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So this weekend we have a friend visiting from out of state. This friend has had epilepsy since he was young. My wife went to college with him and we have both dealt with him having seizures. In the past, my wife has called 911 during his episodes and stayed on the line until he was ok, told the operator so and that was that.
This past Saturday, it happened again. Only this time, the operator insisted that since we called 911, that they have to send someone out. My wife repeatedly told the operator we did not need an ambulance. As soon as I heard our address come out of my wife's mouth I gave her a look. (he was already out of his seizure at this point and was indeed ok.)
So the paramedics show up. I walk out and tell them his history and that he is ok and resting and they are not needed. I tell them we did not even request and ambulance. They ask if they can see him anyway. I say no, there is no reason and he is resting. They threaten with calling the police and that they "will get to see him anyways". About this time, the firetruck is pulling up. Not wanting to escalate this show of force into something worse (on my behalf) and just to get it over with I allowed them to see him.
I stood by as they talked to him and with each other. They were contemplating amongst themselves if they needed to take him in even though he was stable had already refused transport. The questions they were asking him and each other, hell the whole situation, made me want to puke. Since when are paramedics, fire fighters, or police required to respond to a call and force their way in even when the caller says no?
Never have I felt so violated. I believe this, along with so much other stuff I have seen and heard lately, are signs to what is to come.
This past Saturday, it happened again. Only this time, the operator insisted that since we called 911, that they have to send someone out. My wife repeatedly told the operator we did not need an ambulance. As soon as I heard our address come out of my wife's mouth I gave her a look. (he was already out of his seizure at this point and was indeed ok.)
So the paramedics show up. I walk out and tell them his history and that he is ok and resting and they are not needed. I tell them we did not even request and ambulance. They ask if they can see him anyway. I say no, there is no reason and he is resting. They threaten with calling the police and that they "will get to see him anyways". About this time, the firetruck is pulling up. Not wanting to escalate this show of force into something worse (on my behalf) and just to get it over with I allowed them to see him.
I stood by as they talked to him and with each other. They were contemplating amongst themselves if they needed to take him in even though he was stable had already refused transport. The questions they were asking him and each other, hell the whole situation, made me want to puke. Since when are paramedics, fire fighters, or police required to respond to a call and force their way in even when the caller says no?
Never have I felt so violated. I believe this, along with so much other stuff I have seen and heard lately, are signs to what is to come.