Have you ever ............. be honest now.

[Eydawn]

As far as that other troll's thread went, there is a difference between watching a film that contains a brief nudity or sex scene and bringing a porno flick to work. For example, the film about the researcher Kinsey contains a lot of adult references and material. But is it about just watching people have sex? No way in hell. It's a profile of a very important researcher and a movie about the controversy that surrounded his studies. Definitely a good watch, and very discussion provoking. Good study on the psychology of human sexuality.

Pornography, or the graphic visual representation of sex just for the gratification of sexual interest, should be reserved for home. As should the physical act.

Wendy

CO EMT-B

[Don1977]

Having sex at work is unprofessional- yes or no? Let's dispute this first.

I'm voting that having sex at work is VERY unprofessional. You're not there to get laid. Also, having sex with coworkers is a good way to create rumors and backbiting gossip that will eventually affect you negatively- whether it's your superiors seeing more of your negatives or coworkers failing to be honest with you because "you're sleeping with so and so and it's going to get back to them." Just don't do it. If you want to cultivate a relationship with someone, do so off the clock. Don't have sex in the station. It's not a matter of being prude... it's a matter of respecting common space and your peers. You don't see corporations encouraging or turning a blind eye to folks slipping off to the supply closet to get it on... so thus, if your company doesn't encourage it, it is obviously not to happen. Hell, there's not even a clause about it in my company policies (except to say that relationships between coworkers need to have management informed, especially if it's between different authority levels, so that no situation occurs where a romantic partner has direct power over the other).

As far as professionalism in the workplace goes, if your partners aren't changing sheets after runs there is a serious issue here and it needs to be reported to the higher ups. Calling out sick when you're actually too sick to work, rather than bringing it in and exposing patients to it, is a good thing. Some of us get sick more frequently than others. If we work our share when we're there and only call out sick when we truly are sick, then it's not an issue.

As far as the talking on the cell phone or texting while being in the back with a patient, that's not just a "younger generation" thing. I had a couple FTO's old enough to be my parents text and answer the phone while in the back with me and the patient. Pissed me off. And I would venture to say that I would much prefer anyone driving to NOT TALK ON THE DAMN PHONE no matter where we're driving to or why. I don't care that it's 3am and we're on our way back to the station. I'll drive so you can talk. I also am not a fan of being told by older, more "professional" medics, that the speed limit rules don't matter, we need to get to the call quickly no matter what it is and it's ok to go 90mph on county roads.

As far as the stereo goes, if only the driver can hear it, I don't care. If it's an interfacility and the patient would like some music, go for it. Otherwise, it should be off. But again... it's not the younger guys I've ridden with that I've seen this from. I've seen it from the older folks.

It's not a generational thing, it's a personal thing. Regardless of how old you are or what generation of EMS you are, suck it up. Be a professional. This is a career, not just some job. Show up on time, dressed correctly, and shut off your damn phone. You're there for the patients, so do your best and provide quality care.

That's my opinion.

Wendy

CO EMT-B

Get paid and laid at same time.....

[mobey]

Ya know crotchity.... When you first began posting here I thought you were going to be a real level headed health care professional. I gotta say, this kind of crap is making you look like a real tool!

Workplace porn is unprofessional

Workplace sex is unprofessional

Workplace masturbation is unprofessional

Saying "My generation was way more professional than this generation" is unprofessional

Exploiting health care as a whole by publicly saying there is sex acts going on at all hospitals/ fire stations/ EMS quarters is unprofessional

So.... you ask...... why dosen't everybody post everything they ever think.... well.....

BECAUSE WE ARE PROFESSIONALS

Sometimes it is better for all if you just keep your thoughts to yourself on a public forum

*To all the lurkers* Please remember these are the rantings of just one former Paramedic. Please feel safe in knowing that when I respond to your house in your time of need, I was not just masturbating with that hand that I am now feeling your abdomen with.

Please trust that there is no sexual tension between me and my partner, or, the Doctor and nurse, that is somehow going to impede on your care as a patient.

This whole thread belittles our profession..... I really thought this was just going to be a funny 5-6 responce thread.

I regret ever responding on the first page.

[Eydawn]

All I got to say, Don... FIGURES you'd say that.

