The Decline in Ambulance Care: A Personal Perspective and Call for Change

As a concerned citizen who has had a harrowing experience with ambulance care, I believe it's high time we discuss the gradual decline in the quality of emergency medical services. My story, while one of many, highlights a growing concern: are medical services being given too much power in our lives, and what can we do about it?

My Worst Experience with an Ambulance

I was out for a peaceful walk in the woods when I slipped, fell, and hit my elbow on a boardwalk. My elbow dislocated, shattered a joint bone, and I passed out from the excruciating pain. Four hikers found me and promptly called the ambulance. However, when the paramedics arrived, their attitude and treatment were anything but compassionate.

When the scene is described, it's clear why the paramedics may have been worried. My arm was bent at an unnatural angle, and I was in severe pain. However, it's disconcerting to think that the initial exam was based on assumptions rather than a thorough assessment. Not only did they skip important steps like checking vitals, but they refused basic requests for pain relief and a supportive arm sling.

The Contrast with Past Care

Reflecting back, I recall a similar incident about 20 years ago when I fell and broke my tailbone while carrying my child. The ambulance service back then was nothing short of excellent. They provided immediate pain relief, carefully supported me on a stretcher, and monitored me at the hospital for several hours. The difference in treatment is stark and worrying.

What has changed in emergency care in the past few years? Ambulance care has evolved from a service focused on patient well-being and comfort to something that seems more like a military operation. The paramedics at my incident behaved as if they owned me, insisting on walking me out despite my inability to tolerate the pain. They ignored my repeated requests for a pain shot and a warm blanket, clearly prioritizing their own discomfort over mine.

Consequences and Call for Action

The impact of this poorly handled situation went beyond mere inconvenience. My experience in the wilderness painted a picture of survival. I had to fight to stay conscious, knowing that each movement could cause unimaginable pain. Eventually, the conditions worsened, and I asked to be helped back to the ambulance. What they provided was barely functional, leading to further pain and discomfort.

When we arrived at the hospital, the paramedics expected me to move from the ambulance to a wheelchair without regard for my current state. Despite my requests for pain medication, they seemed indifferent to my suffering. This disregard for patient comfort and well-being is alarming, especially considering the growing gap in medical service quality.

The aftermath of this incident is no less troubling. I had to seek further medical attention from my son and husband, who effectively bypassed the ambulance service. Why didn't the paramedics take better care of me, given the leverage they had with the hospital?

What's at Stake and the Need for Reform

These incidents raise critical questions about patient rights and the role of emergency medical services. The shift in attitudes from compassionate to authoritarian is a significant concern. The growing power and influence of these services in our lives leave us with fewer choices and less control over our health decisions.

Is it ethical to prioritize potential addiction over immediate medical need? The answer, in my opinion, is a resounding no. Medical services should be about saving lives and alleviating suffering. The legal and ethical boundaries of emergency care need to be redefined to ensure that patients receive the best possible treatment without fear of discrimination or neglect.

As a society, we must demand transparency, accountability, and reform. We need to establish guidelines that protect patient rights and ensure that emergency medical services are held to the highest standards of care. The goal is not just to provide timely treatment but to do so with a focus on patient comfort, pain management, and overall well-being.

Let's send a message that our medical services need to improve. Your voice matters. Share your experiences, and advocate for change. Together, we can make a difference.