miami county ems “our code”

Miami County EMS “Our Code”“Our Code”

Jason M. JenkinsJason M. Jenkins

ChiefChief

ObjectivesObjectives

• Have a working knowledge of the EMT Oath• Have an understanding of the EMT Code of Ethics• Understand the Miami County EMS Mission

statement• Be familiar with “Our Code” at Miami County

EMS• Work through some scenarios that have moral and

ethical dilemmas

Morals

• Where do they come from?

• What determines if they are right or wrong?

• Can someone change your morals?

Morals

• of, pertaining to, or concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct or the distinction between right and wrong; ethical:

• founded on the fundamental principles of right conduct rather than on legalities, enactment, or custom

Ethics• Can someone change your ethics?

• Where do your ethics come from?

• What’s the difference between an ethic and a moral?

Ethics

• the rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture, etc.:

• moral principles, as of an individual: His ethics forbade betrayal of a confidence.

EMT OathEMT Oath

• Be it pledged as an Emergency Medical Technician, I will honor the physical and judicial laws of God and man. I will follow that regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of patients and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, nor shall I suggest any such counsel. Into whatever homes I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of only the sick and injured, never revealing what I see or hear in the lives

of men unless required by law.

EMT OathEMT Oath

• I shall also share my medical knowledge with those who may benefit from what I have learned. I will serve unselfishly and continuously in order to help make a better world for all mankind.

EMT OathEMT Oath

• While I continue to keep this oath unviolated, may it be granted to me to enjoy life, and the practice of the art, respected by all men, in all times. Should I trespass or violate this oath, may the reverse be my lot. So help me God.

Code of EthicsCode of Ethics

• Professional status as an Emergency Medical Technician and Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic is maintained and enriched by the willingness of the individual practitioner to accept and fulfill obligations to society, other medical professionals, and the profession of Emergency Medical Technician. As an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic, I solemnly pledge myself to the following code of professional ethics:

Code of EthicCode of Ethic

• A fundamental responsibility of the Emergency Medical Technician is to conserve life, to alleviate suffering, to promote health, to do no harm, and to encourage the quality and equal availability of emergency medical care.


• The Emergency Medical Technician provides services based on human need, with respect for human dignity, unrestricted by consideration of nationality, race, creed, color, or status.


• The Emergency Medical Technician does not use professional knowledge and skills in any enterprise detrimental to the public well being.


• The Emergency Medical Technician respects and holds in confidence all information of a confidential nature obtained in the course of professional work unless required by law to divulge such information.


• The Emergency Medical Technician, as a citizen, understands and upholds the law and performs the duties of citizenship; as a professional, the Emergency Medical Technician has the never-ending responsibility to work with concerned citizens and other health care professionals in promoting a high standard of emergency medical care to all people.


• The Emergency Medical Technician shall maintain professional competence and demonstrate concern for the competence of other members of the Emergency Medical Services health care team.


• An Emergency Medical Technician assumes responsibility in defining and upholding standards of professional practice and education.


• The Emergency Medical Technician assumes responsibility for individual professional actions and judgment, both in dependent and independent emergency functions, and knows and upholds the laws which affect the practice of the Emergency Medical Technician.


• An Emergency Medical Technician has the responsibility to be aware of and participate in matters of legislation affecting the Emergency Medical Service System.


• The Emergency Medical Technician, or groups of Emergency Medical Technicians, who advertise professional service, do so in conformity with the dignity of the profession.


• The Emergency Medical Technician has an obligation to protect the public by not delegating to a person less qualified, any service which requires the professional competence of an Emergency Medical Technician


• The Emergency Medical Technician will work harmoniously with and sustain confidence in Emergency Medical Technician associates, the nurses, the physicians, and other members of the Emergency Medical Services health care team.


• The Emergency Medical Technician refuses to participate in unethical procedures, and assumes the responsibility to expose incompetence or unethical conduct of others to the appropriate authority in a proper and professional manner.

