Mortality rate

[jbeyer]

Hi guys, new here to the forum, and I had a question to you guys. I'm an EMT from Maryland and here we are not allowed to have lights put on our personal vehicles, other than the chiefs of the station. I want that to change. When I see an accident I'm going to stop and in that, put my life on the line. I would feel safer if I had those lights going so other people would avoid and not hit me, the injured people, or my car.
I wanted to know if anyone knew of EMT death rates? In my EMT class, we were told that most EMT's die from being hit by cars... is that true? Does anyone have or know where to get those statistics?

Jon

[emt161]

When I see an accident I'm going to stop and in that, put my life on the line.

Here's a hint: DON'T STOP.

[Sam Adams]

Bad news goes to families of those who stop.

[jbeyer]

you guys seriously wouldn't stop and use the training that you know to save someone's life? That's messed up (no offense).

[LasVegasEMS]

you guys seriously wouldn't stop and use the training that you know to save someone's life? That's messed up (no offense).

News Flash: 90% of the people in a car wreck don't require any life-saving interventions, only a ride to the hospital to look at their soreness. The other 10% require "life-saving" therapy that you can't even perform, so what's the point in stopping.

I'll admit i've stopped, but I was on the highway in between states and no one around for a hundred miles or so.

You obviously haven't been doing this long, wait a few years before you decide to stop anywhere and further hurt someone or yourself.

[firemedicgm]

Rule #1: Scene safety

If the area isn't safe for you to stop and render aid...then don't. Wait for the guys with the badges and guns to control traffic before you put yourself in a dangerous situation.

Don't misunderstand us here...we're glad to see that you're passionate about doing this and eager to use your skills - that's an admirable trait. You just have to keep it in check.

And, as was posted earlier, very few accidents result in life-threatening injuries.

[dr-exmedic]

In my EMT class, we were told that most EMT's die from being hit by cars... is that true?
No, the most common way to die in EMS is in a motor vehicle accident, not to be struck at the scene of one.

If you're really concerned about stopping (and I agree that doing so isn't necessary in most cases), put some road flares in your trunk and use those, or maybe get some battery-powered road-hazard blinkers (safer--no flames).

[BLSboy]

Get an ANSI Class II vest.
And only stop at stuff that just occured, and based on the MOI, would be serious.

[emt161]

you guys seriously wouldn't stop and use the training that you know to save someone's life? That's messed up (no offense).

What's messed up is young pups like yourself disregarding the experience of providers who had already been around the block before you had hair on your balls, just because their advice conflicts with your need to be a hero.

Call 911 and keep driving. That way you'll live long enough to learn why anything else is a bad, bad idea.

[ffscm72]

I'll put it this way....

I've stopped ONCE when i first got my license. Vehicle into a ditch w/ a subject walking aimlessly in a corn field. It ended up being a drunken subject who didn't want anyone there. Why you ask, I'll tell you.....because he ended up being an illegal and did not wish to be deported.

Now that I say that, once he saw me calling for help he proceeded to 'TRY' to kick my back side.....And I mean TRY. Wasn't much to get him on the ground but was hard to call for help and keep him from kickin' my butt. He was eventually arrested for DUI, assault, and driving w/o a license.

Now, ask yourself, Is it really worth getting into a situation you have NOOOOOO clue as to what you will find. I thinks not. But it's you safety, have fun! :)