Centerline, Mich. (FOX 2) - An investigation has been launched after a new cell phone video shows a first responder throwing a punch at a patient on a stretcher.
"It infuriated me. It made me really angry, cause I mean, it wasn't just a tap; I saw a full-blown punch," said Aimee, the person who obtained the video.
As a paramedic of a few years, as well as a nurse: I don't let patients attack me. I can and will use appropriate force to subdue any person who attacks me. That nurse claiming that she won't put hands on a patient likely doesn't work in the ER.
@ Me: I am not even talking about retaliation. I am talking about the self defense of stopping a physical assault on my person. I always document it as "patient was physcially abusing staff, and there was a threat of injury to both staff and the patient. He had to be physically subdued and restrained to prevent injury."
If you hit people expect to get hit back. Hit me and I will attempt to hit you back with the hardest punch I can muster or as many as it takes. That's just the way it is and I don't give a shit who you are or what the circumstances.
Without looking at the video: Paramedics frequently have to treat people who are literally out of their minds. Sometimes that requires physical force. A punch doesn't sound like the ideal way to apply that force, but if it's the alternative to four first responders holding the patient down and those 4 people aren't available...
That was a love tap. 60% power. Try explaining to your wife why your on hepatitis watch for a year cause some drunk bitch with hepc took a chunk out of your arm. Establish your authority up front.
As a paramedic of a few years, as well as a nurse: I don't let patients attack me. I can and will use appropriate force to subdue any person who attacks me. That nurse claiming that she won't put hands on a patient likely doesn't work in the ER.
ReplyDeleteI concur, but I'm also conscious of how things look to bystanders and where the cameras are
DeleteI was a chicago fire medic for 29 years. There is a time and place for retaliation.
DeleteDoors closed. Lights out. Back of rig.
Divemedic...she is probably one of those fabulous telephone nurse specialists that work for a large and caring insurance group.
DeleteExactly. She won't put hands on a patient because she hasn't had her nose bloodied by one yet.
Delete@ Me: I am not even talking about retaliation. I am talking about the self defense of stopping a physical assault on my person. I always document it as "patient was physcially abusing staff, and there was a threat of injury to both staff and the patient. He had to be physically subdued and restrained to prevent injury."
DeleteAssume you’re being videoed on EVERY patient……
ReplyDeleteBeing a health care provider does not mean you cannot or should not defend yourself.
ReplyDeleteAimee has no experience in the REAL world. Likely a "nurse" who has only gone to school and worked behind a desk
ReplyDeleteIf you hit people expect to get hit back. Hit me and I will attempt to hit you back with the hardest punch I can muster or as many as it takes. That's just the way it is and I don't give a shit who you are or what the circumstances.
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty much been my philosophy most of my life.
DeleteWithout looking at the video: Paramedics frequently have to treat people who are literally out of their minds. Sometimes that requires physical force. A punch doesn't sound like the ideal way to apply that force, but if it's the alternative to four first responders holding the patient down and those 4 people aren't available...
ReplyDeleteWatch the video.
DeleteThat was a love tap. 60% power. Try explaining to your wife why your on hepatitis watch for a year cause some drunk bitch with hepc took a chunk out of your arm. Establish your authority up front.
Delete