Do members of EMS count?
I read the Sunday editorial “Drug epidemic now endangering first responders,” and I have one question: What about EMS?
You mention the police and firefighters having to take extra precautions when they enter a scene, but the editorial makes it sound like we in EMS just show up, stay outside, and do nothing, and are the stereotypical ambulance drivers.
I’m not taking anything away from our brethren in the police and fire departments. They are on the frontline of this epidemic with us, and like you said, they are sometimes the first ones on scene to administer Naloxone. However, in many cases, that initial dose does not work, and EMS personnel may have to administer several doses of Naloxone to bring the patient around.
We are also in the same situations with the police and fire departments handling needles, and stamp bags, and have had to change our way of approaching these scenes, from masks and gowns to bulletproof vests.
EMS usually treats and then transports these patients to the hospital, which makes it even more dangerous. Many times there is only a paramedic or emergency medical technician in the back of the ambulance with the patient. The patient could suddenly become combative, or they could still have drug residue on their clothing, which could become harmful to our crews and possibly future patients.
Everyone who goes into these situations has to be on a higher level of alertness, and must take precautions to keep themselves and everyone on scene safe. A lot has changed with this opioid epidemic, and all agencies must keep current in their training and approach to these situations.
Christopher DeJohn
Washington