Re: Given a Speeding Ticket in an Ambulance

[Guest guest]

Lights and Siren may not always be " indicated " but there are traffic laws that

need to be followed. No excuse!

____________________________________________________________

Obama Urges Homeowners to Refinance

If you owe under $729k you probably qualify for Obama's Refi Program

http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3131/4d2f0f672b5c1649535st05vuc

[Guest guest]

Lights and Siren may not always be " indicated " but there are traffic laws that

need to be followed. No excuse!

____________________________________________________________

Obama Urges Homeowners to Refinance

If you owe under $729k you probably qualify for Obama's Refi Program

http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3131/4d2f0f672b5c1649535st05vuc

[Guest guest]

Where is Waumbaugh when you need him?

_http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fyvush_Finkel_

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fyvush_Finkel)

ck

In a message dated 01/13/11 13:29:25 Central Standard Time,

rob.davis@... writes:

> That being said pay the ticket, it's not worth the fight especially

> in a time of economic hardship for the city of Houston, to take it in

spite look

> on the bright side he has a huge chip on his shoulder about EMS, but at

least your

> still gonna have health insurance and retirement at the end of your

career.

No comment on the legality or propriety of this incident, but here's the

best advice you'll receive in this thread; Absolutely DO NOT pay this

ticket! Two hundred-forty five dollars is nothing in comparison to what your

insurance increase will be. Not to mention the possibility of you being

disqualified as a driver on your company's insurance and losing your job.

Two words: Jew Lawyer. It's worth the money to make it go away. Be done

with it.

Rob

Jew, so spare me the outrage

------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links

[Guest guest]

Where is Waumbaugh when you need him?

_http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fyvush_Finkel_

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fyvush_Finkel)

ck

In a message dated 01/13/11 13:29:25 Central Standard Time,

rob.davis@... writes:

> That being said pay the ticket, it's not worth the fight especially

> in a time of economic hardship for the city of Houston, to take it in

spite look

> on the bright side he has a huge chip on his shoulder about EMS, but at

least your

> still gonna have health insurance and retirement at the end of your

career.

No comment on the legality or propriety of this incident, but here's the

best advice you'll receive in this thread; Absolutely DO NOT pay this

ticket! Two hundred-forty five dollars is nothing in comparison to what your

insurance increase will be. Not to mention the possibility of you being

disqualified as a driver on your company's insurance and losing your job.

Two words: Jew Lawyer. It's worth the money to make it go away. Be done

with it.

Rob

Jew, so spare me the outrage

------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links

[Guest guest]

So you are saying there is no situation under which you would advocate code 2?

J Meere

CEP, Arizona Ambulance

U.S. Army, Retired

JMeere@...

> BINGO...My thoughts exactly!

>

> __________________________________________________________

> Get Free Email with Video Mail & Video Chat!

> http://www.juno.com/freeemail?refcd=JUTAGOUT1FREM0210

>

>

[Guest guest]

So you are saying there is no situation under which you would advocate code 2?

J Meere

CEP, Arizona Ambulance

U.S. Army, Retired

JMeere@...

> BINGO...My thoughts exactly!

>

> __________________________________________________________

> Get Free Email with Video Mail & Video Chat!

> http://www.juno.com/freeemail?refcd=JUTAGOUT1FREM0210

>

>

[Guest guest]

> That being said pay the ticket, it's not worth the fight especially

> in a time of economic hardship for the city of Houston, to take it in spite

look

> on the bright side he has a huge chip on his shoulder about EMS, but at least

your

> still gonna have health insurance and retirement at the end of your career.

No comment on the legality or propriety of this incident, but here's the best

advice you'll receive in this thread; Absolutely DO NOT pay this ticket! Two

hundred-forty five dollars is nothing in comparison to what your insurance

increase will be. Not to mention the possibility of you being disqualified as a

driver on your company's insurance and losing your job.

Two words: Jew Lawyer. It's worth the money to make it go away. Be done with

it.

