Need some advice.

[TerraMedicX]

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Hey guys,
I could use some advice. Almost two weeks ago, my partner and I ran on an MVC that has become somewhat "high-profile" in the local media. Two teenagers lost both legs when they were struck from behind by another vehicle while changing a flat-tire. Apparently a number of the other teenagers who were on scene started telling people that they provided care to the two patients, which never occured. Also, the media has not even mentioned any involvement of EMS (if all you knew was what the papers and TV said, you'd think that the only people on scene were law enforcement, the chopper we called and the other teens). Now, personally, while I'm annoyed at the fact that EMS never gets any credit/recognition, I have to say I pretty much expect it! My partner is a different matter. He has become incresingly bothered by the situation, so much so, that he told me this morning when we were getting off that he was gonna drive down to the hospital after work (45 min each way) to "check-up on the boys," and if they brought it up, he would clarify what really happened. He wanted to me come along as well (since we each treated one of the boys, double-P car), but I personally was not AT ALL comfortable with the idea and tried to talk him out of it completely. Now, my partner isn't new to EMS, and has had pleanty of experience, so why is it that he is so much more bothered by this? Also, should I have been more insistant on stopping him, or do you think that he's being reasonable? I could use another perspective.

Nate.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

You might get a better and quicker response posting this on www.fieldmedics.com/forum

 

[beanbean]

Your partner needs to realize this isn't about him. Honestly, he is being selfish to go visit the kids and their families just to make sure they know who took care of them on scene. The victims have more things to worry about right now than stroking his ego and giving him a pat on the back.

That being said, if your partner wants to touch base with the kids to see how they are doing and be available to answer any questions the victims or families may have about what happened on scene...I think that is great. Sometimes giving a patient the opportunity to ask us about the details of such a life altering event can give the patient and their family some closure and clear up questions they may have had. Seeing a patient after a particularly traumatic call can help give us as EMTs closure as well.

Tragic call for all. Was the driver that hit them impaired? Must have been just an awful scene for you.

 

[Karl_Hungus]

Your partner could probably invoke the Doctrine of Double Effect; in short, he could go with the apparent function of following up on the patients to see how they are doing, and if discussion about what happened came up, then that information could be relayed (the latent function of the visit).
Given the way you described the crash and injuries, it is most likely that neither patient remembers much about the crash and I don't think it would be inappropriate to fill them in on details.

When I worked in EMS, I would frequently follow up on patients that were admitted to the hospital. I knew of services that would even make follow-up phone calls to patients that weren't transported. From my experiences, it improved patient satisfaction when these follow-up visits were made. It made it clear to the patient that we were concerned with the quality of care we provided, and were genuinely interested in the patient's well-being.

However, I worked for a hospital-based ambulance service, and a follow-up visit meant a 30-second elevator ride, as opposed to a 45 minute drive.
If the true reason for the visit is simply to make sure to get recognition or preserve the reputation of himself or your ambulance service, then don't go.
The only thing that will happen is what was already mentioned; he'll look selfish and petty.

Either way, tough situation for you.

 

[greytmedic]

If he wants fame and glory tell him to become a fireman.😛

 

[nytrauma911]

I also get upset when EMS is left out of the loop. It seems that fire and PD get all the recognition, but what can you do about it? My MVC made the news on firehouse.com. I was thrilled and thankful.