Sometimes I Forget

Just how much trust is placed in me as an EMT by the people I am taking care of. With so many routine calls with sick people it is easy to forget. I was reminded of that trust with a recent car accident. The victim was a very attractive 20 year old female college student. There she was, alone in the back of the ambulance with two male complete strangers, my partner and myself, while we cut her clothes off and stripped her naked for examination and treatment. We were completely professional and told her everything we did and were going to do. We covered her for modesty and warmth and only pulled back covering when necessary. She was cooperative and as relaxed as could be expected for the situation. In the most vulnerable position a person could possibly be in, she placed her absloute trust in us to do nothing but take proper care of her. At one point I noticed her shivering and asked if she was warm enough. She said she was, it was just the stress and magnitude of the situation catching up with her. After assisting, I exited the ambulance and they headed for  the paramedic intercept. I was on the rescue truck and got back to getting it back in service and in quarters.

It was later in quarters I was reflecting on the call I realized that trust. Of course, I always treat such vulnerable patients the way I would want my wife, daughter, parents, or grandparents treated. Oh, we may groan about getting toned out for a call at inopportune times, but as soon as we arrive on scene, the grumpiness gets switched off and the charming helpful EMT persona gets turned on. Yes, even for those frequent flyers, or someone being forcibly transported for a mental health issue that are, shall we say, less than cooperative or are just plain angry.