Rethinking Lights & Sirens w/ Jeff Jarvis & Jonathon Jenkins

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeffrey Jarvis, author of a fascinating paper on the impact of lights and siren (L&S) use in EMS responses. If you’re like most of us, when you hear those blaring sirens and see flashing lights, you think, “Wow, someone’s really in trouble!” But the truth, according to Dr. Jarvis’ study, might surprise you. Joined in this discussion with me is FOAMfrat educator Jonathon Jenkins.

[alumaboat]

I think it is absolutely ridiculous that some 911 agencies, and I have worked for several in 30+ years, require the rig respond Code 3 on EVERYTHING, chest colds x weeks, twisted ankles etc, risking our lives and everyone else’s lives on non life threatening calls, I worked for only one that did triage dispatching, I have worked and currently work for a metropolitan large city 911 agency, and I think we can all agree that 80-90% of EMS 911 calls did not need a code 3 response, yes, some of these people need a clinic/urgent care/virtual appt just a ride but not an ambulance, and the ever annoying “I get in quicker if I go with you”, NOPE! I go out of my way to get these people to triage.

[sho]

This podcast really missed the mark. Where was the 911 dispatcher component of the discussion? There are numerous systems used in the dispatch environment that can help dictate a response. One is used all over the world and is considered the gold standard to triage calls and dictate a response. The same system (MPDS) is used by both EMS agencies that cover Minneapolis (ground not flight lol)

What this podcast also fails to address is the fact that street personnel are not to dictate a response. That is the job of dispatch and medical directors. It's good to have the discussion but there are far more factors and people in play than just what you find out after you arrive.