Britt207

Here is some of Pa's critera for a patient refusing care: " 1.) Patient must be legally able to consent. He/She must be of legal age, or an emancipated minor. 2.) Patient must be mentally competent and oriented. He must not be affected by any disease or condition that would impair judgement. These conditions include unstable vital signs, and altered mental status. 3.) Patient must be fully informed and understand the risks associated with refusing treatment and/or transport. 4.) Patient must sign a release form. Such a Form is designed to relase the ambulance squad and individuals from liabilit arising from the patients informed refusal.." Now here's the ethical part of patient refusals.. "1.) Spend time speaking to the patient, using the principles of effective communication. It may take reasoning persistence, "dealing" or other strategies. 2.) Inform the patient of the consequences of not going to the hospital, even ir they are not pleasant. 3.) Consult Medical Direction- If you are in a residence, use the patients phone to contact medical direction. If the on-line doctor is willing, let him speak to the patient when all else fails. 4.) Contact Family Memebers to help convince the patient.- Often family memebers can provide reasons for the patient to go to the hosptial. An offer from a loved one to meed the patient at the hospital maybe very helpful.. 5.) Call Law inforcement personnel if necessary- Police may be able to order or "arrest" the patient who refuses care, to force him to go to the hospital. This is done under the premise that the patient is temporarily mentally incompetent, as demonstrated by refusing care, that might save his life. 6.) Try to determine why the patient is refusing care. " Source: Emergency Care. Limmer, Okeef. 10ed. 2005.

My opinion on the matter is that, if its at all possible, have the police restrain the patient, and ride along in the back of the ambulance with you, that way, if they do happen to become violent while en' route to the hospital, the police officer is there to apply correct force, to restrain the patient. I've been in situations where that was needed.....

Well to be completely honest I think that it does make your organization look bad. In most cases the community as a whole looks at "leaders" so to speak, and their actions reflect upon you're station. So if this older guy, is dating a minor, it will look bad, because well she's a minor, reguardless of how he perceives her.

In my opinion racism is completely unacceptable, in this field of work, and well in every field of work. Emt's are here for one reason, and that is to help the people in the community, when they need us. There are people out there that are rasicst yes! But in my opinion they dont belong in EMS.