by Tom Wroe

Fire Science

A serious traffic accident occurred on a well traveled canyon road. There were multiple injuries to several persons in both vehicles. Emergency Medical Teams responded, and gave excellent care to all of the injured parties. Even the most seriously injured recovered.

As the supervisor over the EMT teams, you learned of the exceptionally good job done by one of the responders and decide to acknowledge the personnel involved. During the preparations for an award ceremony, you learn confidentially from one of the volunteer ambulance members who was on the scene, that a certain individual was alleged to be taking inappropriate liberties with a female patient in the back of the ambulance while "assessing injuries". This volunteer had the most seniority and experience of anyone on the crew. The patient/victim was in shock and great pain, but still aware of the incident and asked for her body to be covered. However, she did not file a formal complaint.

Further investigation determined this rescuer has had other allegations by to formal complaints had ever been made by any of his "victims". The "thoroughness" of his examinations had been noticed by others who also felt this person was undermining the morale of the others on the volunteer crew who prided themselves in maintaining a high sense of professionalism.

Questions:

Since there have been no formal complaints, do you proceed with the award presentation?

Do you call in the perpetrator and warn him about future behavior?

Do you call the whole crew together and without naming names, announce that henceforth, any member of the team taking liberties with patients will be fired?

Do you fire the perpetrator?

What other alternatives could you choose?