In a profession that includes so many different scenarios, EMTs have to constantly interact with a variety of different people and professionals. Of course, they must first of all be in constant contact with the health providers that will be at the hospital to which they are taking the patient. This interaction is obviously basic for a successful treatment of the patient, however, there are many others that need to take place too in an ethical way. Respecting the patient and avoiding the disclosure of information in these cases may be very difficult but is till the duty of the EMT.
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
As previously mentioned, EMTs have to be in contact with providers at the hospital, this communication can be solely informative, in order to make sure at the hospital at issue, physicians are ready to receive the patient. In other cases, this information serves as means to an insightful conversation, in which doubts may be shared. In others, the EMT can be asking for something from the provider, such as issuing a DNR, which isn’t usual, however, it has and can happen, therefore, this communication is essential.
POLICE OFFICERS
Law enforcement officers may have arrived first at the scene and are needed in order to secure the area for the EMT professionals. On the other hand, EMT are required to, in the case they are required to act within a crime scene, to observe, document and not disturb the scene. This may include avoiding or changing usual activities such as cutting the person’s clothing, as they may be needed later on. However, this is done as far as possible, as the principal EMT duty is to provide care and transportation to those in need and that may mean acting as quick as possible, meaning it disturbs the scene but saves someone’s life.
FIREFIGHTERS
As expected, firefighters are not always working solely in the case there is a fire as this is highly unlikely. Therefore, firefighters are in many cases present in emergency situations in which EMTs are required too, meaning they both have to cooperate and work together without interfering in each others work. It is also important to note, patient information should not be disclosed in these cases too, and therefore, special care must be taken.
THE PRESS
As these emergency situations are unusual and drive attention to them, the media may be present, the biggest issue regarding the interaction between EMTs and reporters is the lack of disclosure. Patient’s identities must be protected and EMTs must be aware of the information they are able to disclose and what should be kept to themselves.