Smoking on the Job

[mrkeif]

Ok so the ambulance I volunteer for has been having this debate, and I was wondering if anyone else had different views on it.

At our base there is no smoking, and on the bus there is no smoking, but or problem is smoking on the job. Some people feel that there should not be smoking if you are on your shift at all, and some feel that it would be wrong to ban it. The problem comes in with the image of our members smoking out side the base, and when on breaks on the bus. Some people have complained that if you and your uniform smell like smoke, then the bus will smell like smoke, and that could interfere with patient care, and damage the Corps image. I’ve know of some places especially hospitals banning it completely, and I’ve herd of one person being suspended because the PCR smelled like smoke, I think that’s extreme, but that’s the policy they have, and the union stood by it. I’m not a smoker, but I understand both sides and can’t think of a good median.

Any ideas or opinions are appreciated.
-k

[IAMedic]

I have too heard of departments banning smoking on the job. I actually know of FD's and EMS agencies that will not allow you to smoke for ANY REASON. In fact, if you smoke, you will be suspended, fired, or not even hired.

Yeah, some of our patients may not like the smell, but there is a fine line between personal and professional and I don't believe those two areas should mingle together.

I say go ahead and smoke your life away. So let me write it, so let it be done!! :D

[smurfe]

So, lets say I east a Salami sandwich with garlic and onions and you can smell my breath 400 feet away, they gonna suspend me for that? Lets say I have a medical condition and I fart every 4 minutes, they gonna fire me for that? What about the 5'2" 325 pound medic, the gonna fire him for not looking profesional? What if my deoderant soap offends someone? Why do we have equal rights laws but I can't wear an ear ring and have to keep my hair a certain lenght, but a female where I work can have her hair hitting her butt and have 12 ear rings in each ear? I think these companies should concentrate on making quality medics, not pretty medics. Damn, I didn't think there was a service more anal than where I work, but I guess there is. Smoke 'em if you got 'em!

Smurfe

[Toering]

When I sneek a smoke I try to keep out of public eye as much as possable, because I think it looks tacky. I don't know a whole lot about the issue mainly because it not(around here). One main point that I see folks aganst might debate is that by smoking your causing harm to yourself(and others). That in a way is kinda hypocritical. Same thing as if an environmentalist was driving around in an SUV.
I know of one service that has a smoking policy. The rule is no smoking in uniform. I think that was an issue that was brought up just to make waves with a newly formed union. At any rate... I can see putting an end to smoking while working becoming a big problem if most or all employees smoke. I'm sure we'll see the day when you loose your job for smoken. We're talken tobbacco right... joking, I'm only joking!

[MikeF25]

Not sure if you are talking about a private service or
city funded. I have heard at least in my city, but am not sure how true it is smoking on or in city property is illegal. Of course that doesn't get followed. But as someone who has never smoked I would like to see it banned altogether. But, alot of people smoke and I think they should be more concerned about treating people rather than if you are smoking or not. As long as you are not smoking right over your patient.:eek:

[Firemedic 61]

In Florida you must be a non-user of tobbacco for 1 year prior to being hired, and most, if not all, departments make you sign saying you will be tobbacco free for the lenght of your employment.(This is for FD's not privates) It is the heart and lung bill. I don't know how many states have this but we are one of them. My chief recently put out a memmo reminding everyone about this but every time I see him he has a dip in yet we get in trouble for it. Nice huh.

[RoryEl]

If you hire on here you must sign a tobacco free agreement and can be fired for violation. No heart or lung bill. I'm ex-smoker and hired long before this, but do think it goes way to far. It's the infamous slippery slope. At what point do you draw the line? Can't smoke today, what's next?