Let's be safe out there...

There are many risks to being an EMS provider - blood borne pathogens, violent people, and uncontrolled, chaotic scenes to mention a few. We are witnesses to "things going bad" or "bad luck" everyday. While we are witnesses to such events, do we do anything to evaluate/educate ourselves in our protection?

Here in Manitoba, we celebrate the fact our government passed legislation for provision of a blood sample from a patient in the case of an exposure. This legislation allows providers to have some peace of mind. Hard work from the Paramedic Assn of Manitoba made this happen. They were the leaders in advocating such legislation to the benefit of all emergency providers. Congratulations PAM on your hard work resulting in our protection.

Unfortunately, we see how our world is becoming more violent. It is not only in the larger cities, but also in rural areas. We are all exposed to risks, in some ways rural practitioners are more at risk as back up is farther away. I must commend some Paramedics and their employers for recognizing these changes in our work places. Central RHA has evaluated a 5 day Paramedic Self Defense program. The City of Winnipeg EMS (yes, WEMS is their new, official name) provided a modified, one day seminar for all its Paramedics. As a participant of the WEMS program, I see the value in such a self defense program and would encourage all Paramedics to have their employer provide you with a similar program.

Chaotic scenes are "the norm" for us!!! It is a statement you hear however it instills a sense a complacency also. A evening rush hour crash with 2 trauma arrests and 2 other patients. A midday highway crash involving a car and 4 cyclists - 2 trauma arrests. And in the US, two medivac choppers crashing with 6 fatalities. These are all great news stories but for Paramedics we have more to the story. The carnage and the reactions of the public who witness it are also part of our memories. The risks taken (subconsciously) - rush hour traffic trying to get through your accident scene, highway traffic zooming by, and exploding helicopters injuring 2 Paramedics with the ground ambulances responding to the crash.

We need to keep in mind our safety. It weighs upon us greatly while becoming second nature. The events I described all occurred within the last 5 days. It is the nature of our work environment. We must also work hard to ensure we are not having "things going bad" or any "bad luck" as it may cost us our lives. Let's be safe out there....