How do you handle first responders?

[Chief1C]

If the person is holding c-spine, then I want a direct, face to face communication and in depth report on what they have. I don't care if they're a boy scout first aid instructor or a trauma surgeon, they're in control of the most important (at the moment) function. The first thing they may say, is "don't get too close, he'll hit ya". I would want to know what. I'd take their report, then do my own size up of the victim.

[fiznat]

I have to say that this is not my favorite kind of call to go to. In general, I don't really like getting "reports" from first responders as the quality varies quite a bit, and I am going to have to repeat everything they did anyways. To be honest all I really want from the first responder is a QUICK (as in, less than 10 seconds) wrap up of the "must know" kind of stuff that I can't easialy get elsewhere. If the guy was seizing or unresponsive or something else prior to my arrival, that is relevant. On the other hand, I don't really care about the SAMPLE history and a narrative of the unremarkable 10 minutes prior to my arrival.

In my personal experience, a lot of first responders like to give long-winded and exhaustive reports about unimportant stuff, and oftentimes just get in the way. When I get on scene my first instinct is to get to the patient's side so I can hear their story and start assessing, not have 10 minutes of conversation with witnesses/first responders on my way there.

That said, I have had a few first responders who were really on the ball and gave me really professional quick, crisp reports. Its really hit and miss...

[paramedicmike]

You guys do realize this is a five year old thread, right?

[Chief1C]

No, I was just replying to what the CehNehDeh dude posted.

But, thank you for taking the time to tell us that. What would we do with out you?

[paramedicmike]

But, thank you for taking the time to tell us that. What would we do with out you?

Find another outlet for your barely concealed sarcasm?

[EMT City Administrator]

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[scubanurse]

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Thank you! I don't see the big deal people have with dredging up old posts... as long as its still on topic there shouldn't be a problem.

As for dealing with first responders on scene... as long as they aren't causing harm I appreciate the extra help and I'm sure the patient appreciates someone being there fast and calming them down. But if they're freaking out like one previous poster commented, then PD can make themselves useful and escort them off scene.

Personally I have stopped a few times, the worst being when I saw a bicyclist struck by a box truck in DC and thrown about 50 feet into the intersection. All I did was throw gloves on and did a jaw thrust while holding c-spine, but it opened his airway until EMS got there. Granted this was DC so I don't know how well he did after I left the scene, but when I left, he had an opened airway and was breathing. The police and EMS seemed to appreciate me being there since everyone else was just standing around not doing anything.

[Richard B the EMT]

I would talk to everyone, the more info I can get the better I can help my patients. Also, I would give any first responders a huge thank you for stopping and helping out, not only does it help me out but I'm sure it makes a huge difference to the people who really needed it - the patients.

I would also thank the "First Responder(s)" for whatever readings they got, but tell them that I'm still going to have to take vital signs for myself, as per agency policy. If the readings present with great difference to the FR's readings, I'll tell the FRs of the difference. On the call report, I'd also make note of the FR's reading numbers and time they got them, against my own, in the "comments" section, along with, if any, their cert or licence number for their level of training. If they are from my agency, I'd record their badge number also (credit where credit is due). If from adifferent agency, that gets written down also.

I also would not chase them off, it means less to lift, sometimes.

[Cookie]

I listen to what the first responder/bystander has to say, and I also talk to the patient. They might just have some important information that the patient cannot tell us.

This brings to mind a recent accident where the first responder happened to be a paramedic from another state. when we arrived on scene we gratfully listened to what he had to say as he also was a witness to the accident. Mom stated that she and the little girl were belted in, well the bystander said otherwise as she had bounced about in the passenger compartment, and had accompanying injuries that also said she was not belted in. You just never know, so get covered on all basis.

[Dustdevil]

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As stated at 1:28...

IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO POST IN AN EXISTING THREAD THAN TO START A NEW ONE!