One summer afternoon as I was driving home from work, I came across 3 cyclists in trouble. They’d had a crash, and one of them was clearly concussed. His helmet was smashed and I could see bone through his road rashes. I put a shirt under his head, covered him with my jacket and started to give him water. I was worried about concussion and shock. It’s only when I whipped out my cell phone to call 911 that his buddies “helped”. They insisted they/he/his family wouldn’t want to pay for an ambulance, when his Mom could be called for a ride instead! “Don’t they cost $100 mister?” I said an ambulance could offer aid immediately and during transport, as well as waiting in line at the emergency (anyone seen them lately?) whereas his Mom would be little more than a long taxi ride to the hospital. I thought it was an emergency. They clearly didn’t agree. They talked me out of it, and thereby saved themselves and the taxpayer $$. I regret it, but maybe I was over reacting. The concussion thing alarmed me though. Slamming and sliding down pavement can be a small deal or worse. I’m not a doc.
You do make a good point about the broken paddle thing Memequay. I have no doubt there are abusers of the system. My point is who draws the line between $$ well spent, and $$ wasted, and where is that line?
Sadly, I’ve had to call on a few paramedics over the past few years. I also have two nieces who are employed as such (one military, one civilian). I’ve yet to speak to any who didn’t act dedicated and professional.
The twerp with the broken paddle deserved it also, even if he didn’t earn it.
PS I'm not fired up over this, everything's cool. I'm just kicking this topic around and wondering what I can learn from it.
