Quote:
Originally Posted by Ber999T
Just to clarify a point here.
Under the GOOD SAMARITION act you can act in trying to save a life but you must not exceed your level of skills or use equipment that you are not trained for. This act could stop a law suit (think in UK only though)
GP's are trained and can do lots of things but have to make sure that the treatment is the best they can give. They don't carry the equipment that is on an Ambulance.
Within this area the NWAS has a good response time for most calls.
What I will say and stress to everyone is if in doubt about someone's condition call out the Ambulance NOT GP if it turns out that it best treated by GP that can be arranged but if it needs more skilful assistances then they can be treated and transported to A&E.
If you know of anybody who suffers from Angina and they start with Chest Pain make sure they stop what they are doing and take their GTN.
If they are at rest, sitting down or in bed and the pain starts take GTN and get Ambulance out otherwise give it 5 minutes to work and if no better re-take and call for Ambulance even if they say no get Dr.
Asthma and COPD suffers call out Ambulance if having Difficulty in Breathing (DIB)
Without my Ambulance nearby I'm only as good as what I can lay my hands on, and yes JB we would look round for medications etc but if life at risk, time critical condition/injuries, it scoop and run!!
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If anything went wrong though the prosecuting barrister would probably pick fault with something else under another act. In France everyone is under a duty of care to anyone they see have an accident or in need of some sort of help, in UK, your not under any Act that states you need to help. With the pressures upon doctors these days under the strain of the NHS I think I'd be wary of doing something off duty in case I was too tired from the pressures of ON-duty life to help properly.
Most people are unwilling to help in this country when a stranger needs it. Why a doctor should be criticised just because he didn't go to help isn't really something we should pick fault with. I got beat up on a main road by a large gang of girls and cars just drove on by like nothing was happening, but I wont think badly of them for not helping, as there is just no duty to do so and its always easier to not get involved unfortunatly.