I'm my EMT experience, I would estimate at least 70% of my calls are straight up B.S. and another 10% probably are too after they get to the hospital and tell the doctor what the real story is. I've transported patients for splinters, the flu, backache, charlie horses, hot flashes preventing a woman from sleeping comfortably, jammed fingers, twisted ankles, diarrhea, heartburn, toothache, diaper rash, minor cuts, bruises, someone just tired, upset, angry, etc. In one case a woman wanted to go to the hospital because she took 2 antibiotic pills and not 1. Btw, in many of these cases there are adults present and cars in the driveway, people just think they won't have to wait in the emergency room. Plus, plenty of calls for people who are drunk and passed out. Don't get me wrong, I love helping folks who need it, but the recent Burger King 911 call really got me thinking about rampant misuse of the system. What percentage of your calls would you estimate were not legitimate emergencies?
2007-06-19 07:24:31 · 9 answers · asked by Sandy Sandals 7 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Yup, I'd say about 70-80% of the calls I run are most likey BS.
People tend to think that they will be taken more seriously and be seen quicker if they call an ambulance, but they don't seem to realize that the ER staff is pretty wise to that tactic. I always get annoyed when I see several perfectly good cars in the drive, and the patient meets us at the ambulance with suitcase in hand, ready to go to the ER for her recurring toothache (they've already referred her to the dentist several times, but she wants the "good" pain meds that the ED staff prescribes).
I really do love my job, and the few genuine "emergencies" make it all worthwhile, but we all get a bit fed up with being used as a taxi service.
Just so all the "civilians" who read this understand, I always treat all patients the same. I might grumble about it to my partner later, but every patient gets the same compassionate and courteous treatment. I try to remember that just because I don't think it's an emergency, doesn't mean it's not an emergency to them, but for goodness sakes! When did it become OK to call an ambulance for a hangnail? (I'm not kidding - I responded to that call)
2007-06-20 16:22:09 · answer #1 · answered by rita_alabama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been a 911 Telecommunicator for 10 years and I've heard it all already.... But you have to remember that even though we (people in public safety) know what a true emergency is, when those people call 911 they think what they're calling about IS a true emergency. Sometimes we have to give them the talk about misuse of the system, but most of the time it's simply taking the info and prioritizing it accordingly. It's not a big deal to me, I can put someone on hold if I need to and handle the calls as I see fit. It's just another variable amidst chaos.
2007-06-20 03:06:49 · answer #2 · answered by the_mr911 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, for the record, because I know that you guys get so many false alarms, it makes me think twice before calling an ambulance for someone.
Remember this, please, civilians don't necessarily always understand the difference between a diarrhea cramp and appendicitis..
Me? I grew up in a VERY medical family (lots of doctors and nurses), so I do know the difference...
My brother is an insensitive ER doc in another state... he complains all the time about the stuff you are talking about here. I tell him the same thing... non-medical people are often frightened by unfamiliar pains they don't understand... please, consider that even when you are frustrated.
I called an ambulance for an elderly friend once and the EMS folks were so incredibly rude to her... I have to say that, despite my respect, I snapped at them and told them she did not understand and that they were upsetting her more. They apologized to me, later.
I also called one for a student whom I tutor... he was having an asthma attack and I was not sure whether to call or not. I honestly was not familiar with the signs of extreme distress and the teen kept telling me not to worry and not to call... I finally followed my intuition and called, and the EMTs said it was good that I did, as he could have died... he has, since, been to the hospital 3 or 4 more times with extreme asthma attacks.
But it is my fear that I am "overreacting" that ultimately makes me hesitate to call in the first place.
2007-06-19 08:30:26 · answer #3 · answered by scruffycat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd have to agree with 80%. They call the 'emergency' in and when you get there, you find that it happened days ago or wasn't quite as serious as they thought. Still, you have to treat each call the same and remember that you're getting paid to listen to these people and provide solutions to their problems. You might be the only contact they ever have with an officer of your agency and you should always strive to present a professional image.
2007-06-19 08:58:55 · answer #4 · answered by Brian C 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Quite alot. Im a Dispatcher for a Univeristy Police Dept. and you aint seen some BS calls! Just hang in there. We in the people business have to deal with some really dumb things. Some how we'll make it!!!
Take it easy!
2007-06-19 12:54:17 · answer #5 · answered by Drewboy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
about 80% sounds right.
One area I worked in the hospitals started taking people of the streachers and making them wait in the waiting rooms if it was somehting stupid. It started to help cut back on the BS before I left.
2007-06-19 07:28:17 · answer #6 · answered by PJ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with kevw it probably is around 80% but the other 20% makes it worth while
2007-06-19 07:34:46 · answer #7 · answered by jbradc69 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lots and lots. but hey, if i have to weed thru the 80% bs to get to the 20% real emergencies, its still worth it.
2007-06-19 07:28:24 · answer #8 · answered by Kevy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
About the same as yours.
2007-06-19 07:37:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