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Post by Matt W. on Jan 28, 2016 17:06:25 GMT
In recent times it is unfortunate that we see a rise in assault on EMS personal. What are some of the things you do to assure the safety of yourself and your partner? Do you exercise caution when entering all calls or just some? Do you keep a eye out for exit routes should the situation arise? Do you observer your patient and surrounding parties? These things aren't just limited to the scene of a call but as well as transport. What are some of the things you can do during transport should a violent situation arise? I know we are all taught scene safety in class however with the rise in violence against public safety, fire, and EMS what would your do if your partner becomes incapacitated during transport? It only takes seconds for these things to occur.
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Post by Brian Sweatman on Jan 28, 2016 18:28:22 GMT
You should always and every time do a proper size up of the scene no matter what the call is. The surroundings and location of the call can give you some information but doing a scene size up will give you more but not all. Not only do we need to worry about the patient, we need to worry and keep an eye out for family members and people around the victim. An example used in a recent class we hosted, was an EMS call with a family member putting their hands in their pockets. We don’t know what could be in their pockets, possible a knife, handgun, etc. Keeping an eye on the surroundings will help keep people safe. Transport in other whole ball-game. I think with SA classes and keeping up on recent and past events, guidelines and recommendations need to be talked about to reduce our exposure to things like this.
Great Class if anybody is interested is the “Situational Awareness in high threat operations for 1st responders”.
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Post by kathleenedgin on Jan 29, 2016 10:25:53 GMT
I responded to an EMS call as a EMT with a fire department a couple of years ago. First and foremost, if there is ever a question about safety, especially when responding to a call of violence it is important to wait for the Police to arrive and take control of the situation. After that, always keeping an eye on the surroundings is also important. We had a total of 3 police officers, multiple EMS providers and I was still making sure that the situation was not breaking down to the point where it was a concern for the safety of the EMS providers.
The best advice I have is that everyone is always staying aware of the situation and if there is any indication at the first sign of violence, that all EMS personnel are made aware so that a decision can be made, even if it means calling in additional support (i.e. police).
I definitely think continual communication between the crew is important and also with other agencies. I agree with Brian in that staying informed on the recent/past events and all guidelines and recommendations are vital to staying safe.
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Post by rerahn on Jan 29, 2016 19:56:01 GMT
Years ago, I graduated from a local police academy, and remember a film which we viewed that named the ten fatal errors made on the part of police officers. They also pertain to any public safety personnel. Some of these errors were: Relaxing too soon, Failure to watch the hands of the suspect(s), "Tombstone Courage" (Feeling you are invincible). As mentioned here by others, maintaining a heightened state of awareness is a key factor in scene safety.
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Post by Mark Nell on Feb 1, 2016 14:43:55 GMT
I think there could be improvement in a lot of areas on this topic. From obtaining the most information possible on the initial call, to constantly being aware of yourself and fellow member's once on the scene. Too many times not enough initial information is provided on the call, and units respond with limited information. Once on scene, a problem people run into is "tunnel vision". It happens to everyone, and occurs all the time. More often than not people get complacent, and focus on what is in front of them , failing to notice their surroundings .
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Post by Jeff Schenk on Feb 2, 2016 10:48:32 GMT
One night while transporting a large drunk and high male pt. to a Utica hospital, he slipped his cuffs and stretcher straps. Pd was following us. We pulled over and allowed pd to contain the pt. again. Another time at work we had a man pull a knife out on us and with pd was in the room. There was only one staircase but we were the last ones up them, so we were the first ones down.
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aldo
New Member
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Post by aldo on Feb 4, 2016 2:00:28 GMT
If you feel that something isn't right then you might want to call for law. Always take caution on every scene. These days you never know. The bad people don't like us or law enforcement.
