Should college students be transported to the campus nurse?

[Dustdevil]

So... is there any diffrence transporting to the infirmary during the daytime, when an MD is on staff?

If all they need is a clinic, did they really need an EMS ambulance? Doesn't sound like an emergency to me.

[Richard B the EMT]

Speaking for myself, if I consider myself sick or injured enough to seek out care other than my Primary Care Physician, take me to an ER, not a clinic, not a "Doc in the box".

[brentoli]

I am hard pressed to go to the ER. I pretty much have to be forced. When I busted my ankle in July, they took me by the bo'lance. I hated it.

And they crew that took me in (from another department) wanted to cut off my bunker pants and boots.

[Chief1C]

If they want to be taken to the nurse.. call a cab.. drive, carry, drag, etc.. them there. If they need to call EMS, take them to a hospital. IMO, no EMT or Paramedic is qualified enough to decide whether or not my ailment is alcohol/drug related, or medical in nature. If the friend is concerned enough to say they need medical attention; then the concern should be about their life. Rather than their financial situation.

[Richard B the EMT]

If they want to be taken to the nurse.. call a cab.. drive, carry, drag, etc.. them there. If they need to call EMS, take them to a hospital.

Sounds reasonable, and also what I intended to say. However, Give the EMTs and Paramedics some good judgement as to who needs the higher level of care at the ER, as opposed to the lower level (my viewpoint) of the clinic or "doc in a box".

[Dustdevil]

Give the EMTs and Paramedics some good judgement as to who needs the higher level of care at the ER, as opposed to the lower level (my viewpoint) of the clinic or "doc in a box".

Great theory, but in reality, it's hard to find anyone who wants to go to four years of paramedic school when they can do it in 13 weeks at the patch factory down the street.

[CBEMT]

This is the article the editorial stems from. It has more information.

Beyond that I need to refrain from commenting.