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What do you think of this?
- Thread starter Tooth
- Start date
Just skimming the article, it sounds like a true nightmare scenario.
I can't believe they literally drove off with her on the side of the road? Holy crap.
I can't believe they literally drove off with her on the side of the road? Holy crap.
Smellytele
Well-known member
If what was reported here is true then something needs to be done about these paramedics. Very sad story.
I would love to here the other side of the story but if it went down like that then WOW
Those remote Maine areas sure are a long way from the closest hospital, let alone the closest major hospital not that it would have made much difference in this case. Would chopper on call be feasible for weekends/holiday weeks?
This must have been incredibly traumatic for her. Wishing nothing but the best for her and the family/friends.
Those remote Maine areas sure are a long way from the closest hospital, let alone the closest major hospital not that it would have made much difference in this case. Would chopper on call be feasible for weekends/holiday weeks?
This must have been incredibly traumatic for her. Wishing nothing but the best for her and the family/friends.
vdk03
New member
Truly horrifying story, as others have mentioned I'd like to hear the paramedics side of the story though. My first thought was that she probably got left there because she was absolutely hysterical (and rightly so) but telling the paramedics how to do their jobs and how shitty of a job they were doing. Even if this was the case that is a horrible way to handle the situation and I imagine there will be consequences. My condolences to the family.
andrec10
Active member
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He CLEARLY should have been Choppered to a Hospital!
SIKSKIER
New member
Tragic story
Just a really awfull scenario even if things were not exactly how she tells it.Condolences forwarded.And weepy eyes.
Just a really awfull scenario even if things were not exactly how she tells it.Condolences forwarded.And weepy eyes.
2sons
Member
Wtf
Eloquently stated, pretty much sums it up
UVSHTSTRM
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It was during a snowstorm, which probably meant choppers weren't flying. Also I am guessing the nearest lifeflight heli was in Lewiston or Bangor so that would take a bit of time from call in to take off then land then fly him back out.
Back to the article, if all true, which I don't have any reason to believe it isn't, these paramedics better be looking for new employment.
UVSHTSTRM
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For clarification, they should be fired for leaving a women on the side of a cold and snowy road. The rest of the stuff could just be training or lack there of, but we will see. Very curious to see how this plays out. If the story of how things played out according to Mrs. Morse, then this is just horrific.
billski
Active member
If it come to bear as truth, after hearing both sides, not only should they be fired, but they should lose their EMT/First Responder credentials.
seems unreal. I'd also like to hear the other side of the story, but this whole situation seems pretty effed up. Condolences to the family. 
drjeff
Well-known member
To play Devil's advocate for a moment here - the emt/driver knew they had a very grave injury in the ambulance where minutes could possibly mater. They have a relative on board (which may or may not be allowed by Maine regulations, I don't know) and she's basically demanding that they stop the ambulance to let her get in the back (thus slowing down transit time to the hospital which is about an hour away and there's a snowstorm going on too) Per the article where they got her out of the ambulance was just a few minutes after they left the medical building at sugarloaf, so she's close to the resort. The driver and EMT at that point likely didn't want to do that but felt that her actions were hindering his care, and one of the most important things that EMT's try and do with a very sick patient is get them to the nearest, appropriate care level hospital as they can. Did they do anything technically wrong? The documentation of the care/review of the regulations governing Maine EMT's and Ambulance service will show one way or another. Was it the best way to handle that situation? Probably not
Abubob
Well-known member
This has wrongful death case written all over it. I t really sounds like he may not have had to die. The courts will have to decide.
Any chance she wasn't really clear..... Im sure it was extraordinarily emotional. Maybe she said i need to go back? Instead of get in the back? Side note: cant you get into the back of an ambulance from the front seat without exiting the vehicle? I have a friend who is an emt in MA.... Gonna ask him what he thinks
Gnarcissaro
New member
Jeez, hope I don't get broke off at Sugarloaf!!
I'm not sure how alleged questionable judgment by the ambulance crew draws thoughts of a wrongful death situation. Given the available information, that seems like a bit of a stretch.
If the situation happened as described, then I agree with what billski's punishment recommendation. Only acceptable reason for dropping the woman off on the side of the road is if the ambulance driver is confident that her presence was going to restrict his ability to get her husband to a hospital as quickly as possible to hopefully save his life.
My thoughts are that the back of an ambulance is essentially a mobile operating room. In an emergency situation, I can fully respect the paramedic crew wanting to have room to work without the kin of the patient interfering with their work in saving that patient's life. That should be the policy and I don't think exceptions should be made based upon the professional background of the patient's kin.
So very sad to read this. This woman and her family is living a nightmare that I wish no one ever has to experience.
Weather was likely the problem with getting the Lifeflight heli to Sugarloaf. There are two birds in Maine. One in Lewiston and one in Bangor. Lewiston is closer. They cover a lot of ground quickly- 50 miles in 22 minutes. Lewiston to Sugarloaf I am guessing is a 35 minute trip. I am not sure what the dispatch time is and where the would land (likely the airport in the valley). The Lifeflight helicopters are flying ICU's and the next best place to be if not in the hospital. Unfortunately weather probably prevented there use.
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