r/Paramedics • u/Ok_Assistance69 • Jun 21 '25

US Overruling captain!

Just getting opinions here. Other night we had a well known psych patient who’s not only know to verbally accost medics/hospital staff, but can get aggressive. Delt with her multiple times where our local PD had her cuffed, hands on a taser. On scene for the THIRD time that week same patient, different captain (not mine, was working OT) and I told this captain “we’re going to need PD” Captain replied back “THIS IS NOT A PD ISSUE” very loud and aggressively I might add. I stated “she can get aggressive” he replied back “SHES NOT AGGRESSIVE”and he denied calling PD. Once she was loaded on the stretcher, she started to become verbally hostile, then and only then did the captain call PD. Then I was instructed to go to my patient. She started getting verbally hostile with me. I was told to get in the engine at this point and the other medics would run the call. PD followed the medic unit to our local ER.

Now, we all learned “BSI/scene safety” right? I always thought it was a medics discretion if it came to safety. KC firefighter died over a psychiatric patient after being stabbed by her. Another psych call, patient flew out the back doors and ended up being killed by a semi truck.

Does anyone think this needs to go up the chain? I feel mine AND my crews safety was compromised by a captain with a superiority complex and this captain has been known for his temper. His behavior was unprofessional, unacceptable and unbecoming an officer.

Opinions???

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u/gjb1202024 Jun 21 '25

If you don't minimally attempt to communicate with him first, you are part of the problem.

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u/Ok_Assistance69 Jun 21 '25

That’s apart of the issue, he’s not approachable

1

u/gjb1202024 Jun 22 '25

I would still give that a go and start by saying something like, I would not have asked had I not had the prior experience and let him know you weren't really asking, but that you also understand his reluctance based on the patient's current state. Stop talking and let him speak and you might find you are on the same or similar page. You can judge the reaction and conversation from there and determine next steps if any. Good luck