Should those with EMT training be able to act if help is not available?

[IHaveRespawned]

I propose one should be able to use any sort of training or skill, even if unlicensed and not under medical direction, in the event a medical emergency occurs where first responders are more than 20 minutes away.

There are many areas in my state that are lacking first responders that can arrive promptly in the event of an emergency. Many areas are within what is called "ambulance deserts"

There is no excuse to penalize or even charge someone with trying to help when the resources are not there.

There should be an act in place to decriminalize and give immunity to these selfless heroes.

Yes

No

See poll

Updates

1 y

Just FYI, there is something called a "Good Samaritan Law", but that does not prevent a licensed EMT for facing reprimands on his license if he decides to apply any skill beyond basic first aid.

[Orion84]

Fortunately, I have never been in such a situation where I would need emergency assistance of that sort, but apparently I am also uninformed, as well.

I didn't realize there could be penalties for someone assisting in an emergency situation. You always hear/read about "the off duty nurse who saved the guy's life on the side of the road" or some such story.

You're saying they aren't allowed to do that? I'm genuinely asking, just in case my wording doesn't convey my stunned surprise.

[IHaveRespawned]

There is something called the Good Samaritan Act that protects any good citizen from penalties if they render aid in good faith, although, it doesn't protect licensed individuals that render aid beyond basic first aid. Something as simple as using a bag valve mask (BVM), also called the "ambu bag" can be grounds for disciplinary action against one's license. Who wants to place their mouth near someone's face? The BVM remedies that.

www.narescue.com/.../10-0043_a.jpg

[Orion84]

I knew about the Good Samaritan Law, but I was unaware that a licensed medical professional could face disciplinary action for acting during an emergency.

That's honestly pretty fucked up, bin my opinion. If I'm ever in need of life saving triage on the side of the road, I'd rather it be the surgeon helping me, than Joe Six-Pack, if given the choice.

They shouldn't need to fear for their career just for doing what they're literally trained to do, simply because it's the "wrong" setting.

[IHaveRespawned]

Doctors may be different because they are physicians. EMTs and Paramedics are lower-level trained and must act under medical direction (physician oversight) to apply skills beyond basic civilian first aid

[Orion84]

Ah, I see. Still, my opinion stands. I'd rather the guy with SOME training be free to apply emergency care, versus some dude with no medical qualifications, whatsoever.

If there's an off duty EMT on the scene, they should be allowed to provide assistance without fear of repurcussions.

[msc545]

The poll doesn't work, but yes, IF they have at least some training so they don't make someone worse. Knowing what NOT to do is a big part of this stuff.

[On_cloud_wine]

No one with a nursing degree or certified EMT will survive long term if they don’t have the right amount of compassion and care and patience for others

[Anonymous]

If it’s in your heart and soul to care for people, you would stop what you’re doing—even when you’re on a hott date—and perform the Heimlich maneuver or CPR on someone who needs it

[Anonymous]

Aren't they called volunteer EMS? A lot of outlying areas have them.

[IHaveRespawned]

Volunteer EMS agencies are still registered non-profit, private-sector entities with oversight and official leadership structures. I am speaking of a licensed (or unlicensed) individual going rogue when the resources are not there and the patient would otherwise die or face disability if care is not administered promptly.

[Opinion Owner]

That will never happen. It's the medical profession. Too much liability.

[IHaveRespawned]

So it will come down to the person will otherwise die or face disability if no one can help them and the nearest first responder is a long way away. I will risk going to jail before I watch someone die, knowing I have the skills and training to help them

[Opinion Owner]

It's why the hospitals even makes
you sign a release. People are sue happy. How can you trust they won't sue you?
I mean I get where your head is on this. But again. Liability from crazy people.

[IHaveRespawned]

It is unfortunate of the risks involved, but again, if someone needs help and I know I can do more to save that person's life, I will do what I morally need to do. Either that, or the state or county needs to provide these resources. Else, civilians will take matters into their own hands to help their communities.

[Opinion Owner]

You'll find a surprising amount of retired medical professionals scattered around. They come out of the woodwork when things happen. Keeping it basic and calling for covered help is probably best.

[IHaveRespawned]

In a rural area where the nearest ambulance is 20 or more minutes away (ambulance deserts), something has to give. Either provide first responders in the area or civilians will take matters into their own hands. Just because I lost my EMT license years ago doesn't mean I don't have the skills and knowledge to save someone if they are acutely ill or injured.

[Opinion Owner]

Lost is a key word here.
Renew it.

[IHaveRespawned]

I can't. It lapsed too long. And being licensed is worse because they will take it away if you perform skills without a medical director. Without a license, I have nothing to lose if someone needs help and I actually in good faith. Good luck finding a prosecutor that will challenge this.

[IHaveRespawned]

I should be able to do this