You Make the Call...Round 3

Catch up on Round 1 and 2 to get up to speed on this to put it in context.

After getting this feisty fellow into restraints and as the boys in blue are climbing back out of the ambulance, my partner sees me stretching and asks, "Did he get you?"

"I'm not sure, still too much adrenaline to tell. I feel OK though." I respond, wondering how sore I'll be in the morning.

I turn to the officer to get his badge number and thank them again when he asks, "Do you want to press charges?"

You make the call.

Comments

Jean said…
What end result do you want?

Problemic frequent flyer? I may think about it. First timer and oblivously not "all there"? I'd be shocked if you pressed charges!

No visible injuries beside possible pulled muscles. What is NOT part of EMS life?? In fact, I'm not sure what you are looking for by posting THIS.
John said…
I say press charges. Drunk or not, no one should get free swings at public safety. The incident could have seriously injured you or your partner.
Kevin said…
Press charges!

You probably weren't the first, and I HIGHLY doubt you will be the last. He needs to learn there are consequences to his actions
Anonymous said…
After letting one guy get away with it once, only to have one of my colleagues assaulted at a layer date, I say press charges.
You were able to handle yourself, what if the next paramedic/emt/firefighter/member of the public isn't so lucky.
The only way I would consider not pressing charges was if his actions were a direct result of a head injury/metabolic imbalance etc.
Jess said…
I'll agree with Jean in saying that it's something that is to be expected with EMS. However, just because it's expected doesn't mean it has to be tolerated.
I'd say press charges. We're here to serve the public, not get beaten up by them. Drunk or not this guy needs to learn a lesson.
MotorCop said…
Are you kidding me? Fuck him. Altered state or not, there's a reason it's a crime...

You are not a punching bag. You are a highly trained paramedic.

Whether or not the DA chooses to file, of course, is completely different.
Anonymous said…
I'm with MotorCop on this one. The guy is not AMS due to a medical condition, he just has a sad and screwed up life and you can help him get some perspective. Of course you will have to make a statment and possibly testify, but it's worth it. I still regret to this the night night I did not 'have time' to preaa charges against the driver that damn near pancaked my partner as he drove around our roadblock. It does not send a clear message.
Press charges, no question.
Capt. Tom
Capt. Schmoe said…
What Motor Cop said. His mommy never taught him that hurting people is bad. I learned that at a young age. It's a rule I practice even when consuming cold and frosty adult beverages. After he gets popped, makes bail, gets arraigned, does a prelim and goes to trial, he may get it. Or not. For all of us, press 'em baby!!!!!
The Bus Driver said…
I'd at least make a report. If you need to seek medical attention later on, you have Covered Your Ass by making a report.

Charges can always come after the fact.. i think.
InsomniacMedic said…
Jean - it may be part of EMS life - but shouldn't be! We're not here to take punches. Happy - No question - PRESS CHARGES! We take too much of this (clearly it's the same over your side of the world) and we shouldn't have to..... Take care out there!
FireCap5 said…
Having run into this a few years back, press charges and then hope he ends up infront of the local Judge whose husband happens to be the politician in charge of your city............

Talk about getting the book thrown at him!! "No one abuses MY firemen!"says the Judge.......
Anonymous said…
Whether or not you sustained injury, there is no question as to whether the patient engaged in assault. Especially in light of the circumstances surrounding the reason you were called there in the first place.

Let the courts worry about intent.
TBChick said…
Sorry, I’m just getting caught up with my reading…

I’m with MotorCop. It’s a crime. Cops, firefighters and paramedics are not meant to be anybody’s punching bag. So press the charges.

He can be glad I’m not the judge. Release date hmmm about the 12th of never.