|
Another warning about bystanders and cameras
By Art Hsieh
|
A video was uploaded to YouTube last week showing an incident in which responders appear to treat the lifeless body of an Oklahoma City prostitute carelessly. Editorial Adviser Art Hsieh says that recording devices are here to stay, and this is yet another reminder for responders to be on their best behavior at all times. |
Yet again, here’s an opportunity to gawk at video posing as reality.
It's really ironic that it's often photos and videos like these that distort the truth of what occurs on scene.
Recording devices merely capture the hard data of an image, which is subject to the perspective and editing of the videographer. However, there are definitely a few lessons to learn from this snippet:
1) As a public safety provider, you are in the public view, virtually all of the time. We are in the information age, with cell phone cameras and camcorders the norm, not the exception. You can't let your guard down, not even once. Think very carefully as you perform your duties — how will it look? Could my body language, voice or gestures be taken out of context? Will I be able to defend my actions in the court of public opinion?
2) Be clear on your department's policies of recording scenes. It appears that there will be a review of the recorded personnel actions on using cell phones to record the scene. Remember that there have been more than a few folks fired for recording and sharing such images.
3) In the snippets of video that were shown, there were some questionable actions conducted by the crew. This is where the editing can make mountains out of molehills. It's certainly possible that examinations were done, but deleted off the recording. It would help explain the lack of spinal stabilization and subsequent movement of the patient from the ground to the gurney. On the other hand, a sheet to create some privacy would have been nice.
4) No matter how we might feel about being recorded, the public has the right to do so in public spaces. Other episodes have shown that regardless of the cad who is doing the recording, he/she is entitled to do so.
Leroy Murphy Friday, December 02, 2011 6:41:10 AM You appear here to say that the photographer has all the right in the world to take pictures/video, but maybe the true persons working the scene, who maybe documenting the scene are out of line? 
Art Hsieh Monday, December 05, 2011 7:45:58 PM As a professional responder, in the line of duty, you may be bound by your department policies about audio- or video recording, or taking photos. So yes, your assessment can be true in that sense. The press does not have a caregiver-patient relationship, but you do.
KevinAmy Johnson Friday, December 02, 2011 11:24:08 AM I see what the editor of this video wants me to see, for sure. I take that into consideration for sure, the guy introducing the video seems shady to me, I can't tell if it's an advocacy group or a sick voyeur type deal. All that said, looking at the body language of the cops and the fire fighters, I see what I describe as apathy. Cops role up with the not my job look over, fire fighters role up with the wish this wasn't my job look, and medics show up almost wrecking at the scene without displaying emergency lights going head on across the intersection. It was a poop storm of unprofessionalism. Oh and don't get me started with fire engines parking on top of the medical aid scene, this huge one blocked one cop car in, one lane, and made the ambulance park off frame somewhere. What would a fire crew think of an ambulance blocking a hydrant on a working fire? Same difference! We need to treat ALL patients like our loved ones ALL! High volume 911 systems are draining, and stupid calls even more so, but even the lamest of all calls happens to be our fricken job. Lets all work on our body language and let the public know we take every 911 call seriously. 
Alan W. Rose Friday, December 02, 2011 1:27:28 PM Welcome to the future. Just do your job the way it's supposed to be done and don't worry about who is rolling film. 
Rob Schellinger Friday, December 02, 2011 5:44:05 PM Does their right to film trump the right of the patient not to be filmed and have their (possibly) worst moment in life splashed across the internet by some douche? It USED to be good journalism to not photograph or film patients but now, as a stringer told me, "if it bleeds, it leads". Also, I think an important question to ask is what did the cameraman do to help that woman? 
Marie Mirabelli-Cheryk Friday, December 02, 2011 6:29:00 PM For sure a sad situation when ALL responders, both the lay public and the professionals no longer care for human dignity..KevinAmy Johnson summed it up..We are paid professionals in the public eye..if we can't give dignity and respect to everyone no matter how many times we have to the same person then maybe we need to take a sabbatical from our jobs and think things out. 
Mark Edward Bruyere Friday, December 02, 2011 7:43:45 PM think of it this way, how would you want first responders to perform? If it was your daughter or mother as the victim? How would you like to be viewed by that family? Perform professionally and ethically, no problems, let the cyberdouche get his 15 mins, you have 25 years in the spotlight. 
Eric Kuhn Sunday, December 04, 2011 5:45:40 PM Whether a police officer or EMT/Paramedic, everyone should conduct themselves as professionals while performing in their duties. It's the ethical, right thing to do. If you've gotten tired of the job, maybe it's time to find a new one! 
Shawn Burtch Wednesday, December 07, 2011 3:23:07 AM Quote: "Yet again, here’s an opportunity to gawk at video posing as reality. It's really ironic that it's often photos and videos like these that distort the truth of what occurs on scene." What is ironic is when things like this surface and people want to blame the person who filmed it and ignore the lack of caring and common compassion of the "professionals" on scene... The over all call was a cluster from the first officer on the scene, the treatment of this girl, (... the cop pushes her body with his toe like he was touching a dead dog on the side of the road) all the way up to the movement and transfer of her to the stretcher. Shame on you Art Hsieh for totally missing the big picture. Treat every patient as if they where part of your family and don't worry about who is watching you. You do what your supposed to do and follow proper procedure and you don't have to worry about defending your actions. 
