Would You Stop to Provide Medical Care?

EwaAnn · Mar 5, 2015

Yes, I have. Ironically, it was before I was a nurse. Car accident/car versus canyon wall, no seatbelts. One kid's scalp was torn partly off his head. Held pressure to stop the bleeding til the paramedics arrived. Cool as a cucumber throughout. Lost it after the crisis was over.

Act now panic later. I did the same on my first code.I was told I did great but for a first code. Unfortunately the patient died. I became upset afterward.

Chesterton1 · Mar 5, 2015

I'm not a nurse but I have stopped at an accident before. Guy passed out and ran headlong into a tree. When me and the other person who stopped to check on him he woke up and drove back onto the road and parked. Funny enough, living in small town America (pretty much all of Vermont is small town America) it's almost a past time to be a volunteer firefighter or emt. You wouldn't believe how many of the folks that drove by where off duty firefighter or ems. They directed traffic and did an assessment until the cops showed up, I only stuck around to give a statement since I was the first guy to show up to the crash. I will always stop for someone in trouble so long as no emergency help or others are not already stopped. I live in a rural area so I might be the last person to drive by you for the hour....and I would like to think when I become a nurse I will keep that mentality. I'm also thinking of becoming a certified first responde too tho.

showmnship · Mar 5, 2015

I would stop to be sure there was SOMEONE with some training (preferably more than myself) attending to the victims. I have to say I am a little disappointed in the responses here. "I'm worried about liability." "I don't carry any equipment in my car." Are we healthcare professionals, or not? (If you don't carry equipment, maybe you SHOULD at least have a CPR mask and gloves!) Let me put it this way...I would be devastated if it was my mother, or child, or loved one and I knew a nurse "looked the other way" when their basic nursing training might have saved a life....(doesn't take much to put pressure on a wound or throw a blanket over someone going into shock). Just my opinion!

Ruby Vee, BSN · Mar 5, 2015

I am alittle leary about stopping for two reasons though: a) legalities and b) my own safety especially at night..

Your own safety is a valid concern. At night it's a concern because you cannot as easily be SEEN. The other issue -- and I've encountered this personally more than once -- is someone lying in the road pretending to be injured. You stop to help and his buddies roll out of the woods or up out of the ditch and rob (or attempt to rob) you and/or take your car, which you've probably left running with the keys inside.

EwaAnn · Mar 7, 2015

I have to say I am a little disappointed in the responses here. "I'm worried about liability." "I don't carry any equipment in my car."

yes we are professionals. Unfortunately there are people out there that are "sue happy" but not because you did something wrong but they are looking for a quick buck. And they will do anything to get it.

EwaAnn · Mar 7, 2015

Ruby Vee:

Sorry you encounter that. You were lucky nothing else happened to you like being sexually assualted/killed in the process. I'd hate to see anyone die but I don't want to die either. Don't want to sound selfish but I am not putting myself at risk but will do something like call 911 and wait for police to arrive.

And the fool who lays in the road is at risk of being run over by someone that won't stop at all. He may end up being dead.

BrandonLPN, LPN · Mar 7, 2015

I have to say I am a little disappointed in the responses here. "I'm worried about liability." "I don't carry any equipment in my car."
yes we are professionals. Unfortunately there are people out there that are "sue happy" but not because you did something wrong but they are looking for a quick buck. And they will do anything to get it.

I don't understand which side of the argument you're on.

There is simply no reason for an off duty nurse to stop if first responders are on the scene.

EwaAnn · Mar 7, 2015

Brandon

If EMS is there no I will not stop but I were there before EMS I would. You just never know about the vics after they recover where their mind set is.

showmnship · Mar 7, 2015

*** Unfortunately there are people out there that are "sue happy" but not because you did something wrong but they are looking for a quick buck. And they will do anything to get it. ***

Those folks (referenced) above are in our hospitals, doctor's offices and living next door, as well as those lying in their own blood on the road side. My professional insurance aside - the thought that someone MIGHT sue or MIGHT point a finger does not, in my opinion, overshadow that thought that if I don't stop someone MIGHT die. Just my opinion

showmnship · Mar 7, 2015

I agree... if their is competent help on site, no reason to stop. I was referring to those who do NOT make sure the victims are being helped, and just drive by.

EwaAnn · Mar 7, 2015

*** Unfortunately there are people out there that are "sue happy" but not because you did something wrong but they are looking for a quick buck. And they will do anything to get it. ***
Those folks (referenced) above are in our hospitals, doctor's offices and living next door, as well as those lying in their own blood on the road side. My professional insurance aside - the thought that someone MIGHT sue or MIGHT point a finger does not, in my opinion, overshadow that thought that if I don't stop someone MIGHT die. Just my opinion

No problem

Beverage · Mar 7, 2015

Would you stop to provide care? | Analysis | Nursing Times