'I had no idea how much aggression paramedics face'

I was lucky enough last week to spend a shift with the paramedics. I have always admired paramedics for the work they do, especially when it comes to dealing with the trauma side of the job and acutely ill patients. I requested to work a shift with them as the placement I am currently on gets patients brought directly onto the ward by the paramedics without visiting A&E. I was hoping that spending a shift with the paramedics would give me a valuable insight into the patient’s journey before they reach the hospital. I witnessed the patient’s journey, but I also got a valuable insight into a paramedic’s working life.

I have always thought that when an ambulance has its lights on and sirens going that other road users should automatically get out of the way. What I didn’t expect was some road users to be at times completely oblivious to the fact that an ambulance was behind them complete with lights and sirens and to cause an obstruction so the ambulance couldn’t get through.

We had numerous calls throughout the day, the majority involving having to put lights and sirens on to ensure we got to the patient in time. We took all but one of our patients back to the hospital. The one patient we didn’t take had refused to come with us. For this patient we had had to wait for police assistance before we could enter his home and engage in establishing what the matter was. The patient swore at us and the police, he refused to come with us and also refused to sign a form stating he was refusing care. He was at all times verbally aggressive to the paramedics and the police.

Another patient became incredibly agitated in the ambulance and tried to rip equipment from the ambulance wall as well as trying to grab myself and the paramedic attending him. When we got him into A&E security were swiftly called to monitor him.

When I started the shift I had no idea how much aggression paramedics face daily. I also had no idea about how inappropriate some call outs are. It is of course vital that the public can access appropriate services but wider use and acknowledgement should be made of walk in centres or same day treatment centres. Unfortunately, it seems that some patients are unaware that these facilities exist, or maybe they simply don’t fancy walking to get treatment so will call an ambulance so they can get a lift to the hospital instead!

Before the shift I had always admired paramedics, after spending a 12 hour shift with them they now have my total admiration and respect.

Have your say

You must sign in to make a comment.