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Post by andrewfischer on Feb 11, 2016 6:54:34 GMT
I work for Hamilton College. Scene management is an issue, given how many people live in the dorms, attend parties, etc. Thankfully, violence against the EMTs is almost never an issue. The closest we get are intoxicated and somewhat combative patients. Extremely rarely, we see something more serious. Recently, a patient wielded a knife when the EMTs arrived. The call was for self harm, and the patient had been cutting himself/herself.
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Post by andrewfischer on Feb 11, 2016 6:54:47 GMT
*Continued from above.
Given that they drive our equipment van, we have Campus Safety Officers with us on most calls. They often arrive on scene before we do. We have a great relationship with Campus Safety, and they're extremely willing to remove crowds or unruly bystanders as well as help us in other ways. I often simply lean over and ask a close friend of the patient who's interfering with the EMTs be removed. It happens immediately.
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toddc
New Member
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Post by toddc on Feb 11, 2016 18:17:25 GMT
Unfortunately,you never know what you may be walking in to? But, many times you can only rely on the info. that you receive from the caller or the dispatcher. Which, depending on many factors may not be entirely accurate. We responded to an "unknown Medical Problem" call. When we arrived, we discovered that it was actually a domestic in progress with alcohol, guns and knives involved. Obviously we had to wait for LE to arrive. They had already been informed of the situation, prior to our alert, and were in route. Information that would have been useful to us as well I am guessing. Other times you get the "General Illness" call and find an OD or any number of other things. So, take nothing for granted, your next "frequent flyer" call could be anything. Scene size up and situational awareness are critical for every call.
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Post by jasontiffin on Feb 11, 2016 23:00:16 GMT
SAFETY FIRST!! With all the individuals out there now a days experimenting on these new drugs, or drunks or the violent offenders, or our mental health patients, and the list could go on and on, and I don't frankly care what the situation at the scene is, as I'm not going in or near it until law enforcement declares it safe! I took a situational awareness class, which I recommend to all, and it really opened my eyes to things to look for on scenes and how to recognize when a situation might go bad. I'm also fortunate enough to work for a couple of agencies that have the same MDT's that law enforcement have, so I can see all the notes regarding the call that I am going to. I have also found that it's just as easy to call control on the phone and get more details as well. Sure we can never predict an active shooter type situation or violent attack on us, but we can sure as hell prep for it. My current agency has also just purchased bullet proof vests to be placed on our ambulances which is something I never thought I would have to truly worry about as an EMS provider and former FF. We need to start right with ourselves and make sure we know what we are getting into and what we need to do to get out if need be. We also need to have our partners backs and NOT put them at risk either. A situation that my good friend had to experience due to his partners... well I will say lack of experience for sure, almost got them both hurt very seriously or possible killed. Be safe out there no matter what!!
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Post by louannj59 on Feb 20, 2016 0:07:24 GMT
I would call 911, depending on situation, may need to intervene to assist partner or summon assistance from bystanders.
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Post by joevfd on Feb 20, 2016 19:48:00 GMT
It is important when responding to an ems call that you get as much info as you can if need be call law enforcement and stage until they secure the scene its also important when you arrive that you are aware of your surroundings and that while tending to the pt. that you watch out for the safety of your crew. |
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Post by louannj59 on Feb 26, 2016 3:19:39 GMT
On a call where there is a pet , try to have them secure them before entering area where they are, even when they say they will not hurt anybody, you never know how they will react when you are trying to take care of their owner.
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Post by kategetman on Feb 26, 2016 19:27:20 GMT
Responding to calls at Hamilton College, I encounter a lot of students who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs (marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, rx, etc). In the back of my mind I am always paying attention to how close I am to the student, and I will only put myself in a position of vulnerability (entering a small bathroom/bathroom stall) if I am accompanied by a campus safety officer. It doesn't matter if my patient is a 120lb woman or a large football player, the majority of patients are NOT happy to be seen by me and don't want to go to the hospital. It's very important, especially in these cases, that I remain alert and conscious of my surroundings.
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