Wendy

CO EMT-B

[Freaknuggetz_chick]

ya, i've done it on duty. but i was in my own bed! lol. and i know 1 dispatcher knew she interupted.... she was apologizing via txt to my cell phone! lol

however, i know of others who have at the station, and i was quite shocked. i can kinda sorta understand the voyuerism fantasy thing, but, when anyone could walk in, when a call could come at any time, not to mention the whole sanitation thing (gag!) just drives me nuts. but, was it my place to say anything?? i didnt.

one of my preceptors has a nice saying

2 things that should never happen in an ambulance are catching babies and making babies.

the thought of sex in the back of the unit is rather disturbing. disgusting in my mind.

[crotchitymedic1986]

Just some points for clarity, for those who dont like to go back and read the whole thread:

1. I never said anything about sex in an ambulance.

2. Last month, most the people on this thread said porn in the workplace was OK, now many are saying it is unprofessional, you guys need to make up your mind.

3. For all those who think I am in the minority, and must have worked at an unprofessional place, please note how many honest folks have claimed that they have done it. I seriously doubt all of them need to be banished from EMS for being so unprofessional. AND FOR THE RECORD, I never admitted that I had done it, I just asked the question.

4. An EMS employee that is chewing tobacco and spitting in front of family, patients, and coworkers is far more unprofessional than two consenting adults making love in private at work (remember i have always said in private, without anyone knowing).

5. It was Wendy who thought masturbation in the workplace was OK, not me.

6. Mobey, I will lose lots of sleep tonight knowing that I have dissapointed you. If you would be honest with yourself, I imagine someone you respect very much at work has been guilty of this practice.

And I am sorry if I have upset anyone by shining the light on something in our industry that we are not proud of. But if we are to become the profession that everyone talks about on here, we have to clean up our own backyard first.

[firedoc5]

Wow, the funny had gone out the door a long time ago.

[mobey]

2. Last month, most the people on this thread said porn in the workplace was OK, now many are saying it is unprofessional, you guys need to make up your mind.

We do not "speak as one" on this thread.... I don't give a $hit what was said last week by whom. "Us guys" all have our own opinions.

3. For all those who think I am in the minority, and must have worked at an unprofessional place, please note how many honest folks have claimed that they have done it.

Hmmm... out of the thousands of members on this board... 18 people have admitted it!! 18...... think about that! And your right, I do think you worked at an unprofessional place, and I believe you are a strong member of the "good ol boys" club

4. An EMS employee that is chewing tobacco and spitting in front of family, patients, and coworkers is just as unprofessional than two consenting adults making love in private at work (remember i have always said in private, without anyone knowing).

Fixed that for ya

5. It was Wendy who thought masturbation in the workplace was OK, not me.

Read her post again!!

6. Mobey, I will lose lots of sleep tonight knowing that I have dissapointed you.

I am flattered :oops:

If you would be honest with yourself, I imagine someone you respect very much at work has been guilty of this practice.

Nope, I work with professionals who would never pull a stunt like this. Us "unprofessional" generation don't believe in following the ol' boys club and carrying on the old tradition of "Making love" on the frickin bathroom floor at a germ filled Fire station. :-&

And I am sorry if I have upset anyone by shining the light on something in our industry that we are not proud of. But if we are to become the profession that everyone talks about on here, we have to clean up our own backyard first.

Oh don't be sorry.... just don't cover me with your blanket. I have no sex sins to repent to the profession gods. My backyard is clean.... maybe yours isn't, it's pretty clear your not interested in clearing this anyway, the entire thread you have been advocating sex with co-workers or a spouce at work, not exactly "cleaning" anything.

Hey if you got a guilty concious that is your thing... but rest assured You are the minority

18 people crotchity...... 18 people

[firedoc5]

I'll be the first to admit the private ambulance I worked for from 84-89 was semi-unprofessional. It was a lot like M*A*S*H (the movie). We might have "done our own thing" but when a call came in or we were called to duty we were outstanding. We kept the unprofessionalism at the station.

[krumel]

As I said above: I have strict rules for myself....But:

I don't see the point where having sex at the station which none gets to know about it makes someone unprofessional.

From my very personal point of view professionalism ends somewhere..When the rig is 100% okay, 100% clean, the way the provider takes care of his/her calls, I'm not seeing why this person is unprofessional just he/she is having some fun at the station none else will know about...