Our MissionOur Mission

• To provide emergency medical services commensurate with the expertise of it’s Medical Director, the staff of the EMS and the facility’s resources. These services will be provided to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.


• Develop relationships with other EMS providers to assure continuity of care to patients who cannot or should not be treated by Miami County EMS, to insure that the county’s emergency medical health needs are met.


• Evaluate, on a continuous basis, the changing EMS system and the county’s appropriate role in terms of quality, cost, and access.


• Miami County EMS through the County Commission, Chief, and Staff shall, on continuing basis, establish goals and objectives consistent with this stated mission.

Scenario #1

• Your unit is dispatched to a MVC. Upon arrival your patient requires extrication out of the vehicle. She is A&O x3 and is stable. The patient is in possession of her purse, and SO requests you obtain her drivers license. In the purse you see a bag of weed. Do you tell the Sheriff’s Department?

““Our Code”Our Code”

• EMS will challenge you on it’s personal and professional level. The intent of “Our Code” is to help guide the employees through some of those challenges. “Our Code” is advice that has been learned the hard way, through trial and error—success and failure. Be wise enough to learn from others.

““Our Code”Our Code”

• The success you experience at Miami County EMS will depend on how well you understand the elements in this presentation and apply them to your personal and professional life.

Keep your ego in check

• Maybe you’re nice enough. But why do you struggle to “fit in?” A common culprit: is ego. Beware of the following rapport ruining behaviors:

Playing “topper.”

• When someone tells a funny anecdote, don’t rush to top it. Example: Joe discusses his kid’s soccer game. You pipe up and brag about how your kid scored the winning goal last weekend.

Lecturing

• A co-worker shares his struggles trying to master a new skill. You should nod and empathize, but instead you interrupt to give unsolicited advice. Even if you’re an expert and you’re itching to chime in, wait until someone asks for help.

Taking yourself too seriously

• A good natured colleague gently jokes about a mistake you made. Don’t take offense or defend yourself. Laugh along. It’s OK.

Rid yourself of labels

• Your colleagues label everyone from the the “bean counters” to the “paper pushers.” Don’t join in. Refer to each department by name (“finance”, “human resources”) without the cute moniker. You never know who’s going to take offense.

Acknowledge your mistakes

• everyone makes mistakes. Sometimes we say things that can be taken wrong or unintentionally hurt someone’s feelings. The simple fix is to acknowledge it and say you’re sorry and mean it. This will demonstrate maturity and character.

Wait until the right time to provide input

• when you have an idea, realize that it might not be the right time to share it. If it makes someone else look bad in front of a group or translates into you looking like a “Know-it-All,” the best course is to wait until another time or bring it up with your Lieutenant or Battalion Chief in private.

Follow the Chain-of-Command

• Miami County EMS operates with a chain-of-command. That means that official requests or reports move through the department in a logical sequence from one rank to another. There are informal means of communicating ideas or suggestions within the department by casual conversations with the Chiefs. Regardless of the idea, it will undoubtedly flow through the chain-of-command or flow through a committee review process.

You are your Brother’s Keeper

• In this profession you are expected to look out for your counterparts. You are expected to be honest and demonstrate integrity. Integrity is following through on what you say you will. You will lose respect within the department if you don’t practice integrity everyday.

Spend your working hours…

• Talking about golf will probably not make you a better EMT or Paramedic.

There are three rules that supersede all other rules:

• 1) Do right

• 2) Treat Others Like You Would Like To Be Treated

• 3) Do Your Best

• You will be held to these without exception by those you work with.

Know what is expected of you

• do it, and then do a little more than what was expected.

Learn something new everyday

• Those that have been in EMS for over 28 years at times feel that they have just scratched the surface of the knowledge required to be great in EMS. Always learn something new every chance you get.

If it doesn’t have your name on it

• LEAVE IT ALONE

Read everything

• you find about EMS, listen to advice and “war stories” from fellow EMTs and paramedics, and observe everything around you at a call or accident scene. Remember what works and what does not.

