Lone Star

Unfortunately, Michigan EMS protocols are not available online, and I don't happen to have My protocol books available for scanning the appropriate pages to prove this point. (they're in Michigan, and I'm still stuck in GA) Having worked in multiple counties, I've (at my own expense) purchased copies of those books and carried them in my briefcase in case I needed them for reference. They have on occasion saved me alot of hassles and heartaches! In the event of accidents, mechanical failure, or otherwise unable to continue transport, a second unit will be dispatched to the scene and that patient will be transferred to someone with equal or higher licensure. In the event of an accident involving the transporting unit, an appropriate number of units will be dispatched.

Sorry Squint, But the law in Michigan makes no exceptions for family members, good samaritan acts and 'stable patients'. The law clearly states ( again in MI) that if you have a patient on board, you will NOT stop, or face disciplinary actions (not only at company level, but also at County/State levels. The final outcome is the very good possiblity that you're losing your license. As much as it bothers me to have to pass up my family members because I have a patient on board, the law is crystal clear on this point. My personal feelings cannot negate nor justify violating the protocols that I must follow.

Sam the Sham and Ray Stevens never were associated. Sam had nothing to do with "Ahab, the A-rab" Ray Stevens went on to record such timeless songs as: "The Streak" "It's Me Again, Margaret" "Bridget, the Midget" "Guitarzan" And who could possibly forget the always popular "Mississippi Squirrel Revival"?

If I'm reading this correctly, it's my my parents in the accident that I'm passing with a patient on board. Would I stop, or call it in to dispatch? Since the law is quite clear on this whole issue, I don't have the choice to make. It's called into dispatch, regardless of how much I may want to stop and deal with my parents who may be injured. Either I follow protocols, or I lose my license.....it's that simple. There is no room for 'modified interpretation' of protocols. They are set forth for a reason. End of story.

? = Maria Muldaur

"Wind Beneath My Wings" - Bette Midler, et al

"Hooked On An Eight Second Ride" - Chris LeDoux

"Mama, She's Lazy" - Pinkard & Bowden

"My Home's In Alabama" - Alabama

I fail to see why this topic seems to be so difficult to understand. Speaking from my own protocols, and only my protocols, the whole concept is easy enough to understand. I realize that other geographical areas may do things differently. Since the revival of this thread, I've noticed alot of 'back and forth' mud slinging....each side defending how it 'should be'. Since the only available information is from a news article, how else can we discuss this on any other information? Whether your views support the actions of the crew that stopped at the fender bender, or you don't, either way you're basing your support or condemnation on the same news article.....why cast aspersions to one side, for doing exactly what the other side is doing? I know that MY protocols clearly state that if you have a patient on board and are transporting them, you're 'out of service' to any and all other calls until the completion of the call, which includes a 'proper' transfer of care (verbal and written reports complete). If you're 'empty', then you are subject to local laws that apply about having to stop for accidents (providing you're not running to a priority 1 call [emergent call]). If you're enroute to a priority 2 (no dawdling on your way to the call), or priority 3 (lowest priority ...usually BLS transfer), and you witness an accident, or are flagged down by Law Enforcement....you stop, notify the dispatch center and follow their directions, PRIOR to making patient contact. I don't know about other counties/states and their protocols, nor do I really care what they are (I dont have to play under those rules). I hate to say it, but watching this thread go back and forth, with this "I'm right, because I said so" mentality isn't productive to the entire topic.

"Letters From Home" - John Michael Montgomery

"Forever And Ever, Amen" - Randy Travis

To the best of my knowledge, Kenny Rogers never recorded that song, with or without Dolly Parton.

"I'll Always Love You" - Originally by Dolly Parton, remastered by Dolly Parton/Vince Gill. along with various other recording artists doing their own version of it.

Hmmm....'hidden away from the rest of the world' definately sounds like it has possibilities! :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

"Don't" - Elvis Presley

That's exactly the point that most of us are trying to make here. Once you've got a patient on board, you're bound to treat that patient and that patient only. Splitting crews delays the transport of the original patient, while waiting to arrange for a second unit to come to the scene. If you assess that the second patient is 'stable enough' or uninjured enough to continue on with your first patient, you've abandoned the second patient, and either way, you're in so much deep shit that hip waders arent going to help you! The only way that the 'legally bound to stop' even makes any sense is if you're on your way to a call, and you are an 'empty unit'. In Michigan, the law is clear. Patient on board, you're committed to that call, and even if flagged down by a police officer, you are NOT to pick up or even assess a second patient. If you're an 'empty unit' even if you're responding to a priority 3 patient (lowest priority), you get flagged by law enforcement, you notify dispatch, and the either hand the call off to another unit, or another service. Obviously, no law enforcement officer is going to try to flag down an unit running code 3 to another call! Common sense would dictate that the 'legally bound to act' clause only applies to an 'empty unit', and is suspended or ceases to be applicable once you stop being an 'empty unit'. Moral/ethical duty to act only applies if you can do so without endangering the life of someone you've already started treating!

"Dont It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" - Crystal Gayle

"Blue" - LeeAnn Rimes

Good call Jake! "I Don't Know Whether To Kill Myself Or Go Bowling" - Thom Sharpe

I know where Houghton Lake is. I was born in Traverse City, and have gone camping at Higgins Lake. (Their logo is the storybook character Henry Higgins). My grandfather used to live in Houghton Lake as well. Grayling is where the ANG base is, not a good place to be during 'drill weekends', or during the 'summer drill). When I said "I dont know where you're starting from.", I was referring to where you currently live. (*shrugs shoulders*)

I don't know where you're coming from, but if you're in the Flint area, theres a couple of Tim Hortons. One would be on 475 and Bristol Rd (west of the expressway, on the south side of the road). Theres one in Mt Pleasant as well, at 1004 E Pickard Rd The other is off I-75/Corrunna Road area. I've had their coffee, and wasnt too impressed with it. http://www.timhortons.com/locator/index.html

"If The Devil Danced In Empty Pockets" - Joe Diffie

Am I gonna freeze to death?

DAMN! And here I thought my secret was safe!!! Actually, you'll notice that I never tried to take 'credit' for it. I'll admit, I don't write 'em, I just pass 'em on!