Question about a transport Not without my husband.

[itku2er]

This is just a random question but I would like to know what you would do.

If you have a patient that is having CP rated at 9/10 hyotensive the typical "I am about to code look." You go to load her on the ambulance but she refuses to go unless you take her dead husbands ashes too, What would you do?

[Timmy]

As long as it's only going to take a few seconds to grab the tin of ashes then I would... More info please tezza

[reaper]

If it will help keep her calm, then grab them on the way out. I don't think he will complain much! :shock:

[JPINFV]

Just because he's gone to pieces (ashes?) doesn't mean he isn't just as able to ride in the passenger seat just like any other relative.

[spenac]

Just because he's gone to pieces (ashes?) doesn't mean he isn't just as able to ride in the passenger seat just like any other relative.

No relatives are allowed to ride with our patients. So now if I take the ashes would I open the precedent that others would argue well you let her husband ride with her? Honestly I would probably just take it along with her med bag, just to cause less stress to the patient. Now if it is in a porcelian vase don't know that I would want that responsibility. What if we hit a bump, can you imagine her stress level hearing the crash and seeing a cloud of ashes?

[Michael]

Seatbelt!

[firedoc5]

Actually, I wouldn't. It would just be something more to keep track of. Can you imagine if you, or any where down the line they got lost? Or accidently spilled? I know ashes are kept in very secure containers now, but still, I wouldn't want the responsibility.

[reaper]

So you would much rather put more stress and pressure on the lil old lady, that is having an MI?

[Eydawn]

If she is pre-code-looking, there's good odds that she may be fixing to join her husband. Take the ashes, tell her that there is a chance the urn may get broken because the ambulance isn't good with bumps, put it in the front seat, seatbelt it in with a pillow or extra blanket.

Many of us take patients' personal belongings, like a purse, an overnight bag if they're a frequent flier and know there's certain things they need to bring with them, etc.; how is this any different? A little odd, yes, but a huge leap? Nah. If it is going to benefit the patient's condition by calming them down, who are we to say no way in hell am I taking responsibility for your stuff? Sometimes the best medicine isn't really medicine at all....

Wendy

CO EMT-B

[firedoc5]

So you would much rather put more stress and pressure on the lil old lady, that is having an MI?

I'd just try to reason with her. If not, maybe it'll depend on the mood I'm in. Who knows?