How would you like to be treated in an ambulance?!
Question: How would you like to be treated in an ambulance!?
Ok, here's the question!. I'm an emergency technician, and I want to make sure that any patients that go on the ambulance are as comfortable as possible!. I know that some people feel very uneasy due to their illness, accident, or just the situation they are in!. So I'm wondering if patients would like it if I offered to hold their hand during the ride to the hospital!. I definitely see this as a way of calming them down, but I'm worried that I'm crossing the boundary of professionalism as an EMT!. Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated!. Thanks in advance!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
As an EMT myself, I here your dilemma!.
Normally I don't offer to hold a patients hand(especially because I am treating someone and they could have a transmittable disease)!. Also if you have on proper PPE, latex/vinyl gloves aren't really fun to hold on to!.
I definitely wouldn't hold a patients hand if a loved one or someone with a better interaction with them was along for the ride!.
If its a paramedic call, usually you will have little to do but I would only if a person reaches out to you!. I really only see people with intense pain want to hold hands just to alleviate their own pain, but this could cause pain to yourself and you should never let a patient hurt you!.
If it is a psychiatric patient, I tend to hold their hands because a lot of times they want/need structure!. Again if they try to injure me all bets are off!.
I WOULD always keep constant verbal contact with my patient!. This helps calm patients down and doesn't alienate them!. Some calls will be from older people living alone who just want some TLK!. Give it to them but does that mean you need to hold their hand!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
Normally I don't offer to hold a patients hand(especially because I am treating someone and they could have a transmittable disease)!. Also if you have on proper PPE, latex/vinyl gloves aren't really fun to hold on to!.
I definitely wouldn't hold a patients hand if a loved one or someone with a better interaction with them was along for the ride!.
If its a paramedic call, usually you will have little to do but I would only if a person reaches out to you!. I really only see people with intense pain want to hold hands just to alleviate their own pain, but this could cause pain to yourself and you should never let a patient hurt you!.
If it is a psychiatric patient, I tend to hold their hands because a lot of times they want/need structure!. Again if they try to injure me all bets are off!.
I WOULD always keep constant verbal contact with my patient!. This helps calm patients down and doesn't alienate them!. Some calls will be from older people living alone who just want some TLK!. Give it to them but does that mean you need to hold their hand!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
I don't know that holding a patient's hand is crossing the line but keep in mind that some people hate to be touched!. Take your cues from your patient!.
I think the #1 thing you can do for a patient is to listen to them!. I know I hate it when I am trying to tell a nurse/doctor/EMT something about my medical condition that is unique to me and they won't listen to me because it is out the "norm"!. I know my body better than anyone so I am the best resource you have with regard to treating me!.
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I think the #1 thing you can do for a patient is to listen to them!. I know I hate it when I am trying to tell a nurse/doctor/EMT something about my medical condition that is unique to me and they won't listen to me because it is out the "norm"!. I know my body better than anyone so I am the best resource you have with regard to treating me!.
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any patient wants to feel like a human being, not just like the disease or the problem that they have!. just treat them as you feel is appropriate to the situation, which could be different each time!. if you feel like they really need your hand to hold, then hold their hand!. some people just need to be talked to and calmed down!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
I myself have been an EMT for 7+ years and each patient is different!. You need to talk to the patient and find out what they like, how upset they may be, ect!. Older people I found just like to be listened to!. Little kids like smiles, and middle age people sometimes like to be to themselves!. There is no special way in treating every patient!. We are all different and like things differently!. The most important thing is to be caring and compassionate and you'll do fine!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Very Quickly!. lol
Seriously, I think this depends on the individual and with time you will get to know those that like a fuss and those that don't!. Personally, I would be very assured with some one like you!. But as you say, be careful, others may take affection the wrong way!. Soothing talk, is very helpful!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Seriously, I think this depends on the individual and with time you will get to know those that like a fuss and those that don't!. Personally, I would be very assured with some one like you!. But as you say, be careful, others may take affection the wrong way!. Soothing talk, is very helpful!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Treat them in the same manner u would like to be treated!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
yes, i would probably like that if i were scared i was dying or something, as long as you ask first!. I was in an ambulance once - I as at a house party and someone put LSD in my drink without my knowlege - I was having horrible, scary, violent hallucinations and I was acting crazy so my boyfriend called an ambulance!. I dont remember much about the ambulance ride except that I was annoyed that I was strapped down and couldnt sit up!. I remember the paramedic was nice to me tho and that made a big difference since I was all loopy and if she were mean or something i probably would have been really scared since I had no idea what was happening!.Www@Answer-Health@Com