Rob

Jew, so spare me the outrage

[Guest guest]

> That being said pay the ticket, it's not worth the fight especially

> in a time of economic hardship for the city of Houston, to take it in spite

look

> on the bright side he has a huge chip on his shoulder about EMS, but at least

your

> still gonna have health insurance and retirement at the end of your career.

No comment on the legality or propriety of this incident, but here's the best

advice you'll receive in this thread; Absolutely DO NOT pay this ticket! Two

hundred-forty five dollars is nothing in comparison to what your insurance

increase will be. Not to mention the possibility of you being disqualified as a

driver on your company's insurance and losing your job.

Two words: Jew Lawyer. It's worth the money to make it go away. Be done with

it.

Rob

Jew, so spare me the outrage

[Guest guest]

As stupid as this sounds....he may have you on that. TECHNICALLY...unless the

law has changed, we are only allowed to exceed the speed limit by 10mph, WITH

lights and sirens. But then again, we are also taught that some patients react

badly to the sirens, such as cardiac pts. and to use just the air horn and

lights. 

I may be wrong, but I would have gone ahead and turned on the lights alone, and

not stopped. But I would have called 911 and explained. 

I have always had the opposite experience. In a hurry, late for a dialysis pt,

speeding down the feeder, get tagged by a by a cop on foot with a radar gun,

(and three cruisers hiding behind a fence) and he ignores me. 

When I first became an EMT, I was with a 911 service in Co., but stayed

in Ft. Bend. My girfriend had just had our baby by emergency C-section days

before. She had extreme abdominal pain, and I mean a 10. I was thinking the

sutures were rupturing. I put her in my car, ....my candy apple red Iroc Camero

I had decked out with a light bar, and hit hwy 90 at 110mph, headed to Polly

(yeah....I know, that was stupid,I was an idiot.)

I saw lights behind me, but didnt stop. Wher we got to ER, I got her out of the

car and just quickly told the cop, She had a c-section days ago and her uterus

may be rupturing, that I would talk to him when I come out. I carried her into

ER. 

Then I came back out and much to my surprise, there were 9 police cars in the

lot, from 3 different agencies. After explaining, and showing my 911 ID, I got a

chewing out for the excessive speed, then they all left. I think it is officers

discretion, not sure. 

I think you could probably get that dismissed by the judge, especially if you

have your department's backing, and a letter, and/or witness that can verify

that it was an emergency that lights and sirens should not have been used.

But....you WERE 6 mph over what I know of as the maximum, so the cop, as big of

a jerk as he was, was in the right to issue the citation. However, it should

have been done at the ER, not in the middle of txp.

Cougar!!

(I'm 65 emails behind, it will be interesting to see the other responses. This

is only what " I " would have done.)

Funny....this is something I would expect from DPS, but not HPD.

Here is a suggestion:

Get a notarized affidavit from your company, stating that you were following

protocol for that type of patient. Go to the Municipal Courts Bldg, next to 61

Reisner. Once you go through the metal detectors, take a right down the hall.

Look for the door with glass, that says " District Attorney's Office " Tell them

you want to speak to a prosecutor.  An asst. DA will take you to his office,

and you can explain it, and show him your letter, and/or witness. Go in full

dress uniform, with company ID.  The prosecutor has the power to drop the

charge, and you will never see a courtroom or a judge. I have done this before

for an expired sticker on an ambulance. I took a company letter (along with the

sticker receipt)  that stated, it was an oversight, and has since been

corrected. It worked.

However....with the demise of the red light cameras, and the city facing a

MASSIVE budget deficit, due to that, well....it's a cr*p shoot, but worth a try.

Cougar!!

I'll keep my Guns, my Freedom and my MONEY,

You can keep the " CHANGE. "

Subject: Given a Speeding Ticket in an Ambulance

To: texasems-l

Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2011, 9:56 PM

I am still dumbfounded over 24 hours after receiving a citation from Houston PD

for speeding in an ambulance while transporting a patient to the Houston Medical

Center yesterday.  I was cited for 76 in a 60.  A $245.00 fine.  The flow of

traffic was pretty much traveling at the same speed, I was passing vehicles on

the road and at the same time was was being passed by vehicles.  This occurred

about 1/2 mile from the speed limit changing from 65 to 60 miles an hour. 

