R.O.E #4 "Foley Catheter's are not considered an
emergency procedure. Should not be part of the job
description. No benefit in an emergency."
This rule was created because back in the day they thought Foley's needed to be inserted by emergency personnel to measure urine output. But it made not difference in the outcome of an emergency. When Paramedic's or Emergency Medical Technicians are used in the ER, Hospital staff feel this should be a procedure performed by Emergency Medical Personnel.
R.O.E. #5 "Always, Always, Always, check to see if the scene is safe.
Be on your guard, rely on your gut instincts."
This rule has saved a lot of EMS personnel from dying. When entering a scene there are unforseen risks. If you are unaware of your surroundings, it can kill you. If you are the first end on an emergency, you must be on guard as to odors, liquids, GUNS, or other things that might harm you.
R.O.E. #6 "It's believed that committing suicide is the only way you
can't enter heaven. In this situation, you need to
immediately interject this thought and make every effort
to talk someone out of what they are about to do. Life is
short enough, there are no do overs with a mistake like
this, its final."
When you are on a scene where someone is contemplating suicide. You should reason with them wheather they are thinking about their future. Even if they beleive in God or not. If they take their own life do they want to take a risk in not having any chance of ever lasting life. God does not look favorable on taking your own life. This decision would make it permanent.
R.O.E. #7 "Things are not always the way they appear to be, don't be
fooled."
When you are on an emergency, your decisions are made on things you are looking at. But some situations are not the way they appear. So always keep an open mind to everything on the scene.
R.O.E. #8 "The person behind the radio, no matter how great the
picture,only sees the radio. You must sometimes bend the
gray rules, based on judgement and experience, know
when to say NO."
When you are describing a scene, relaying information to someone on the radio, they can only see the radio. They cannot see, hear, smell, or have adrenaline flowing to understand your situation. You, at that time, must make a decision as to what is best for the patient. Just be able to back up your decision with your facts.
R.O.E. #9 "Hearing is the last thing that goes, so talk to your patient
every moment to keep them focused, even if it looks
hopeless. Your voice is a comfort in itself."
When ever you are working on a patient that seems to be unconscious or unable to hear you, hearing is the last thing that goes. As long as you talk to them, telling them to listen to your voice. It helps them focus on reality and to fight for life.
R.O.E. #10 "Never assume the lackey attitude of others because they
think the call is a waste of time. There is a patient in need
of help , rather mental or physical, they still need help."
Some responders, that are burnt out, begin having judgement attitudes as to rather this is an abuse of the 911 system or not. In most every incident there is a reason for the call. Some view it as meaningless because there is no blood or excitement. Not thinking that a person has a problem, rather mental or physical, and needs help.
R.O.E. #11 "Believe in the mentally ill with suicidal ideation's. If they
have the thought, sooner or later they will be compelled
to complete their mission. No matter how many times
they call, seek help for them each time with a helpful
attitude."
When someone threatens to kill themself, believe them. seek professional help to attempt to assist them in coping with their problem. Sometimes if you listen that is all the treatment they need.
