Have you ever touched a patient more than required?

[spenac]

From another topic on the scum TV I wondered how many touch patients more than the job requires. I have. Because my job does not require that I hold their hand, put my arm around them, allow them to cry on my shoulder, etc. So yes I have touched my patient more than the job requires. I have never touched a patient in an inappropriate way though. So am I the only one that has touched a patient more than the job requires?

[sevenball]

Holy loaded question batman!

Yes, I have. If you're talking about holding hands and allowing a shoulder to cry on. If you're talking about inappropriate touching, no. I think those people who assault their pt.'s should be shot.

[Just Plain Ruff]

Actually I think that your job does require holding hands and allowing for someone to cry on your shoulder if you will allow it.

It's not in the job description but if you ask everyone on here if they have held someone's hand or let them cry on your shoulder then it should be.

I think we need to take out this hugging and hand holding and get to the real question of course no-one in their right mind will answer truthfully if they want to keep their job.

I have never touched a patient inappropriately EVER. I have never even considered it. That's not what I got in this business for. If I wanted a cheap thrill I'd drive to the nearest convenience store and get a magazine or go to the local Priscilla's shop and buy a porno.

At least I won't lose my job for looking at this stuff unless I'm looking at it during work.

[sevenball]

agreed! When you go into work mode, you can't even look at a patient in that manner. You're there to help, that is your mindset. Nothing more, and nothing less will do.

[emtannie]

Actually I think that your job does require holding hands and allowing for someone to cry on your shoulder if you will allow it.

It's not in the job description but if you ask everyone on here if they have held someone's hand or let them cry on your shoulder then it should be.

I agree - I answered yes, because I included holding hands, or hugging a patient or a family member who needed reassurance. I believe part of my job is not just dealing with the physical issues a patient has, but also providing comfort to the patient and family members as best I can.

I also agree - anyone who touches a patient inappropriately should be taken out behind the barn and (insert appropriate punishment here)...

[spenac]

Actually I think that your job does require holding hands and allowing for someone to cry on your shoulder if you will allow it.

No I can do my job as a cold robot. I can strictly do medical care with no human compassion. I have met doctors that even do that. I can not imagine ever being that cold but you could if you wanted and technically you would not be doing anything wrong. We are there to provide medical care not be their friend. Personally if any have that attitude though I think they need out of the business.

Some of the biggest hugs, kisses, handshakes, and thank yous came from people I did nothing for besides hold their hand and listen. Personally I will continue to reach out to people, I will not allow fear to stop me from providing human contact to those that need it.

But again we could technically do our job w/o being warm compassionate people.

[spenac]

agreed! When you go into work mode, you can't even look at a patient in that manner. You're there to help, that is your mindset. Nothing more, and nothing less will do.

How true. I have gotten to the hospital and as I leave the patients room have an ER person say dang she's hot, yet I barely realized female other than because type of questions I needed to ask that don't apply to guys.

[pappasteve101]

As you mentioned I often pat them on the shoulder or hand. I once told another emt that when doing an assessment you are touching people where they are not used to being touched, so you have a very short time to build a relationship. Very important to have the right attitude with a patient.

[firedoc5]

There were a few times that I've personally known the patient or the patient's family and was asked to actually hold them, and I did.

On a cardiac transfer I made the family requested me, even though it was my day off. I was very good friends with the patients son and his wife, and I knew his sister. His wife was an EMT-I so she rode with me in the back. After getting to the hospital in Springfield, IL that patient's family asked if I wanted to stay the weekend with them. So I thought why not.

Wound up we all four, Marty, Brigette, Tina, and myself, in one hotel room. To make a long story short, Tina and I sort of shared the second bed. Eventually we started dating.

Inappropriate???? Not really, I don't think...Even though it didn't work out we remained very good friends.

Oh, and their mother. Had a cardiac cath. Rode home in the family car and they thought it was a good idea that I did ride with them just in case. She's still alive and kicking.

[Capman]

Actually I think that your job does require holding hands and allowing for someone to cry on your shoulder if you will allow it.

If you didn't say Ruff', I would have.

A shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, and a thankful hug (to name a few) is what we call human compassion, and when appropriate; it IS part of the job.