I just transported a psychiatric patient from Butler Hospital to Miriam hospital, a trip of about three miles. The patient was in Butler for a variety of reasons, today we were called for a medical problem. We were escorted through the hospital grounds by a security guard who led us to the ambulance bay. From there, another security guard walked us to the unit where our patient waited. Security was tight, we were escorted through a locked door into the patient area. Our patient was stable, we put her onto our stretcher and asked if security would be coming with us. “No,” was the answer. “We do this all the time, no security necessary.”
I could, and maybe should have made an issue out of the situation but felt as though I would be pushing water uphill. We left the facility, escorted by security until we left the hospital grounds. From there we were on our own. While reading the patients report it was noted in multiple places that the patient is volatile, unpredictable and prone to violence. Among other things she tried to kill her mother and sister. The psych eval was a day old. The trip was uneventful. This time.
Security at Miriam Hospital will keep an eye on her while she is treated.
This kind of thing goes on every day, nationwide. EMS providers are left vulnerable. Going along to get along will eventually, and probably already has get somebody seriously hurt, or killed.
I might have to write a letter. Never mind, I already did. (Friday, February 29th)
Lot of good that did.
One thing I’ve noticed is that people who are homicidal tend to be that way towards one or two select individuals, and for very specific “reasons.” Usually immediate family members. If you’re not one of them, you’re typically pretty safe.
I’m with you on this one, Michael..that was risky. Unpredictable, means just that. EMS is vulnerable in that we can barely, legally defend ourselves in those situations. You can’t restrain them if they become combative – last I knew.