Blue lights for Catrh Lab/Surgery RN's

[pm2rn]

If the volunteer firefighter can have a blue light to respond to whomever calls 911 for whatever they feel is an emergency why can't cath lab and surgery RN's get one when the case has already been diagnosed a "real" life threatening pt?

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I'm a prehospital RN, and advanced practice nurse and a volunteer firefighter. And, yes, I have a blue light which I only use for code one calls where I can't get to the firehouse.

Nope, I don't EVER EVER use my blue light any other time. This would create so much confusion as most everyone knows in rural areas that the blue light means you are a firefighter on a call.

Bottom line, I have 10 years experience driving fire trucks, ambulances with lights and sirens and if you, as an RN need to be in that big of a rush to get to the hospital, then you need to stay at the hospital like I do when I'm on call.

[Da_Milk_of_Amnesia, MSN]

If you read literature on this topic, You actually really don't save all that much amount of time even when you're responding code 3 to an emergency call in an ambulance or fire engine. Having more people with blue lights will just raise the chances of someone getting into an accident and injuring/killing someone else. It's not a good idea. I understand where you are coming from but it the risks out-weight the possible benefits.

[rnffemtguy, BSN, RN]

Having more people with blue lights will just raise the chances of someone getting into an accident and injuring/killing someone else. It's not a good idea. I understand where you are coming from but it the risks out-weight the possible benefits.

:yeahthat:

Exactly!!!!, and the reason why I never use my bluelight anymore, if you want one, let me know, I'll give you a heck of a deal......

[MAXIM3007]

Not so sure about raising the risk of accidents--as use of a blue light is to make people aware of an emergency--it is only at other motorists discretion that they pull over to let you by. You are still supposed to obey all traffic laws. I am a volunteer firefighter also and it has been my experience that a blue light only draws more attention to yourself from the police as you speed, blow through stop signs, etc...

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

We have 30 minutes to get to a hospital when an emergency surgery comes up and we are on call. That's from the time we get the case booked and they are wheeling them into OR (sometimes pulseless)....

[pm2rn]

I do not have a blue light or have ever used a blue light. I do not work in cath lab or surgery. It was a question because all the fire dept around use them like Oxygen. I was just wondering where do you draw the line.

[blondegenes]

You wouldn't want me having a BLUE LIGHT!

I already drive like I'm on my way to a fire!