I am a paramedic with over 16 years experience.  13 years of this in the Gulf

Coast Area transporting numerous patients into the medical center.   An EVOC

instructor for over 6 years,  so before you say it, YES I should have known

better. 

Here is my justification for my actions.  The patient I was transporting had a

femur fracture from a fall that occurred on 01/10/2011, but was not transported

to our local ER for evaluation until 01/11/2011.  This patient was then being

transferred to a hospital in the Medical Center for further evaluation and

treatment.  The patient had a low H&H, and therefore was in need of blood

products.  The patient has a history of HTN and anxiety (more about that

later).    The patient started with a blood pressure around 100/60 with a

heart rate in the 120’s, obvious signs of compensating shock.   We are

transporting from a rural hospital about an hour from the medical center.  The

patient in my professional opinion meets the criteria for a priority emergency

transport.  Due to the increased risk of transporting a patient priority

traffic and the patient’s history of anxiety; I chose to transport the patient

non-priority traffic.  While on the

highway to the Medical Center the traffic as stated earlier was moving very

well and traffic was for the most part light in nature for about 15:30.  I was

traveling in the left hand lane of the road with a group of vehicles that were

all traveling about the same speed.  We had just passed 2 other patrol cars

that were sitting on the side of the road, but they chose to leave us alone. 

This officer chose me out of the group to pull over. 

He asked what is the reason for the excessive speed, and I advised him that we

were transporting a patient to the medical center that is in need of blood

products.  He asked, " oh so you have a patient in the back? " and I advised him

that we did.  He responded " but they are not bad enough to need the lights and

siren? " I advised him that I did not want to use the lights and sirens and

before I could explain why, given the patient’s anxiety, he asked for my

license and proceeded to his patrol car. Upon returning he stated that being

that there is no explanation for the speed, I was getting a citation. “Please

sign here.â€Â 

I can assure you that the look on my face was priceless, non-verbally it read

“REALLY? YOU ARE GIVING ME A CITATION....REALLY?.....NO REALLY...A

CITATION!!!!â€

I am just venting, and also putting the word out that obviously you can and will

be pulled over and receive a citation in the City of Houston for speeding while

transporting a patient to the hospital IN an ambulance if you are not following

ALL traffic laws.

Questions:

1. Has anyone else had this happen?

2. If so, what did you do about it? Did you go to court and fight, or did you

just take it as a lesson learned and pay the fine?

Mr. Marcus Finney

mdfinney@...

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

As stupid as this sounds....he may have you on that. TECHNICALLY...unless the

law has changed, we are only allowed to exceed the speed limit by 10mph, WITH

lights and sirens. But then again, we are also taught that some patients react

badly to the sirens, such as cardiac pts. and to use just the air horn and

lights. 

I may be wrong, but I would have gone ahead and turned on the lights alone, and

not stopped. But I would have called 911 and explained. 

I have always had the opposite experience. In a hurry, late for a dialysis pt,

speeding down the feeder, get tagged by a by a cop on foot with a radar gun,

(and three cruisers hiding behind a fence) and he ignores me. 

When I first became an EMT, I was with a 911 service in Co., but stayed

in Ft. Bend. My girfriend had just had our baby by emergency C-section days

before. She had extreme abdominal pain, and I mean a 10. I was thinking the

sutures were rupturing. I put her in my car, ....my candy apple red Iroc Camero

I had decked out with a light bar, and hit hwy 90 at 110mph, headed to Polly

(yeah....I know, that was stupid,I was an idiot.)

I saw lights behind me, but didnt stop. Wher we got to ER, I got her out of the

car and just quickly told the cop, She had a c-section days ago and her uterus

may be rupturing, that I would talk to him when I come out. I carried her into

ER. 

