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Never let your guard down
Performing our job is difficult enough without the added fear of being assaulted
By Art Hsieh
| Editor's note: Robert Lee, a safari guide, conservationist and outfitter, was sentenced for grabbing the breast of a paramedic who accompanied him on a medical flight to the Mayo Clinic in September 2010. |
In some evil, delightful way I found it a bit satisfying to see the proverbial book thrown at the defendant. Performing our job is difficult enough without the added fear of being assaulted.
In this case the patient crossed over that barrier and purposefully harassed the EMS crew as they tried to perform their duties. Totally unacceptable!
The case does serve as a strong reminder to never let your guard down, even when providing compassionate care.
Years ago I was assessing an elderly female patient in the back of the unit when she experienced sudden ventricular fibrillation. I spotted it literally on the monitor as we were talking; I reached over and provided a precordial thump over her chest.
That did two things: first, she converted back into a perusing rhythm. Second, she wound up and knocked me with a roundhouse punch to the face. As the pretty little blue birds flew around my head I could hear her yelling at me, asking why I punched her in the chest. It took a bit of convincing to calm her down that it was a "medical" procedure.
Regardless, our patients are human, just like we are. The vast majority are in some need and appreciate our assistance when called upon. For others, not so much....and we need be mindful of that fact.
George Yaworski Friday, January 13, 2012 8:18:10 AM Any pt can do something that you don't expect, it is always the drunk or stoned person. My nose has been broken, my left shoulder has a permanent 'click' in it from scarring and my back will never be pain free. It is important to be on your guard, but also to cultivate an environment of authoritative and caring support. The pt, I keep want to say client, needs to understand you want to help them but you won't take any guff. George Yaworski Friday, January 13, 2012 12:15:52 PM Meant to say, "it ISN'T always the drunk or stoned person......need to proof read before posting
KevinAmy Johnson Friday, January 13, 2012 9:26:35 AM This points to one of the large holes in ems training. We are drilled relentlessly to chant the scene safety mantra over and over again, as if it has magical powers to protect us from any harm. We deal with very dangerous situations AFTER we check to see if the scene is initially safe. We need some real concrete training on how to defend our selves and partners professionally and safely. I can think of about 10 situations off the top of my head, when I wished I didn't have to rely on my lame version of Jackie Chan moves to protect myself. I'm fortunate it turned out well for my partner and myself those times, would've loved to have some training. 
Jake Stein Saturday, January 14, 2012 8:58:25 AM Most of the assaults are from altered patients. Too little education about the different patient behavior while altered and how to manage them leaves EMS providers very vulnerable. But, rather than blame the patients, try reforming EMS education and provide ongoing training.
In any health care profession, the provider should try to explain procedures and touching even to an unconscious patient. Yes, you'll have the rare exception like the precordial thump but that is not the norm.
Communication skills with the public, the patient and each other are something that is still ignored in EMT and Paramedic school.
You also need to establish professional boundaries and give a professional appearance with your bedside manner. If you cross the line of professional behavior by your own actions and then cry foul when the patient plays into it, you don't really have anyone else to blame but yourself. This can include aggressive behavior in a sexual or violent way. 
