The call comes in as “Police on-scene request medic evaluation for bizarre behavior.” On fire department arrival, the patient becomes agitated, and his behavior deteriorates into open aggressiveness toward responders. Did police leave after fire department arrival? Was a path of egress left open? Is the patient intent on harm, or does he just want to run away? Oftentimes, this scenario involves a physical confrontation.
Emergency responders surround the patient, who is kicking, screaming, and trying to bite, while responders try to control him and gain his cooperation. After extreme effort, responders bring order to the chaos. They apply restraints, start IVs, give medications, and transport to the nearest Emergency Department (ED). Post call involves completing a patient report and putting the unit back in service.
On return to the station, personnel file injury/exposure reports, and work returns to normal. The crews, once again, survive their most recent “near miss.” Near miss? Yes, near miss! The brief series of events described above is the combative patient call. The combative patient represents a real hazard for emergency responders. He can cause debilitating injury, resulting in lost work and wages. He can be injured or die while in fire department care, potentially triggering a lawsuit and its attendant time demands. This does not take into consideration the negative impact such actions will have on co-workers or the respective employer, be it private or public.
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