September 2004 Letters

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Mail: EMS, 7626 Densmore Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406-2042
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Power of the People?

Regarding “From the Editor” in the April 2004 issue, I think Nancy Perry could have come up with a much better example of how people can band together and make a difference than the weak and fearful example of the people of Spain. They were far from standing strong against the cowards who attacked their country. They banded together in fear and retreated from the fight against terrorism; hardly an example of inspiration.

If EMS agencies can come together for the good of the people in the USA, I hope it isn’t done while leaning on fear to further its cause.

p. frat
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The March 11 terrorist attack in Madrid was a perfect example of why America must remain vigilant and strong against thugs and murderers such as the Al Qaeda gang. The resulting election, however, in which a left-leaning socialist president was elected, is an example of what not to do when 201 of your countrymen are killed: promising to “throw in the towel” against terrorism by withdrawing their support in Iraq. This plays into the hands of criminal elements throughout the world.

You have a firm grasp on the obvious, stating that people can change their lives with their vote. But as far as the IAFF is concerned, when have they not endorsed the Democrat?

Lt. Tim Martin, NREMT-P
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Respecting the Process

Thank you very much for Thom Dick’s cover report on etiquette in the April 2004 issue (Professional Etiquette: How You Show Your Respect for People). Not only did it give me some guidelines for how to deal with the “newbies” whom I work with, it helped me remember from where I came: I am 47, in the field for 20+ years—you don’t just get hatched as a professional. Once again, my thanks!

Alan Miner, EMT-I
via e-mail

Lording It Over

I just finished reading Lord Jim: Everything Under Control (Except You) in Thom Dick’s February 2004 “EMS Reruns” column and have a few comments.

I’ve been involved with domestic violence and staffed a crisis line for several years, but my experience is no different from any others’, and if you call any local agency, they will support what I say: The description of Lord Jim with his blue-collar “Jim’s Auto Repair” on the pocket is misleading.

Domestic violence extends over all social and economic boundaries. Lord Jim is just as likely to wear a Rolex with his $2,000 suit and own a large chain of jewelry stores. He may be a paramedic, fireman, cop, doctor, lawyer or magazine editor (sorry, couldn’t resist). Chances are good that you know a Lord Jim—and really like him.

Lord Jim’s bad attitude is also a bit abnormal. Let me describe how most people would describe him: “He is one of the nicest, most caring people you will ever meet.” “He would give you the shirt off his back.” “He’s always there when you need him.” “He loves his family.”

One of the common things a woman hears if she finally calls her mom and says “Lord Jim has been beating me” is “What did you do to deserve it?”

Lord Jim is very good at body language. Most likely he will either be the most concerned spouse you can imagine or will be in the kitchen with the cops, leaning against the sink, shrugging his shoulders and admitting they had a little spat, but doesn’t everybody?

Jim does not have to act as you described because the wife knows what is expected.

I hope you will clarify the article.

Mike Painter
Hamilton City, CA

The author replies: I have come to agree with your observation that domestic violence encompasses all social and economic boundaries. But this particular article was not intended as a sociological treatise. It was offered as a case review of a real call that involved real people and their real kids—thus the column’s name, “EMS Reruns.” By “clarifying” the article, do you mean I should fictionalize the thing, so it matches other stereotypes? Probably not.
With respect, Thom Dick

A View of Lights and Siren Use

The call came in as “woman down in the street.” My partner and I, operating a BLS unit, transitioned from station duty to the ambulance and made the eight-block run to the location, a side street directly under an overpass in the capital city. Our approach gave a clear view of a woman in the center of the street with a passerby holding her head. She had obvious deformities of both legs. During patient assessment and conversation with the few witnesses gathered, it was determined that this young lady had fallen/jumped from the overpass. Her injuries were significant and the passerby holding her head probably helped save her life by maintaining a clear airway prior to our arrival.

The scope and number of her injuries indicated the best place for her to be was the hospital. We used a scoop stretcher with lots of padding to stabilize her injuries. (By the way, this was 30 years ago and extrication collars weren’t yet the norm!) We placed her in the back of the Cadillac (or was it the new Dodge van?) and, as my partner went to drive, I told him, “Lights and siren, but don’t go over 30.” My concern was to transport her with the least amount of aggravation to her injuries. The hospital was but three or four miles up the road, with only three traffic control devices and two corners to negotiate. I expected that speed had little to do with the outcome, but I didn’t want any panic maneuvers to cause further damage.

Bottom line is that the girl survived. But now the rest of the story.

A few days later, I was in conversation with a friend who remarked how absurd it was for that ambulance to be driving lights and siren up the main road and only doing 30 mph. “What an inconvenience to the other drivers!” You guessed it, I smiled a little and related the above story. There wasn’t much they could say.

Many articles are written about lights and siren use and time savings versus safety in most circumstances. Although we hate to even think about it, those time/rate/distance problems we encountered in junior high (sorry, middle school) can show how little we actually save by trying to go faster than the speed limit. This recounting of a smooth, slow run shows how important it is for the community in which you work to know about the level of care and the level of caring you and your associates in the EMS business apply to every situation. Sometimes, slow and steady support survivability.

Warren A. Johnson
EMT Instructor, EMT-P (Ret).
via e-mail