Would you let a family member help in a code?

[spenac]

I'm all for family helping. In fact if they don't love the person enough to help why should I?

Actually I have found familys do better most times when you get them involved. Maybe just helping carry stuff. Getting towels, blankets, boiling water, etc, you really don't need the stuff but they feel involved and often stops the panic state they are in. If they are physically able and are doing it right I will let them in the CPR rotations.

I have been thanked by familys that were involved in care, and not just on codes. I find really on even the most BS of call if you get the family involved it actually helps them learn that they can do some things without calling for the ambulance.

Now on one call, not a code, I asked a family member to get me something and was told no thats what your paid to do. So not everyone is willing to help. I believe on that call we actually denied transport and person had to help anyway and drive patient to the er.

[jwraider]

I second the idea that people want to help but we should be careful not to force anyone to help unless say we are in a situation like the original poster described (great job by the way).

I recently saw someone struck by a car outside school and went over to help while waiting for the ambulance. It was a very busy street with a few hundred people running around the scene. I'm kneeling there trying to assess the PT and every 2 seconds I was being handed napkins, water bottles, "I took CPR once you need help?"... (I'm assuming he meant a course not having it done to him!). So I guess it can be too much at some point.

[Medic26]

I have used family many times, I will usually let them continue cpr if they started prior to our arrival. This allows me and my partner to get things done before help arrives, once additional help arrives....if we get any. One crew member will stay with the family and explain everything we are doing as needed. Usually this is a supervisor. Use whatever you have available, its the only thing you can do.

[EMDP2081]

I'm all for family helping. In fact if they don't love the person enough to help why should I?

That is an awesome statement. Hear Hear!