Then I came back out and much to my surprise, there were 9 police cars in the

lot, from 3 different agencies. After explaining, and showing my 911 ID, I got a

chewing out for the excessive speed, then they all left. I think it is officers

discretion, not sure. 

I think you could probably get that dismissed by the judge, especially if you

have your department's backing, and a letter, and/or witness that can verify

that it was an emergency that lights and sirens should not have been used.

But....you WERE 6 mph over what I know of as the maximum, so the cop, as big of

a jerk as he was, was in the right to issue the citation. However, it should

have been done at the ER, not in the middle of txp.

Cougar!!

(I'm 65 emails behind, it will be interesting to see the other responses. This

is only what " I " would have done.)

Funny....this is something I would expect from DPS, but not HPD.

Here is a suggestion:

Get a notarized affidavit from your company, stating that you were following

protocol for that type of patient. Go to the Municipal Courts Bldg, next to 61

Reisner. Once you go through the metal detectors, take a right down the hall.

Look for the door with glass, that says " District Attorney's Office " Tell them

you want to speak to a prosecutor.  An asst. DA will take you to his office,

and you can explain it, and show him your letter, and/or witness. Go in full

dress uniform, with company ID.  The prosecutor has the power to drop the

charge, and you will never see a courtroom or a judge. I have done this before

for an expired sticker on an ambulance. I took a company letter (along with the

sticker receipt)  that stated, it was an oversight, and has since been

corrected. It worked.

However....with the demise of the red light cameras, and the city facing a

MASSIVE budget deficit, due to that, well....it's a cr*p shoot, but worth a try.

Cougar!!

I'll keep my Guns, my Freedom and my MONEY,

You can keep the " CHANGE. "

Subject: Given a Speeding Ticket in an Ambulance

To: texasems-l

Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2011, 9:56 PM

I am still dumbfounded over 24 hours after receiving a citation from Houston PD

for speeding in an ambulance while transporting a patient to the Houston Medical

Center yesterday.  I was cited for 76 in a 60.  A $245.00 fine.  The flow of

traffic was pretty much traveling at the same speed, I was passing vehicles on

the road and at the same time was was being passed by vehicles.  This occurred

about 1/2 mile from the speed limit changing from 65 to 60 miles an hour. 

I am a paramedic with over 16 years experience.  13 years of this in the Gulf

Coast Area transporting numerous patients into the medical center.   An EVOC

instructor for over 6 years,  so before you say it, YES I should have known

better. 

Here is my justification for my actions.  The patient I was transporting had a

femur fracture from a fall that occurred on 01/10/2011, but was not transported

to our local ER for evaluation until 01/11/2011.  This patient was then being

transferred to a hospital in the Medical Center for further evaluation and

treatment.  The patient had a low H&H, and therefore was in need of blood

products.  The patient has a history of HTN and anxiety (more about that

later).    The patient started with a blood pressure around 100/60 with a

heart rate in the 120’s, obvious signs of compensating shock.   We are

transporting from a rural hospital about an hour from the medical center.  The

patient in my professional opinion meets the criteria for a priority emergency

transport.  Due to the increased risk of transporting a patient priority

traffic and the patient’s history of anxiety; I chose to transport the patient

non-priority traffic.  While on the

highway to the Medical Center the traffic as stated earlier was moving very

well and traffic was for the most part light in nature for about 15:30.  I was

traveling in the left hand lane of the road with a group of vehicles that were

all traveling about the same speed.  We had just passed 2 other patrol cars

that were sitting on the side of the road, but they chose to leave us alone. 

This officer chose me out of the group to pull over. 

He asked what is the reason for the excessive speed, and I advised him that we

were transporting a patient to the medical center that is in need of blood

products.  He asked, " oh so you have a patient in the back? " and I advised him

that we did.  He responded " but they are not bad enough to need the lights and

siren? " I advised him that I did not want to use the lights and sirens and

before I could explain why, given the patient’s anxiety, he asked for my

license and proceeded to his patrol car. Upon returning he stated that being

that there is no explanation for the speed, I was getting a citation. “Please

sign here.â€Â 

I can assure you that the look on my face was priceless, non-verbally it read

“REALLY? YOU ARE GIVING ME A CITATION....REALLY?.....NO REALLY...A

CITATION!!!!â€

I am just venting, and also putting the word out that obviously you can and will

be pulled over and receive a citation in the City of Houston for speeding while

transporting a patient to the hospital IN an ambulance if you are not following

ALL traffic laws.

