The Paramedic Heretic

At one point during our lunch the famous Sonny Bono asked, "So in other words, we've reached a point where a rescuer can't just say, ‘the heck with the rules' and just do the right thing?"

Not in other words, Sonny. Those are the perfect words.

Immutable Law #2. Saving lives is not our priority

Following our policies is our priority. Protecting ourselves comes next. Avoiding lawsuits comes third. You come somewhere after that.

* * *

I was not even out of school before I witnessed my first doctor commit murder. It would not be my last - Lord, no - but I can recall that night as vividly as though it happened last week. Few medics forget their first physician homicide. The ugly truth is some of the most macho medics on the planet turn into complete lollipops in the presence of an arrogant, incompetent physician. And no matter how you parse it, that's professional cowardice, wouldn't you say?