Don’t leave dishes in the sink

• You’re mother should have taught you better. Also, pick up after yourself. The reputation of a slob is hard to discard.

Shine

• your shoes

An EMT/Paramedic

• should be able to trust you with his life, his wife, and his money. Violate any one of them and you’re done.

It’s better to give than receive

• Help a co-worker out when you can, but don’t expect much in return. EMS “folks” like most people will soon forget a favor received, until they need you again. Just enjoy the good feeling of helping others, that’s why you are in the business.

Regardless of what happens

• be reliable. Show up when you say you will. Work for someone when you say you will. Carry through with your commitments to others. You may get by with letting people down once or twice, but it will be no secret on the job as to your reliability.

Pay back anything that’s owed

• whether you owe time, money, or a favor – pay it back. You will damage your character and look dishonest if you blow off a commitment or a debt.

Practice good hygiene

• In EMS we all live together and there is nothing worse than living next to someone who doesn’t bathe and quite frankly, “smells.”

When you need help

• ask for it. Whether it’s personal or a professional dilemma you are experiencing, odds are you are working with someone who has already been there. Your officers and co-workers can be a great resource, but you have to let them know.

Nobody likes a complainer

• Another good term for this in EMS is a “whiner.” The best way to isolate yourself and to demonstrate a flawed character is to complain about everything; the pay, the hours, the station, the food. It won’t take you long to earn what you deserve if you engage in whining.

You’re not better than anyone else

• As much pride as EMS has, the bottom line is, we are public servants. We work for those who live in our community. Your chest should swell with pride, but it should be pride in providing a caring and compassionate service.

Demonstrate respect

• for the symbols of the department and wear your uniform with pride. Be proud of who you are and the organization you are part of. Be respectful towards any retiree, they spent a lifetime earning the public’s trust that you now enjoy.

The job of an EMT/Paramedic

• is important, but so are your lifelong relationships. Take care of your mate and kids and come to work ready to perform heroic deeds and undertake courageous endeavors that very few people will ever get the opportunity to experience. However, for the safety of everyone, you have to have your head in the game.

Nobody likes a slacker

• When new, every job is your job unless it is assigned to someone else. You should be the first one up and the last one to sit down when there is work to be done. Doing so will gain you respect and increase your influence.

You will be defined

• by the habits you practice. If you have a spare minute, do you spend the time reading the paper, working the crossword, or studying the streets. If you develop good study habits and put in the time necessary to be thoroughly knowledgeable in your job you will reap the accolades of your co-workers and supervisors. If you are known as someone who has to be pushed to study, you will be widely known for that also.

Not following orders

• and going your own way will cost you your career.

Be careful

• of what you do or say. This is how you will be remembered for the rest of your career.

It’s very tough to understand

• what someone is telling you with your mouth running.

Read. Read. Read.

• Never stop learning.

Go at this job like it was your calling

• Doing less is obvious to those you work with.

When training

• listen to what is being taught. It’s being respectful to the instructor, which will be you some day.

Don’t sit

• in any Chief’s chair

There are only a handful of jobs

• when you truly have peoples lives in your hands. This though should be on your mind when training and preparing yourself to do whatever is asked of you.

Represent this department

• with pride whenever attending training or conferences. Acting like an idiot will get you fired.

Be respectful to those with rank

• around the public use their rank in addressing them.

If you have a question

• ask it. It’s better to know than to not know and get caught short. There are no dumb questions. Someone else is probably thinking it too, look like the smart one for asking it!

Good hearted joking

• around the station is one thing—it’s a totally different thing to get into belittling someone or trying to raise your own stock by devaluing others. Realize it for what it is and don’t join in.

Treat the stations

• as if they were your home – it is. Turn off the lights. Clean up after yourself, and double flush if you need to.

If you want a raise

• earn it

Don’t put toast crumbs

• back in the butter dish

Being good at something

• is no accident. To excel in any field you must practice in situations that are as realistic as possible, only then can you find out where your weaknesses are.

