Monkeys and EMS

[Dustdevil]

So many people wonder why I and others here so often refer to monkeys when describing many medics, EMTs, and firemen. The allegory is a particularly accurate one in many, many respects. And the co-relation seems quite clear to me, but not so much to others. So, in order that everyone might understand why the monkey is used here to refer to many fire medics, tech school medics, EMTs, and really, EMS in general, I offer the following study from which you can begin to understand:

• Start with a cage containing five monkeys. In the cage, hang a banana on a string and put a set of stairs under it.

Before long, a monkey will go to the stairs and start to climb towards the banana. As soon as he touches the stairs, spray all of the monkeys with cold water. After awhile, another monkey makes an attempt with the same result. Pretty soon, when any monkey tries to climb the stairs, the other monkeys will try to prevent it.

Now, turn off the cold water. Remove one monkey from the cage and replace it with a new one. The new monkey sees the banana and wants to climb the stairs. To his horror, all of the other monkeys attack him. After another attempt and attack, he knows that if he tries to climb the stairs, he will be assaulted.

Next, remove another of the original five monkeys and replace it with a new one. The newcomer goes to the stairs and is attacked. The previous newcomer takes part in the punishment with enthusiasm. Again, replace a third original monkey with a new one. The new one makes it to the stairs and is attacked as well. Two of the four monkeys that beat him have no idea why they were not permitted to climb the stairs, or why they are participating in the beating of the newest monkey.

After replacing the fourth and fifth original monkeys, all the monkeys which have been sprayed with cold water have been replaced. Nevertheless, no monkey ever again approaches the stairs. Why not? Because that's the way it's always been around here.

• Need I explain further how this applies to EMS?

[Michael]

Cage = EMS?

String = Certain options available under the current system?

Banana = Reward for behaviors that some providers would begrudge other providers?

Cold shower & beating monkeys = Posting flames?

Admittedly, these are just wild guesses. :wink:

[JakeEMTP]

Need I explain further how this applies to EMS?

ROFL! No further explanation required!

Science be damned! " Want to see my new light bar?"

[fireflymedic]

Dang dust - I knew some of my partners resembled chimpanzees, but now I know why ! Have you worked around here at some point?

[sirduke]

Who do you think was holding the hose...

[Don1977]

That makes no sense at all....

[SANDMEDIC]

:?

That was a quality post.. not so much

[Dustdevil]

:?

That was a quality post.. not so much

You honestly do not believe that a valid analogy exists between the above scientific observation and many of the things we do as EMS providers? You don't think that many of our policies, procedures, practices, and dogma are perpetuated long beyond their usefulness based upon outdated and disproven information? You don't see anyone in EMS doing things that are of questionable value simply because that's the way they were taught, the way everybody else does it, or because it's the way they've always done it?

If not, you are either the greenest of rookies, or simply deaf, dumb, and blind.

[ccmedoc]

That makes no sense at all....

I truly hope this statement was made in jest, or loaded with sarcasm...The alternative is a bit frightening to me...I see a direct relation to this story and the present state of EMS..and why people are not willing to think outside the box...

They don't know why..they just don't want the other monkeys to smack 'em around..

I think this was a beautiful explanation, and a darn good post albeit a little close to home for some, I'm sure..

Simply an opinion...but MY opinion 8)

[akflightmedic]

I have read that analogy before, just can not remember where and in what context it was. Regardless, it is entirely relevant to the current state of EMS. Job well done mate!