The Back of the Medic

Note: There has been an update to part of this story. The paramedic referred below as being stabbed to death did in fact die from a myocardial infarction when he ran after the patient. Although I am posting this update, I feel the information in the post is still relevant in terms of scene safety. My condolences to his family, friends, and co-worker.

How many times have we heard this during training, re-training, and when we are teaching new EMTs? How many times have we ignored it?

The news today included two articles, one detailing a paramedic who was punched by a patient (Read the article here: http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/crime/Paramedic-tries-to-help-gets-punched), and another who was apparently stabbed to death by an emotionally disturbed patient (Read the article here: http://firefighterclosecalls.com/fullstory.php?103256).  The latter article doesn’t elaborate on what exactly happened, and in the next few days I assume we will hear more, but it is a stark reminder that we all need to remember to keep our scenes we work as safe as possible. Some things to remember:

• Don’t go into a potentially dangerous situation until you have been cleared to enter.
• Stage appropriately for issues involving potential violence or emotionally unstable patients.
• Always approach a scene (any scene) with caution. Look around. It might not be a patient that is dangerous, but something or someone else around. I work around moving vehicles (primarily bikes, but cars as well), but I have been hit by a bike while working on a patient before. I could have approached that scene more carefully, and avoided the problem.
• Know your agency or provider’s protocols. Adhere to them.
• Ask for backup or PD involvement  if you feel you need it.
• Always keep your eyes on an emotionally unstable patient. Even if you have a good relationship with a patient, they can turn on you in a heartbeat.
• Watch your partner. Remind them if they are doing something that places them (or you) in potential danger.

Stay safe out there!