tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4505990433916682663.post4388913205166899554..comments2024-03-13T02:04:31.476-04:00Comments on Paramedicine 101: When your co-worker has a problemAdam Thompson, EMT-Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18107359165856983910noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4505990433916682663.post-54325783230564742122010-02-19T01:49:39.253-05:002010-02-19T01:49:39.253-05:00Is the person addicted?
Is the person a recreati...Is the person addicted? <br /><br />Is the person a recreational user? <br /><br />Is the person using morphine at all?<br /><br />On what should we base our conclusions? <br /><br />If we believe that he is abusing drugs, what should we tell management after we make further attempts to persuade him to get help voluntarily and he refuses? <br /><br />Adam,<br /><br /><i>It is a fact that most drug abusers who get help eventually relapse.</i><br /> <br /> <br />I do not have any statistics on this and have not looked into it, but what do you base that on? What do you mean by relapse - using one time, using a few times, using full time?Rogue Medichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07598646309630074992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4505990433916682663.post-56904592067467665502010-02-10T23:40:08.038-05:002010-02-10T23:40:08.038-05:00Though this is a hypothetical patient, I did have ...Though this is a hypothetical patient, I did have have an EMT partner about 15 years ago who I found with morphine. He claimed it was for his wife or mother-I can't remember. I was gullible then and turned a blind eye, but later I had to speak to him when his behavior changed and he started missing work. I approached a supervisor who felt there was not much to go on other than my word, since everyone seemed to be having emotional issues. He showed up drunk one day and I convinced him to go home "sick". He stated he was trying to change when I sat down with him, but he would later do a disappearing act-a no call no show. He got a job again at an EMS agency servicing the upper middle class. He did a disappearing act there and dropped from the radar. <br /><br />I just figured that this is not an uncommon issue in large metro services, or even in small ones.Shaggyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10687847155700323439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4505990433916682663.post-4330821696587505122010-02-08T12:20:38.882-05:002010-02-08T12:20:38.882-05:00YOU have to have a chat with him away from work, I...YOU have to have a chat with him away from work, I know you've already done this but this time don't be so "gentle". Calmly, yet firmly, tell him directly your suspicions and that he must get help. Phrase it like a 911 call with a hypothetical patient based on him; how would he react to the patients "symptoms"?<br />In addition advise him that it is only a matter of time before management becomes aware (if they're not already!) and, if caught, the consequences will be much worse than if he voluntarily submits to an EAP. If he's acting the way you describe, supervisors WILL eventually get suspicious, if he doesn't do something to be caught in the act first.<br />If he gets treatment he can still be a medic but he must volunteer for it, if he gets "caught" then discipline is the issue.<br />Good luck...Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4505990433916682663.post-92147124382648357062010-02-05T18:24:09.425-05:002010-02-05T18:24:09.425-05:00I think that Adam is on the right track as far as ...I think that Adam is on the right track as far as how to initially handle the situation. As far as letting them continue to be an ALS provider, I think a way could be worked out to ensure that they do not relapse. Perhaps frequent random drug testing. I'm not sure. It would be a touchy situation. Plus the rumor mill would do a number on their reputation.Firefighter/Paramedichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16036844976936171167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4505990433916682663.post-29958138336458118322010-02-05T15:42:33.462-05:002010-02-05T15:42:33.462-05:00Well you would report everything you have seen. Al...Well you would report everything you have seen. Allow the person above you to make the decision to peruse it. If you were wrong, at least the stress of the situation would be relieved. Eventually a good friend would forgive you. <br /><br />Now as far as letting them keep their job. I have mixed feelings on this. It is a fact that most drug abusers who get help eventually relapse. <br /><br />I will answer your question with a question. If you were Mrs.Tiger Woods, would you take him back after he is released from sex rehab?<br /><br />On the other hand, everyone makes mistakes...Adam Thompson, EMT-Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18107359165856983910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4505990433916682663.post-52852571844693244332010-02-05T15:41:09.591-05:002010-02-05T15:41:09.591-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16857179079487985474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4505990433916682663.post-16686809963539921092010-02-05T15:17:58.747-05:002010-02-05T15:17:58.747-05:00What do you mean by "move forward" exact...What do you mean by "move forward" exactly? Does this mean reporting him? All you can report is you saw him with a vial of a narcotic. It was not missing from any of the trucks so it is not an issue to the ambulance service. His behavior is abnormal, but seriously, how many other jerks do we work with who are like that? Hmmm. Why are they like that? I'm digressing.<br />I do agree with your plan and would take the same exact approach. Many large companies like our hospital have Employee Assistance Programs, with contracted services like <a href="http://lifesolutionsforyou.com/counseling.html" rel="nofollow">Lifesolutions</a>. I am not sure how much employees utilize this benefit.<br /><br />Is this one who should lose his career as a medic if he admits to a problem and needs help? Should he be forced to resign? In many large cities, and at our hospital, if a provider admits to a problem (usually after being caught), they are offered D&R and get to keep their job, pending their rehab. Is that something that we can feel comfortable with?<br />What about smaller companies that don't have resources like EAP or offering D&R? This guy would certainly be canned, but then again, if his attitude would continue downward, that alone would cost him a job.Shaggyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10687847155700323439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4505990433916682663.post-23114700436215465472010-02-05T09:48:43.960-05:002010-02-05T09:48:43.960-05:00Good post Shaggy.
Obviously this could not be a...Good post Shaggy. <br /><br />Obviously this could not be a matter that you ignore. You first approach the friend/drug abuser, which was done. If he does not respond to this intervention you move forward. It would be appropriate to possibly get his family involved if you are that close to him. If not, it would be necessary to move up the chain of command. <br /><br />You are being a better friend by confronting his problem, and not just ignoring it. By approaching him first, he was given a chance to quit without reprimand. <br /><br />If all else fails, give up, and party with him. haha.Adam Thompson, EMT-Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18107359165856983910noreply@blogger.com