I’ve decided to add a new weekly bit of fun to my blog. I shall call it “Good News/Bad News”. As the world of EMS becomes more and more public, and the sensationalism of our society thrives off of EMS, I think that we are seeing more and more news about EMS. Sometimes it is good for our industry, and often times it isn’t. I will link to the stories, provided a little bit about them, and move on.
This week, we’ll start with the “Bad”.
BAD NEWS:
Texas EMS Director May Lose Certificate
An Ambulance Director in Texas apparently thought the service he directed provided his wife with a free supply of Narcotics. He also didn’t think charting the usage of these drugs was much of a concern. Further–He lied about being a Felon on his application–which in my state is a deal breaker(and a felon in and of itself.)
Nebraska Firefighters Target Of Drug Investigation
Noticing a Pattern Here? The Union is backing Random Drug testing and I think thats great though. If you can save face this is the only way. That, and prosecuting to the fullest extent of the law. I’d just assume not being suspected by the public of stealing drugs and being doped up while doing treatment–and if that means I have to pee into a cup fine. I’d like it if my partners weren’t doped up either. God knows ambulance crashes happen enough as it is…
Villena woman killed in ambulance smash
“It seems that the ambulance flipped over after the driver veered off the main carriageway, and no other vehicles were involved.” What a shame. I won’t say anymore.
N.C. Patient Steals Ambulance, Leads Police Chase
While, not the “fault” of the EMS crew, the headline in itself gives that image of incompitence we just don’t need… Further, just one more reason to lock your damn doors when you are at the ED–or anywhere.
Massachusetts EMT Student Charged in Theft of Fire Gear
Not sure I’m even going to have room for the “good”. What is it with people in this business stealing shit. Whether it be gear, needles, or drugs–don’t do it.
Cheating Suspected on Cleveland Paramedic Exam
This is an internal exam used to assess employees. None the less–disgusting.
Students Claim Coercion in KKK Style Hazing Incident
If you haven’t read about this take the time. This story will not be going away anytime soon. Especially in the Northeast.
Vow to fix bullying in ambulance service
Yeah. Ok. Show me a service that doesn’t have a heavy portion of people that treat others like crap. That’s what happens when you work a high stress job, too many hours, and don’t get paid enough. (not that I condone this).
Ambulance supervisor agrees to repay county
Yay, another Supervisor who stole from his service. Congrats!
D.C. Ambulance Crews Accused of Shirking Responsibility
Yeah… They were prob steal Narcs and shooting up, then selling the remaining gear. That seems to be a common theme this week…
Ok… Thats enough Bad News for one week… Lets try to dig up some Good.
GOOD NEWS:
Massachusetts Firefighters Send Ambulance to Afghanistan
Great news. Though some asshat is going to say that this is bad because they should be supporting themselves–remember-Afganistan is the war we SHOULD be fighting but can’t because we’re overs exerting our forces.
Retiring Wisconsin Medic Takes Down Thief
For once a story were a medic does something other than steal, do drugs, crash his rig, or eat too much.
New Mexico High School Produces Career Ready EMTs
Good for them. Good for the public. Good all around. Schools are teaching kids things that might pan out to be worth something–finally.
Doctor tests ‘green’ EMS vehicle
If the general public realized how much fuel we burn every day they would flip out. Especially those of us in public service gigs.
Florida Paramedic Comes to Aid of Brother-in-Law
Giving up an organ always looks good. I don’t care who you are.
There has to be more good news? Right? I couldn’t find any. If you have some please, please let me know!
