topic Re: What Should I Do? in Wellness

What Should I Do?

Thrive — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 01:45:06 GMT

A couple of days ago I had to call an ambulance for my father. Upon the attendant arriving, I began to tell him the issues about my dad. He curtly stated that he wanted to speak to my dad. A few minutes after that he made a statement about us calling an ambulance only because he was shaking severely. After a few additional minutes, he decided to take him to the hospital. My dad ended up staying there for four days. My friend and I both thought he was arrogant. I asked if she thought I should write a letter in reference to this guy's arrogance. She said that she thought it might be risky in case the same guy should have to come back again on another call. I want to write the letter. However, I don't know how to avoid any issues with this guy if he should return on a future call. Do you think I could ask the supervisor to refrain from using our personal information or simply request that he never come back again. What do you think I should do?

Re: What Should I Do?

TeezNu — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 01:54:11 GMT

My opinion, just let this go, that is, as long as the attendant gave your dad the proper medical attention and care which is the most important thing. I have been in the same situation with my parents, and you are very stressed and scared, and in their attempts to quickly assess the situation the responders can be very short and direct.

Re: What Should I Do?

Thrive — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 01:57:13 GMT

That is true. I guess I need to look at both sides.

Thank You!

Re: What Should I Do?

Desi — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 01:58:36 GMT

I also think you should try to let it go. If the patient is coherent it's always better to talk to them than get it second-hand, even if you are the DD. Your dad must have been more than just shaken up for a 4 day stay. Be happy he is okay. Some people have lousy people skills but are good at their jobs - like helping your dad.

Re: What Should I Do?

Thrive — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 01:59:37 GMT

Thank You!

Re: What Should I Do?

Plaid Pants2 — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 01:59:39 GMT

In your haste to tell the EMT about your dad, you were getting in the way of him doing his job.

Try to see it from his side.

You go on an emergency call.

As you try to assess the patient, the frantic daughter keeps talking to you.

So, yes, he may have been "curt", but he might have only been that way, in order to for him to finish taking care of your father.

Re: What Should I Do?

Thrive — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 02:01:17 GMT

Yes, I am looking at it from his side now.

Re: What Should I Do?

NYwoman — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 02:10:43 GMT

I would also drop it. If you have a friend who is a medical professional, ask their opinion on the situation.

The ambulance EMT must make quick and professional calls. They must do so by working with the patient. They cannot allow interpersonal dynamics to play any part in their decisions. They don't know your family. You may have been emotional and they needed to see the patient first. If it is an emergency, seconds count.

What you read as arrogance may have been professional objectivity. He was there to assess, care for, and transport your father.

Re: What Should I Do?

blackhole99 — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 03:38:53 GMT

As far as I know once you call an ambulance and an EMT is involved there is a list of protocols they must follow. I'm sure he was assessing your father and really was not interested in what you had to say at that point. He may have been short with you, but I have a feeling he was just doing his job. If your father got the care he needed that's what matters most, I would forget about it.

Re: What Should I Do?

RedTop — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 03:56:51 GMT

Also in agreement with letting it go, as the EMT was only doing his job. While he heard everything you said to him, it was more important for him to see, and assess your father both mentally and physically. When the patient is alert and able to speak for themselves, it is important for them to describe their health issue to medical personnel.

Re: What Should I Do?

sidsmom — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 04:05:50 GMT

I agree with most...drop it. Can't believe 'customer service" is even considered with a 911 EMT call. It's almost laughable it's even being considered, but I'll respect the seriousness of the life/death situation. Hope your father is getting better.

Re: What Should I Do?

hckynut — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 04:42:14 GMT

I I'm not sure from the way your question was worded what are you called an ambulance service or 911. I have riden in many an ambulance but when I was facing very serious heath issues, I called 911. Those that respond to these calls are mostly Perimedics, but some are an EMT. So which was called for your father? I can give a more specific reply if you choose to reply to my question. Will leave it at that for now.

Re: What Should I Do?

kahootz — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 05:07:58 GMT

I would agree with others to let this one go. It's probably not worth the stress of pursuing this further.

Re: What Should I Do?

Still Raining — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 14:07:33 GMT

So sorry about your dad. I think it must have been very stressful for you and that could have led to misunderstandings. Put it behind you and be grateful for the care your dad received.

Re: What Should I Do?

GCR18 — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 15:30:31 GMT

The responder could have had a nicer demeanor. You very well could have added important medical details your father failed to mention. If he did his job, I'd let it go.

Re: What Should I Do?

Thrive — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 17:03:23 GMT

All of you have been so helpful. I will let it go. All that matters is that dad is doing well.

God Bless

Re: What Should I Do?

ID2 — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 18:23:24 GMT

The EMT is there to tend to the person in trouble not to gab. Let them do their job.

Re: What Should I Do?

nomless — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 18:35:29 GMT

EMT was doing his job. He gets info about the patient's condition by observing how the patient answers questions. If he needed additional info or details from you, he would have asked. IMO, when the EMTarrives, if the patient is conscious and able tp speak, back off, let the EMT do his/her job, be available to observe what's going on and answer questions if necessary, but don't interfere.

Re: What Should I Do?

BORN AGAIN — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 18:36:34 GMT

I have been on 911 calls where the dispatcher was short and curt with me. They are doing their job and must assess the situation as quickly as possible without me yammering on. In some situations, time is of the essence. I didn't get upset. I agree with the others, let it go, they are doing their job.

Re: What Should I Do?

kahootz — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 18:37:49 GMT

On 3/15/2015 Furry said:
All of you have been so helpful. I will let it go. All that matters is that dad is doing well.

God Bless

You are right. All that matters is your dad's health and you don't want to mess up your own health either by stressing over this.