Random Rant · 3:07am May 29th, 2017
Getting this life event off my chest.
Dad's been sick the last few days, vomiting, dizziness, fever. Went to the doctor yesterday, got some meds. Tonight he fell to the ground, lost his balance and couldn't walk or stand up, puked some more. Told mom he wants to go to the hospital. We call the ambulance, are warned they're busy but they'll be there. Takes 10-15 minutes, its okay. Dad is on the couch sweating, lying down, can't stand, hasn't puked again fortunately but he's out of it.
Then the emergency crew arrives. And we meet the subject of this rant - the bitchiest emergency services worker I've ever seen.
They come in the door.
Her: "What's wrong?"
Dad: "I'm not sure."
Her: "Well you called the ambulance, something must be wrong."
She proceeds to talk to dad about what's going on, as you do, then dad makes the mistake of mentioning he's been to the doctor. Her entire tone changes and she proceeds to try and talk him out of going to the hospital,. She's been on the clock since six and they're really busy, if they take him it'll be hours before he can see someone because he's already been seen by a physician recently, he won't be able to get a bed so he'll be in a wheelchair in the hallway, is he sure he wants to go? Dad says yes.
She leaves the apartment then complaining about the cats we own. Dad pulls on his shoes and stumbles to the door. She asks if he has his other medications. Not on him but he has a list of what he takes. "You don't have your other medications with you?" Dad repeats he has a list. He also gives her the meds the family doctor prescribed. "And what infection are these for?" Dad isn't sure. "You don't know, you didn't ask what the medication you're prescribed does?"
Look, I know emergency services is one of the most stressful, pressured jobs one can ask for, and it's been a five hour shift for her, on a rainy Sunday night, when they're busy. But lady - fuck off. He's a 57 year old man who had to crawl to the couch because he couldn't stand up, is only halfway coherent, and has spent the weekend puking and napping. He doesn't need your shit.
Wow. Such abhorrent behavior from a public servant. Stressful shift or not, these people are supposed to be trained professionals. There is no reason to be that rude to someone that, for all they know, could be dying (knocking on wood for that, hope your dad's okay).
I would definitely get the paramedic's name and file a complaint. There is no cause for that behavior, and she should know better.
There's no excuse for that sort of behavior from a paramedic, even considering the circumstances.
Gotta wonder if this is worse than being lied to from a Dentist operation I had last Thursday. I went in with the plan of talking about the options I have for Wisdom Teeth removal. Before we get to talk, I was placed in the chair, lied to about the stuff they were injecting me with, next thing I know, I wake up with all my Wisdom Teeth gone, and so much pain...
Still with that pain today, but at least I'm alive. Hope your Dad is okay. Putting stress on someone that's possibly dying is just unforgivable, like they want him to die...
4550748
4550518
4550511 He's home now, pneumonia. Thank you for the words of support everyone.
Good lord. I've NEVER heard of an EMT acting like that. You ABSOLUTELY need to register a complaint. That's inexcusable.
Also, good to know your dad's home and you've identified the cause, but stay vigilant. Pneumonia is nothing to trifle with.
What 4550972 said on all counts. That's just terrible, and in worse situations could cost lives.