The best

• never quit looking for ways to get better

Bring your own soap

• Use your own towel. What’s the last thing you wash? Me too, and you just washed your face.

If you know--Teach

• If you don’t, listen and learn.

Never put yourself

• above your crew, station, or team.

Have a plan

• No matter where you are in your career have a plan. Too often we are reactive, without planning you are always playing catch-up.

Look for ways

• to make the job safer, easier, faster, anything…Just because that’s how we’ve always done it doesn’t make it the best way possible.

Live without regrets

• you never know when the opportunity to mend could be gone forever.

Find a way!

• Too often we find ourselves saying, “I wish I could…I wish I was…I sure would like to…I don’t think I can…” If we said instead, “I will…I’m going to…I can…” you’d find yourself standing at your goal.

Bring money to work

• Pay your food bill.

Leave your cell phone turned off

• during the day especially during classes and training. Use your voice mail to return calls at an appropriate time—during training is NOT that time.

Avoid complacency

• Don’t start off your career going full blast, then slack off because you “have the badge.”

Be the first one

• in line when a supervisor asks for volunteers to do something.

Attend all schools and classes

• you can. The more knowledge the better you will be.

Learn from the classes

• Do not simply attend. Someone has put a lot of effort into preparing and teaching the class. Respect the effort.

The old saying

• “first impressions last forever” is very true. Be yourself, be honest, and be prepared to play the “new guy game.”

Never think you know it all

• It makes you look silly and immature.

Both ends of a “generation gap”

• Have something to learn from the other.

Respect the age and experience

• of older EMS people. You can benefit greatly from their insights.

Choose your heroes carefully

• Who you associate with and who you choose to emulate will speak loudly for who you are. Choose poorly, and you will be remembered that way.

Although retirement

• seems so far away, make decisions now that will afford you comfort in 30 years. Recognize you start investing in KP&F today and treat sick leave as something sacred. You never know when the need will arise for an extended use of sick leave.

If it stinks

• Wash it.

It’s never a bad

• thing to buy too much food, but it’s always a bad thing to buy too little.

Set high standards for yourself

• Don’t be coerced into keeping secrets or covering up bad behavior or poor performance. If you do, you become involved in a conspiracy. Not a place to be – it never ends well.

If someone on the job needs help moving,

• with projects, or such—and you have the time—volunteer to help them. It will be repaid in spades.

What happens here

• This is your primary job. Day off jobs are just that. Don’t get them confused or reversed.

Always remember

• that in the eyes of many (especially children), “we” are heroes. Wear the title well. It is our duty to continue this tradition and our obligation to retain this designation for those that follow us. We can do this by acting appropriately and professionally, while on and off duty.

The most popular person

• In the world is the hard-worker. In every country and every culture a hard-worker is appreciated and will always be accepted. Not all people will warm up to the most intelligent, or the best looking, or the wealthiest, but a hard-worker is welcomed in any circle.

Don’t mess with anything relating to trade time!

• In theory only a third of the “can’t be missed” graduations, funerals, and birthday parties, etc. should fall on our off duty days. However, by some mysterious quirk of the universe about two thirds of them actually do. This job would be miserable without trade time, so be a good trade partner. When you’ve agreed to work for someone, show up! If you owe someone time, work it back willingly. Don’t do anything to cause management to question our trading policy!

If you have something

• that bothers you like; flatulence, swearing, certain music, or the middle being taken out of the new cake, don’t tell anyone. Everyone will do it just to get your goat. So don’t tell, or have some thick skin, which isn’t a bad thing to have anyway.

Scenario #2

• You are dispatched to the scene of a cardiac arrest. Upon arrival you find a 24 y/o male in cardiac arrest. Your protocol states to work the code for 20 minutes and to stop any further efforts. It is a winter day, roads are snow covered, and the hospital is 30 minutes away. You prepare to “call the code”, and tell the mother about your plan of action. She becomes very emotional and wants you to transport him. What do you do?

