“Respect” – The Handover Blog Carnival – March 2010 Edition

Welcome to the March 2010 Edition of The Handover Blog Carnival!

“Respect”

In my decade or so of working the streets in an ambulance pursuing excellence in all things paramedicine, I’ve seen my share of problems. I offer that most of these problems can be solved by a healthy dose of the “R” word. Respect can mean many things in EMS. Whether it’s the utmost respect for the sanctity of human life that must be inherent in all medicine, respect for our coworkers, respect for ourselves, respect for our profession, or respect for and from other healthcare providers and the general public. Almost all of our problems could be said to at least partially stem from a fundamental lack of respect.

This amazingly powerful, yet simple term can take many forms. However in true Handover format, you’re not here for what I have to say about it. What follows below is a collection of posts from some of the best EMS bloggers on the interwebs. There are some heavyweights and some bloggers that are fairly new to my reading list, but they’re all good posts.

Enjoy.

http://justmejustmyblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/responsibility.html – Just me, Just my Blog writes this piece about two subjects near and dear to my heart, small-town EMS and respect for our patients. It’s a good look at just how Big City and Small-Town EMS differ yet are the same in the respect needed by our patients.

http://rescuingprovidence.com/wordpress/?p=205 – Michael Morse’s Post – With deep respect for the sacrifices made by the Military Men and Women who defend us.

http://ambulanceamateur.wordpress.com/2010/02/27/gods-waiting-room-with-people-who-care/ – I will be the first to admit that I don’t always have enough internal respect for the people who work in nursing homes. I don’t believe that I am ever directly disrespectful… but I will rant and rave when I get back to the presence of my coworkers. Ambo Amateur gives credit where credit is due.

http://999medic.com/2010/03/26/respect/ – Mark’s Submission (Medic999) – “When I put my uniform on, I represent not only my service but the profession of paramedics in the UK”. Ever worked with partners who you don’t want influencing people’s opinion of you? It’s all about respect.

http://ambulancedriverfiles.com/2010/03/r-e-s-p-e-c-t/ – Ambulance Driver – I think I laughed until I cried with this. I giggled, then I laughed.. then I snorted and Gina laughed at me

Http://roguemedic.blogspot.com/2010/03/r-e-s-p-e-c-t.html – Rogue Medic’s answer to AmboDriver’s Respect piece. Ambo Driver made me laugh, Rogue Medic slapped me around for it. Good Stuff.

http://notesfrommosquitohill.com/2009/06/captain-mike.html – Mack505 brings us this post about a Sea Captain who taught him much about respecting our patients.

http://theemtspot.com/2010/03/18/a-deep-and-abiding-respect/ – Steve Whitehead knocks this one out of the park by writing why it’s easy for us to know why we should improve our care, a deep and abiding respect for human life.

The Insomniac Medic’s Corner:

• http://insomniacmedic.blogspot.com/2010/01/dear-doctor.html – Touchy subject, this. Ever feel like as an EMT or Paramedic you’re not respected by the other members of the medical profession? This is about that. I can relate… too much.
• http://insomniacmedic.blogspot.com/2009/11/tale-of-two-bloggers.html – This post is an oldie but it’s one of my favorites from Insomniac Medic and our friend, Rapid Response Doc. It complements Insomniac’s last post and shows what happens when true professionals truly cooperate in mutual respect.

http://www.thinknuts.net/2010/03/29/respect/ – @ThinkNuts,our UK mountain rescue friend brings forth this post about respecting your patients. It’s a good lesson for us all.

http://noshockadvise.blogspot.com/2010/03/drunk-or-sick-do-you-really-have-to.html – Well known fact: If you’re in uniform and you swear in public, I will smack you in public. Our friend at No Shock Advised pipes in on why patients feel the need to sweat at us when we’re just trying to help.

http://medicscribe.com/2010/03/respect/ – Peter Canning, one of my favorite EMS authors, knocks this one out of the park speaking about respect across our social classes. It’s a great read from a great guy.

http://www.everydayemstips.com/?p=3110 – Our buddy Greg Friese puts out this good list of tips for EMS teachers on how to show respect for your students. I wish that darn near every instructor I’ve ever had would have read this before I went through Paramedic class.

Finally, I would like to offer one of my own posts: “Saved By the Bell – High School Student EMS” is actually the post just under this one, but it’s still about respect.  I looked at the point I was making differently than did the a lot of the 100 or so collective comments between here and the JEMS Connect  Facebook page. It was about High School Students being trained and certified as EMTs and running calls on ambulances. Let’s see if you agree with me, or think I’m off base.

Oh, and one more thing, rumors of The Handover’s Demise have been greatly exaggerated. It will be down for a month in April but will be back in May with Steve Whitehead at The EMT Spot. Big thanks to Rescue Monkey and Probie Diaries for taking over the task of organizing the blog carnival. If y’all ever need anything, lemme know.