Questions:

1. Has anyone else had this happen?

2. If so, what did you do about it? Did you go to court and fight, or did you

just take it as a lesson learned and pay the fine?

Mr. Marcus Finney

mdfinney@...

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

As stupid as this sounds....he may have you on that. TECHNICALLY...unless the

law has changed, we are only allowed to exceed the speed limit by 10mph, WITH

lights and sirens. But then again, we are also taught that some patients react

badly to the sirens, such as cardiac pts. and to use just the air horn and

lights. 

I may be wrong, but I would have gone ahead and turned on the lights alone, and

not stopped. But I would have called 911 and explained. 

I have always had the opposite experience. In a hurry, late for a dialysis pt,

speeding down the feeder, get tagged by a by a cop on foot with a radar gun,

(and three cruisers hiding behind a fence) and he ignores me. 

When I first became an EMT, I was with a 911 service in Co., but stayed

in Ft. Bend. My girfriend had just had our baby by emergency C-section days

before. She had extreme abdominal pain, and I mean a 10. I was thinking the

sutures were rupturing. I put her in my car, ....my candy apple red Iroc Camero

I had decked out with a light bar, and hit hwy 90 at 110mph, headed to Polly

(yeah....I know, that was stupid,I was an idiot.)

I saw lights behind me, but didnt stop. Wher we got to ER, I got her out of the

car and just quickly told the cop, She had a c-section days ago and her uterus

may be rupturing, that I would talk to him when I come out. I carried her into

ER. 

Then I came back out and much to my surprise, there were 9 police cars in the

lot, from 3 different agencies. After explaining, and showing my 911 ID, I got a

chewing out for the excessive speed, then they all left. I think it is officers

discretion, not sure. 

I think you could probably get that dismissed by the judge, especially if you

have your department's backing, and a letter, and/or witness that can verify

that it was an emergency that lights and sirens should not have been used.

But....you WERE 6 mph over what I know of as the maximum, so the cop, as big of

a jerk as he was, was in the right to issue the citation. However, it should

have been done at the ER, not in the middle of txp.

Cougar!!

(I'm 65 emails behind, it will be interesting to see the other responses. This

is only what " I " would have done.)

Funny....this is something I would expect from DPS, but not HPD.

Here is a suggestion:

Get a notarized affidavit from your company, stating that you were following

protocol for that type of patient. Go to the Municipal Courts Bldg, next to 61

Reisner. Once you go through the metal detectors, take a right down the hall.

Look for the door with glass, that says " District Attorney's Office " Tell them

you want to speak to a prosecutor.  An asst. DA will take you to his office,

and you can explain it, and show him your letter, and/or witness. Go in full

dress uniform, with company ID.  The prosecutor has the power to drop the

charge, and you will never see a courtroom or a judge. I have done this before

for an expired sticker on an ambulance. I took a company letter (along with the

sticker receipt)  that stated, it was an oversight, and has since been

corrected. It worked.

However....with the demise of the red light cameras, and the city facing a

MASSIVE budget deficit, due to that, well....it's a cr*p shoot, but worth a try.

Cougar!!

I'll keep my Guns, my Freedom and my MONEY,

You can keep the " CHANGE. "

Subject: Given a Speeding Ticket in an Ambulance

To: texasems-l

Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2011, 9:56 PM

I am still dumbfounded over 24 hours after receiving a citation from Houston PD

for speeding in an ambulance while transporting a patient to the Houston Medical

Center yesterday.  I was cited for 76 in a 60.  A $245.00 fine.  The flow of

traffic was pretty much traveling at the same speed, I was passing vehicles on

the road and at the same time was was being passed by vehicles.  This occurred

about 1/2 mile from the speed limit changing from 65 to 60 miles an hour. 

