Tipping...to take it or not?

[Don1977]

Transported a lady who fell tonight , had a skin tear that bled pretty good, we transported her back home about 3 hours later, well she offered a tip and I stated, "the company really doesn't want us to take tips, but if you insist we will" She said "I insist, you guys are too nice" As we got her off stretcher and she got settled she gave us $5 to split up, this has happened a few times to me and to be honest i do tell them we should not take it and the company says not to, but they insist I don't tell them no a second time, sometimes they get more offended when they are told no, I have seen that too.

So, whats your opinion and thoughts on this?

[reaper]

If you work for a private service, it would be up to you. In county government, it is absolutely forbidden.

If you are a 911 service, I would say no. If you are just transporting them, why not. You tip your taxi driver right?

[Just Plain Ruff]

well if the bill is gonna be like 1000 bucks you should get at least 100 to 200 dollars for a tip. Any less from anyone makes em a cheapskate.

Why don't we just put tip jars on the bench seats like the jars you see at starbucks for tips.

and depending on the circumstances I don't tip. Like for instance, I was in baltimore Maryland and was in a cab going from the airport to downtown. They guy was going 25 miles per hour higher than the posted speed limit and drove right past a police officer. Well he got stopped, he refused to turn off the meter during the ticket and since I took the trip weekly I knew what the fare would be so that's what he got, 15.00 and nothing more. No tip nothing. He was not happy.

So no I don't think we should accept tips from anyone. It's unprofessional. The patient is already being charged enough.

[Don1977]

Well, we are a private service, but this occured in the town we do 911 calls in.

[JPINFV]

I use the 3 refusal rule. I refuse it three times then reluctantly take a tip. I've never had tip on an emergency call, but have had a few on discharges. I do believe that there is a point where refusing a tip becomes obnoxious.

[afd1307]

we deny it until they wont give in and then use the money to buy teddy bears for either kids that we transport or for christmas donations

[tskstorm]

I refuse refuse refuse, but when they put it in my hand/pocket/belt pouch, there is only so much you can do !

[EMT-B 55]

Instead of accepting a tip, suggest that a donation be made to the Service provider (company) with a note acknowledging the fine work the crew did. Then there is no violation of company regulations

[3Canz]

I would refuse and instead suggest that they make a donation to something in the community, Red Cross, St. Jude's, whatever.....

[Dustdevil]

Unless this is very obviously somebody that cannot afford to lose five bucks, I'll take it.

Just like we appreciate their appreciation, they appreciate our appreciation of their appreciation.

But yeah, can't do that if you're a government employee. God bless private EMS!