices. (Just a few. Like not using L&S for a PT with a hang nail because there is no life threating medical issues. Because of the higher risk of traffic accidents while running hot. Like no longer keeping pt's on a back board just because of the mechanism of injury and possibly causing other issues done the road.)
With all these changes I haven't seen any research into unneeded stretcher use. We don't use L&S as much do to the higher risk of accidents. So why are we risking a serious back injury while lifting and moving a pt that has no issues walking or was found standing and walking around. Were taught in school to minimize the risk to our selves to avoid injury and were taught how to reduce the risk of injury by safely moving with proper body mechanics. So why are we still puting our selves st risk for a serious back injury when it's not warranted. When I started 10 years ago the medic I worked with had already been in the game for 30 years. I learned a lot from him. One of those things is if a pt doesn't need a stretcher dont put yourself at risk for a back injury or the risk of dropping a pt or tipping the stretcher if it's not needed. Personally I think the issue is the new customer service approach to EMS were every pt gets the red carpet presidential treatment regardless of why they called. I get being nice to pt's but when do you draw the line.