EMS Interventions Medical Directors : Page 3
What’s Up Doc? Suggestions to handle a Medic who wants a word “ Hey Doc, do you have a minute?” You have no idea how long it took me to build up the courage to ask you that question. Something has been bothering me so much that I’ve likely already spoken to my supervisor, the manager or Chief and the answers I got there weren’t enough. What is about to follow is nerve wracking and difficult for me as a Paramedic. I’m walking into your safety zone with a concern that you may or may not share. There is a good possibility that I will leave this office without the answers I’m hoping for. Perhaps I’m asking about a protocol, a policy, a medication or procedure that we already perform or maybe asking for something new. I may or may not be carrying with me research pertinent to my concerns and I hope you do more than glance at it and toss it on a pile. Paramedics and Medical Directors seem to have strained relationships at times. Paramedics see an MD writing rules from afar with no idea how poorly they work in the field. Some are lucky enough to have a proactive involved MD, and chances are you’re OK with me coming in to talk. If you’re like most, this may be the first time someone has come to see you personally instead of asking vague questions or complaining at the recent refresher training or protocol update. I have 4 simple requests for our meeting: B Y J USTIN S CHORR 1) Hear me out. This is not an easy thing to come in and essentially tell you “You’re doing it wrong and I know why.” If I’ve made it this far, chances are you’re the one who can help make me job of treating patients better. 2) Don’t discount my ideas even if they’ve been “tried before.” A great many ideas have come and gone in EMS, some places they work, others don’t. There’s a possibility I have a new spin on an old idea that could help. 3) If your answer is a form of “no” don’t send me off without a direction. I’m going to be upset at first but looking for an outlet. Give me a reference to research the idea. If my argument is flawed, SHOW me why by recommending research, a system to look into or a colleague of yours to contact for more information. Send me out to learn where I was wrong. I might just surprise you next time I knock on the door. 4) If I brought research please take the time to read it after we talk. Glancing through a 4 page argument for surgical chric versus needle jet insuflation only to toss it aside is akin to you issuing a 4 page training bulletin on therapeutic htpothermia and me doing the same. My reasons for coming are important to me, and as someone acting under your license should be important to you. We’re on the same team and all I’m looking for is a chance to share my concerns and possible solutions. So when I knock on your door, get ready to hear what’s maybe not in the charts, performance appraisals and data you peruse every month. There’s a good chance we can work together to make this thing we love work just a little bit better for me, you and most importantly, our patients. Photo credit Flickr user caricaturas used under Creative Commons
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