Whenever possible

• Handle minor internal disputes and problems at your own level. As an EMT/Paramedic you find that the off going shift is leaving a lot of “stuff” sitting around, handle the matter in a mature manner with your counterparts on that shift. The likelihood of a problem being resolved in a quick fashion with minimal hurt feelings, is inversely proportional to the number of “bars on the collar” being brought to bear on said problem.

Always strive

• to be: First to work, First to start cleaning, First to the truck, First to start training, First to do the dishes, and the First one up in the morning.

Always strive

• To be: Last to finish cleaning, Last to finish training, Last one to get your food, and the Last one to do your laundry.

The “New Guy” game

• You will always be the “new guy” at the station until someone with less time is stationed with you. You may still be the ‘new guy’ after being on the job several years. Your day will come when you are no longer the “new guy” and it will be someone else’s turn.

Use sick leave only

• when you’re truly sick or helping your family with sickness. You’re not fooling anyone if you abuse it. If you have a serious event, you will be glad you have some to draw upon.

There is no rule

• that says the last piece of cake has to be divided 32 times before someone washes the pan.

Don’t use every pan

• in the kitchen if you cook. You clean items as you work.

Support others in time of crisis

• A kind word. Thoughtful listening. And, empathy will demonstrate your character.

The only thing EMS workers

• can steal from other shifts is food (this is called borrowing, except it’s hard to return lasagna).

Look for the best traits

• in everyone and make them your own.

Never talk behind someone’s back

• It makes you look small and odds are those same people you’re sharing things with will soon be sharing things about you with others. It’s disloyal and petty behavior.

You will buy ice cream,

• if you’re in the newspaper!

All work and no play

• makes you old. Enjoy the job and those you work with. Work when you’re supposed to, play when you can fit it in.

Your health

• is the most important thing you have. Protect it.

“The Unwritten”

• Professional Advice

If you become lost

• in a “train wreck” call, STOP. Gain control of your thoughts, and your breathing; develop a plan and execute it.

It’s OK to feel panicky

• Anyone can feel that way at any time. What’s not OK is to act that way. If you feel panicked STOP—think how you were trained—and do that. Fall back on your training. It will save you.

Stay in voice

and visual contact with crew members. Do not “go it alone.”

Check your equipment

• Each time you check a truck, check to see that it’s all there and in good condition. Cutting corners in checking your equipment endangers your life as well as the others on your truck. Don’t do it. You lose respect and become unreliable. That tag is not easy to overcome. Check the compartments for missing equipment, it may just refresh your memory of where items are.

Each morning

• after you put your gear on the truck and check it over, report to your Battalion Chief that the unit is “ready to go.” Management will appreciate it and it demonstrates that you’re responsible. Don’t fake it. Don’t report something you haven’t done, you will eventually be found out.

Avoid pathogen exposures• Always wear your gloves and eye

protection. Be consistent in this and management will notice.

Always wear your seatbelt

• In the unit you’re driving. It’s department policy and just makes good sense. How many lives have you seen that were saved by seatbelts?

Wait for help

• in lifting heavy loads or patients. Back injuries can produce a life time of pain and end careers. No one has to injure themselves. If there is a question in your mind whether or not something is too heavy—stop—ask for some help. That’s why we work together.

If you’re hurt, injured,

• or reached your fatigue point, tell your Battalion Chief. The worst thing you can do is compound an emergency by becoming a patient instead of a rescuer.

Maintain your

• “Situational awareness.” If you’re in trouble ask for help quickly.

Using your nose

• to identify chemicals only shortens your life and your career.

You can kick your way

• through sheetrock walls into an adjoining space if you’re trapped.

Never go into an emergency

• scene “empty handed.” Carry something that would be of value.

We can’t save everyone

• we just provide them the best chance to survive.

Never don what you are

• going to wear on the way to an emergency without your seatbelt on. Dress before you respond or after you arrive.

