Legal question here involving refusal of service. What do we do in the case of a pt refusing service, however is calling 911 for under the table services for a lift assist from a vehicle to the pt's residence because they are not able to. Most times in a ROS situation we are asking the pt to get up and move around to show that they can do daily activities to be able to stay at home. Our equipment is "extrication equipment". We're now being called as a lifting service to utilize our lifting abilities and extrication equipment (stair chair, backboard, stretcher) to move pts who otherwise can't into a residence and it being called a refusal of service. Where does the liability fall and what are paramedics suppose to do? As any other ROS, we wouldn't treat the pt with medications, we would advocate to go to the hospital etc. This is a unique situation that a lot of us are finding ourselves in. Being called for a ROS as the reason on pt contact, but demanding services.  

This does sound like a very frustrating situation. First and foremost, SWORBHP cannot provide a legal opinion.  From a medical delegation standpoint, it is important to ensure there are no active or hidden medical concerns that need to be assessed and addressed. This is required with every patient contact. We would suggest that this concern be brought forward to your Service as this falls within the scope of the BLS PCS and Service policy.   

Uncategorized

Extrication, Refusal of Service, ROS

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