Not a “Crisis”

Sorry to say guys, but when a patient calls EMS and tells you he is anxious and pissed off because he discovered his wife cheating on him, he does not have “hypertensive crisis” with a BP of 180/90. Especially when he carries a diagnosis of HTN which he has not been taking his meds for a [...]

August 5th, 2010 | Category: Annoying, Cardiology, EMS | 8 comments

Que?

First case after getting back from vacation (sigh):

70 year old man with AMS at the MD’s office, diaphoresis and hypoglycaemia.  Reportedly no history (via EMS) of DM and was fasting for blood work that was getting drawn.

Real history:  Known Diabetic.   Ate only a piece of toast for breakfast and was not fasting.  Took his insulin and drove to [...]

August 2nd, 2010 | Category: Annoying, EMS | 6 comments

Mr Medic, PLEASE get the Important Details Right!

In my state, when paramedics pick up a patient, they need to call in report to the attending physician – usually the one at the hospital where they are dispatched from. If they are taking a patient to another hospital, that physician calls over to the other location to give report. Often [...]

January 25th, 2010 | Category: Annoying, EMS, GYN | 9 comments

Please TRY to use a Little Judgment

Please, dear BLS personnel, try to use a little judgment when you evaluate people after an ultra-low speed- no damage- everyone ambulatory at the scene – accident. Not everyone has to be strapped onto a long board and put into a C-collar. It is even more important when all the patients [...]

September 25th, 2009 | Category: Annoying, Bad Idea, Bizarre, EMS, Trauma | 18 comments

The Paramedic Tried to Kill Her!!!

You know there are some supratentorial issues going on when a patient arrives via EMS and the family that arrives with them is bordering on assaulting the medics. First, call the police. Second, figure out WTF is going on.

Turns out the medics were called because the patient was obtunded (a [...]

June 15th, 2009 | Category: Disgusting, Drug Abuse, EMS, Infectious Disease, Pathetic, Sad, Vomit | 4 comments

EMS Pet Peeve of Mine

I have a pet peeve with EMS. Three words. Light and Sirens. (this applies to any one – police, fire, etc who uses a siren, although I imagine the firefighters have the most frequent need to use them legitimately). I get so annoyed when I see an ambulance tear-assing down the [...]

April 24th, 2009 | Category: Bad Idea, EMS, ER Life | 24 comments

Calling an Ambulance?

News flash. If you call an ambulance, it does not necessarily mean you will be seen faster once you arrive. Yes, you will be brought in to triage right away but if you are here for a minor or stable problem, you will likely be triaged back to the waiting room – or [...]

April 5th, 2009 | Category: Bad Idea, Disgusting, EMS, Pathetic, Pediatrics | 5 comments
 
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