Today I was driving down the highway and about 6 ambulances go screaming by me. I figure it must be bad and sure enough, as I later find out, it is horrific. There are 3 cars rolled over and people actually laying on the road being treated by EMS.
Traffic has of course come to a complete stop, and the most unbelievable thing happened. There were people that actually started beeping thier horns! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!! They could see the the terrible scene in front of them but they beeped like the delay in traffic was unforgivable. Where could you possibly be going in such a hurry, that beeping your horn is necessary? Secondly....people are laying in the street, probably dying....and you are beeping? Is this society so calloused that this doesnt affect them?
I was outraged! How bad would they have felt if they realized that one of those people lying on the street was someone they loved? Maybe they would not have been so d*** insensitive.....geeshhhh!!!!
Specializes in LTC/Rehab,Med/Surg, OB/GYN, Ortho, Neuro.
I think our society has an epidemic of narcissism. I don't know if it's the stress and pace of our lifestyle or what. It seems like the majority of people are ONLY concerned with what's going on in their life and are unwilling or incapable of putting someone else's shoes on for a day. How many people actually pull over and stop for emergency vehicles anymore?
Oh...and those ER calls about the wait time...my favorite reply "If you have a true emergency risking life, limb, or eyesight, we will see you right away" and leave it at that.
I love that reply. I'm gonna have to remember that one next time I get pulled to ER.
Specializes in Accepted...Master's Entry Program, 2008!.
I've become indifferent to these types of people. I see so much of them everyday that I've stopped thinking "wow, what an (insert expletive)."
In Indiana it is a law that if you see a police car on the side of the road/highway/interstate that you MUST change lanes if you can safely or slow down considerably. 99% follow this rule but that nasty 1% actually speeds up. Also, those that drive dangerously fast in school zones and construction zones infuriate me. It always puts a smile on my face though when that big SUV flies by me in a construction zone with a bumper sticker that says "drive carefully, I care about my kids", only to be pulled over and fined heavily - $1000 in my state plus a possible jail sentence for reckless driving.
Really, the signs are quite large and orange and clearly state that speeding is a $1000 fine and up to 9 years in prison. Sorry, if you get pulled over in a construction zone with those signs, IMO, you're just being stupid.
In Illinois it is a $10,000 fine and up to 14 years in jail.
I have decided that people have completely forgotten how to drive. Turn signals have not only become "optional" they are completely forgotten. Along with blind-spot check and just regular common courtesy.
Specializes in ER, NICU, NSY and some other stuff.
It took me 3 years, but if anyone calls to see if we are busy in the ER I say, "yes" every time. If anyone triaged or admitted asks how long the wait is I double my estimate. I cannot control the time, and if we do better than I guessed people are happy. I say, make the people happy!
MKy pat answer is that we do not give out that information. But, if you are having an EMERGENCY then come on in and we will be happy to see you.
I keep thinking that some day some will say to himself....."Hmm this really isn't an ermergency, I guess I will make an appointment with my doctor..."
jnrsmommy
300 Posts
I love that reply. I'm gonna have to remember that one next time I get pulled to ER.