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.
