Read the article about calling 911 to get seen faster???

Specialties Emergency

Published

A fellow ER nurse told me she read an article in one of the "Ladies Magazines" like Woman's Day, Southern Living, Good Housekeeping that was discussing things to keep yourself well and how to be a good patient (or something to that effect) and the author of the article suggested that you should call an ambulance to go to the hospital BECAUSE YOU WILL GET SEEN FASTER!!!!

I would LOVE to know which magazine that came from so I can write a little note to them.

Anyone read that article and know which magazine that came out of??

We talked about this article because I had a mother bring her 6 year old in by ambulance for a temp of 101.8. It's May, people - - -and we live in the South. There is no need for long sleeved PJs when your child has a fever. So we sent her to triage to get checked in and gave her what her mother should have - - - a dose of MOTRIN, and sent them to the waiting room. The family just couldn't understand why she was not going straight back. . . . . .can anyone guess what type of insurance they had??? Starts with an M and ends with a D and you and I pay for it!

I remember an article that came out in November of last year, I believe. While I do not remember seeing "Come by ambulance, you'll be seen quicker," I do remember seeing the recommendation of "Tell the first person you see that your symptoms started less than 4 hours ago. Any longer than that makes the case less urgent and you'll wait longer." Something to that effect.

Can't remember the name of the magazine though. I know that Dr. Phil was involved (possibly on the cover?). Note: No, the advice didn't come from Dr. Phil.

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
I remember an article that came out in November of last year, I believe. While I do not remember seeing "Come by ambulance, you'll be seen quicker," I do remember seeing the recommendation of "Tell the first person you see that your symptoms started less than 4 hours ago. Any longer than that makes the case less urgent and you'll wait longer." Something to that effect.

Can't remember the name of the magazine though. I know that Dr. Phil was involved (possibly on the cover?). Note: No, the advice didn't come from Dr. Phil.

That was Good Housekeeping. And apparently a few months later they receive a load of mail blasting them for it and their dismissive excuse for it was "well this was that doctor's opinion". Well, they were the ones that allowed it to be published.

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Specializes in Infection Preventionist/ Occ Health.

I believe that the article you are refering to was in Good Housekeeping. There was a thread about it a while back.

https://allnurses.com/forums/f18/good-housekeeping-article-126982.html

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Specializes in Hospice.

Now if we could teach some of the EMS guys what should go to triage and what shouldn't...

Starting an IV on a simple finger lac and giving the *fentanyl* GRRRR!!!!!

It may be a state to state difference, but in the state where I live, if I transport a patient, I am required to turn the patient over to a nurse (who of course can send the patient straight to triage). We also by law cannot refuse to transport any patient that requests to be transported. Trust me, I have on more than one occasion discussed alternatives to ambulance transport with a patient or a patient's family... IF it is appropriate. And articles like the one being discussed in this thread are very frustrating. No only do they tie up limited resources, but they make it difficult to do an accurate assessment because people will complain of symptoms they don't have just to be seen quicker.

As for finger lacs and fentanyl... I hope this is not something you come across often. Please remember though, sometimes the problem also lies with the protocols. The protocols are often very comprehensive because there isn't always opportunity to consult with a doctor. Occasionally, an intervention is done per protocol, even though to you it may seem like overkill (and to us too.) Ask the EMT or Medic why they did something... hopefully they will explain why they did what they did (and in the case of a simple finger lac and fentanyl it should have been a very good explanation or it should be reported).

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as a former 911 dispatcher i can verify that people honestly believe that is how to get seen quicker....:uhoh3:

i argued (i know i shouldnt have) with an elderly lady one day that was constipated....:uhoh3: (she had already been seen in the ed 1x that week and been to her dr office...granted i am sure she was quite uncomfortable but.....)

i told her that she would have to go sit in the lobby with everyone else because cardiac problems and breathing problems were real emergencies and required immediate attention then i politely told her that if she couldnt find anyone to take her to try a cab - (no money..medicare dont pay for cab rides) and if that didnt work to call back but it would be a routine ride to the hospital, medicare probably would not pay and she would have to sit in the lobby.....she refused:d

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