When on the street

• or next to a highway, stay out of the traffic lane. Do not assume other drivers will see you. Wear your vest!

If you’re working on the roof

• Look up.

Practice controlling

• yourself. Realize you didn’t create the emergencies and we have prepared you to deal with them. You have to get control and calm yourself.

If you worked for another department

• nobody cares how they “did it there.” Make constructive suggestions at the right time and in the right place.

No where on your job description

• did it list “human sacrifice” as a job requirement. Operate so that everyone goes home.

After the call

• be eager to begin getting ready for the next one. Demonstrate your work ethic and determination to get the job done. Everyone wants to go home ASAP.

When people die

• stay focused on your job. It’s OK to get teary—it only shows you care.

Someone has to protect the county

• when everyone else is at the “Big One.” That’s just as important.

The difference between

• part-time and full-time is not a paycheck. It’s how you conduct yourself and the professionalism you display. Both can fall short.

If you don’t know where

• you’re going, turn off the siren and find out.

Radios can

• and will fail you at the worst possible time.

If someone wants to

• talk about a difficult call they had, let them. An understanding ear can do more for the heart and soul than therapy.

Never

• Never-Ever-bet your life on technology.

Drive to reach

• the scene of the emergency safely. Everyone’s life depends on it; the victims, your fellow co-workers, people on the street, and even your own.

When things become more dire

• on the emergency scene you have to be more disciplined in carrying out your assignments. Efficiency and speed may save someone’s life.

Sometimes

• only a cuss word will help.

Courage

• is not what you do in the face of fear; it’s the actions you take despite it.

Calm yourself before

• using the radio. Sounding hysterical is not reassuring to the incident commander or scanner land.

Sadly, there is no place

• for you in this department if you “freelance” at emergencies. That endangers everyone and drives Battalion Chiefs crazy. You don’t want that.

Scenario #3

• You are dispatched to the scene of a fire stand by. You are aware that there are patients trapped in the structure. Mother has been extricated and has 2nd degree burns to her body. Her children are trapped inside. The FD states to you that they have found the bodies of the children and they are dead. The mother says she won’t be transported to the hospital until she knows her children are out and OK. What do you do?

Needle sticks

• are not funny. Use the sharps containers, and immediately report the incident to management.

Keep your hands off

• other people’s bags. Stay out of their lockers, too.

We will not risk anything

• for lost property or victims that cannot be saved. You need to keep that in mind.

Don’t put any equipment

• back on the truck dirty. Everyone will know you did it.

If you take something off

• a truck, report it to your Battalion Chief.

If you get the chance

• pick up any medical trash (containers and such) before you leave the scene. People will appreciate it.

Medical Alarms

• are not always false alarms. Go in as prepared to a medical alarm as you would a code blue. Don’t get caught with your pants down.

911 emergencies

• Are not emergencies for EMS. That is what we are trained to handle. Act with confidence—you’ve been prepared.

Never forget to say “thank you”

• for a meal or drink if anyone provides it for you (especially at the scene of an emergency). Even if it’s a baloney sandwich.

Be observant of who is around you

• off-hand joking after someone has suffered a loss can reflect badly on the department and makes us appear to be uncaring.

Be wary of management

• that does not train regularly with their crews.

Simply because you have a blister

• doesn’t mean everyone has to see it.

We’re not at war with

• law enforcement or fire over who’s most important. We all have a job to do, even though people like us better.

It’s OK

• to tell someone you are sorry for their loss.

And my personal favorite!And my personal favorite!

• If you’re hungry EAT, you never know If you’re hungry EAT, you never know when your next chance will be.when your next chance will be.

Thank you!Thank you!

• Please make sure you Please make sure you signed in on the signed in on the attendance rosterattendance roster

• Please fill out an Please fill out an evaluation for the evaluation for the class and turn it in to class and turn it in to receive CEUsreceive CEUs

• Do you have questions???

• What did you think of the program?

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