We need your thoughts!
Chris Caulkins, EdD, MPH, MA
Educator | Researcher | Data Geek | Public Speaker | Suicidologist | Mental Health Advocate | Paramedic | Computer Programmer | Developer of College Courses, Progams, and Degrees | Interdisciplinarian
We, the Strub Caulkins Center for Suicide Research, are working on some research regarding pain control. Pain, both physical and psychological origin (psychache), is a major factor in suicidal ideation, attempts, and and suicide deaths. The devil's advocacy question is, why should paramedics bother treating pain in any form rather than just having the hospital deal with it? Which is potentially more fatal, a broken arm or a psychache? Does emergency medical services (9-1-1, ambulance services, paramedics) have the responsibility to treat pain in all of its forms or in just some cases?
We are interested in what you think. You don't have to be in the healthcare field to respond. Your thoughts will actually help guide and inform the project. Your opinion matters!
On Site Clinician for CBP EAP - Minneapolis, Author, ART & EMDR therapist and former LEO working with public safety personnel. Area clinician for DEA. Founder and former Clinical Director - MN CIT
9 年My experience is that Medics treat necessary pain issues with great care for the patients overall medical well-being. The psychache and suicidal ideation would most usually come into a critical area when the person is isolated/alone, with little or no resources. When a Medic is with the patient, even though the pain may be overwhelming, the isolation issue is not prevelant. The act of suicide is usually an impulsive act/decision with someone being "on the fence" because of their perceived situation. The continuous isolation can greatly increase the likelihood of that decision being made. I agree with Jennifer Eccles. Medics care and presence can help with the pain and psychache by just being with them and being compassionate.
Executive Director of the Center for Nursing Equity and Excellence; Adjunct Faculty, University of Minnesota School of Nursing
9 年In my perspective, EMS services always treat pain in the immediacy of the moment. I'm not talking always using meds for pain. I'm referring to the simple act of being there in the moment with someone in need. You're the person who cares...really cares...about that person in that moment. They might have no one else. Or the people they usually have are not able to help them at that time and in that situation. You might do physical things to help that person be more comfortable. But sometimes just the act of being present and truly caring about that person as a human being makes the difference in that person's life. Yesterday, a neighbour of mine told me a story of how she and her husband came upon a man who had tried to kill himself in a very public way. They waited on the side of the road for EMS to arrive. Before she left him (and she still remembers his name), she said to him, "I know you might not think this right now, but your life has purpose." He thanked her, and calmed down, and smiled. In a very real way, this treated his pain both physically and mentally. Does this perspective help? Thank you for the opportunity to post my views. Jennifer