[ES-ALS-Providers] Use of SMH Emergency Phone Line

[Hollye Carpenter]

Hello fellow EMS providers:

It has been brought to my attention on several recent occasions individuals have called in to the 414-8600 line at Shore Memorial Hospital to request patient information either on a recently transported patient or a family member.  This should not be happening, and this activity must cease.

This line is specifically designated for the call in of reports on patients being transported in by ambulance.  Because of this designation, the answering of this line gets priority over all others.  Should this line be tied up with non-emergency calls, access to emergency calls may be delayed or go unanswered.  Critical patients cause enough sweat beads, we don't need to worsen the situation by not being able to get through to the ED for support and/or direction, because another EMS provider (one of us) wants to know how Aunt Sally is doing.

EMS Providers requesting patient information should use the main ED number of 414-8777.

On another note....please remember to limit your BLS call in report to Unit #, Chief Compliant and ETA.  If the call taker (I.e. paramedic, nurse or doctor) wants any further information, they will ask.  Most of the time, the ED is very busy and a 5 minute dissertation on past medical history is not necessary and causes the call taker to totally lose sight of why you were calling to begin with, not to mention delays care to patients already in the ED.

On a slightly opposite note.....if you have a serious/critical patient and you're calling in, in search of treatment direction and/or advice, you need to paint a vivid picture of your patient, in the moment (meaning what's going on today, not last week or before), and let them know what support and/or direction you need or are requesting.  Remember, no matter how pedal to the floor you might be, they can't see or put their hands on your patient, yet!  I guess we could consider putting cameras (video and audio) in the back of each ambulance, transmitting directly to the ED.  At least they would be able to see and hear, the patient and our activity level.  Just a thought, not sure the right one though!  

Anyhow, the point is, be specific as possible about your treatment plan or the lack there of.  The phone call to a "friend" in the ED is usually the last "life-line" you use (you've polled the audience (crew) and you're down to two possible treatment plans).  So, use this life-line intelligently, and it will also allow the ED staff to prepare for your arrival, so your patient can get immediate attention if needed.   

Thanks for reading.  If you have any questions, concerns or statements regarding this information please call or write.

HOLLYE B. CARPENTER, NREMT-P

FIELD COORDINATOR
Tidewater EMS Council, Inc.

Phone (757) 678-0411
Fax (757) 678-7288
email:  hcarpenter5 at msn.com<mailto:hcarpenter5 at msn.com>       

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