Dirty Laundry

[Rollie Parrish <rparrish@flightweb.com>]

On Tue, 4 Dec 2001, susan nittinger wrote:

> Sadly enough, this has gone on for
> years and years in the Pittsburgh area.  I can't
> believe it took this long to surface.

I've been waiting for someone else to comment on this aspect of this
issue, but no one has yet, so I guess I will.

Incidents such as those described in Pittsburgh are in no way
unique to that community or the flight programs involved.  My guess is
that it's rather common, especially in areas where there is high
competition between flight programs. In fact, of the few relatively few
programs in the Northwest, I know of or have heard of flights being held
rather than giving them to a competing program. I've heard of programs not
handing over patients just because the other programs didn't have the
exact same advanced procedures and treatment protocols. I've seen ground
agencies hold on to patients that should be flown and vice-versa, all in
the name of "keeping the numbers up." Some people think this is wrong and
unethical, others think it's just a way of doing business because it's
been going on for so long.

The point is that it's unfair for STAT MedEvac to be criticized for
practices that are probably common industry-wide. Because they are a
well known industry leader, the spotlight is shining on them and I'm sure
that everyone is thankful their own programs aren't being targeted. Add
some disgruntled employees or vocal individuals from competition and you
have a fairly effective smear campaign.

Because this issue was first brought to our attention via a public media
source (link to a printed newspaper article), there's no point in trying
to squelch the discussion on this important but very sensitive issue. The
"milk has been spilt," so we might as well learn something from it.
However, if a flight program has been doing something that they are
embarrassed to have discussed publically, it should give them food for
thought. Perhaps other flight programs doing the same things will choose
to change their practices before the spotlight shines on them.

BTW, we should avoid airing "dirty laundry" regarding specific flight
programs or individuals. First of all, it's unprofessional and generally
makes the poster look like a disgruntled individual. Second, it wouldn't
take long to detract from the otherwise positive nature of the discussions
here, as has happened in other forums. Third, remember to at least include
your name in posts and beware of any company polices regarding these
discussions.

Later

-- 
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Rollie Parrish
FlightWeb: For Air Medical Professionals
http://www.flightweb.com




_______________________________________________
Flightmed mailing list