I am a paramedic with over 16 years experience.  13 years of this in the Gulf

Coast Area transporting numerous patients into the medical center.   An EVOC

instructor for over 6 years,  so before you say it, YES I should have known

better. 

Here is my justification for my actions.  The patient I was transporting had a

femur fracture from a fall that occurred on 01/10/2011, but was not transported

to our local ER for evaluation until 01/11/2011.  This patient was then being

transferred to a hospital in the Medical Center for further evaluation and

treatment.  The patient had a low H&H, and therefore was in need of blood

products.  The patient has a history of HTN and anxiety (more about that

later).    The patient started with a blood pressure around 100/60 with a

heart rate in the 120’s, obvious signs of compensating shock.   We are

transporting from a rural hospital about an hour from the medical center.  The

patient in my professional opinion meets the criteria for a priority emergency

transport.  Due to the increased risk of transporting a patient priority

traffic and the patient’s history of anxiety; I chose to transport the patient

non-priority traffic.  While on the

highway to the Medical Center the traffic as stated earlier was moving very

well and traffic was for the most part light in nature for about 15:30.  I was

traveling in the left hand lane of the road with a group of vehicles that were

all traveling about the same speed.  We had just passed 2 other patrol cars

that were sitting on the side of the road, but they chose to leave us alone. 

This officer chose me out of the group to pull over. 

He asked what is the reason for the excessive speed, and I advised him that we

were transporting a patient to the medical center that is in need of blood

products.  He asked, " oh so you have a patient in the back? " and I advised him

that we did.  He responded " but they are not bad enough to need the lights and

siren? " I advised him that I did not want to use the lights and sirens and

before I could explain why, given the patient’s anxiety, he asked for my

license and proceeded to his patrol car. Upon returning he stated that being

that there is no explanation for the speed, I was getting a citation. “Please

sign here.â€Â 

I can assure you that the look on my face was priceless, non-verbally it read

“REALLY? YOU ARE GIVING ME A CITATION....REALLY?.....NO REALLY...A

CITATION!!!!â€

I am just venting, and also putting the word out that obviously you can and will

be pulled over and receive a citation in the City of Houston for speeding while

transporting a patient to the hospital IN an ambulance if you are not following

ALL traffic laws.

Questions:

1. Has anyone else had this happen?

2. If so, what did you do about it? Did you go to court and fight, or did you

just take it as a lesson learned and pay the fine?

Mr. Marcus Finney

mdfinney@...

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Mr Finney this occured to me in L.A. About 10 years ago. We were txpt a 5 wo

girl from Garfield MC to LAC USC MC Burn Unit w 2 and 3 degree from the waist

down. C H P Pulled me over. I explained and she escorted us to the E r. The

point is sometimes its in the way you pitch the ball rather than the speed which

it is thrown.

Given a Speeding Ticket in an Ambulance

To: texasems-l

Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2011, 9:56 PM

I am still dumbfounded over 24 hours after receiving a citation from Houston PD

for speeding in an ambulance while transporting a patient to the Houston Medical

Center yesterday.  I was cited for 76 in a 60.  A $245.00 fine.  The flow of

traffic was pretty much traveling at the same speed, I was passing vehicles on

the road and at the same time was was being passed by vehicles.  This occurred

about 1/2 mile from the speed limit changing from 65 to 60 miles an hour. 

I am a paramedic with over 16 years experience.  13 years of this in the Gulf

Coast Area transporting numerous patients into the medical center.   An EVOC

instructor for over 6 years,  so before you say it, YES I should have known

better. 

Here is my justification for my actions.  The patient I was transporting had a

femur fracture from a fall that occurred on 01/10/2011, but was not transported

to our local ER for evaluation until 01/11/2011.  This patient was then being

transferred to a hospital in the Medical Center for further evaluation and

treatment.  The patient had a low H&H, and therefore was in need of blood

products.  The patient has a history of HTN and anxiety (more about that

later).    The patient started with a blood pressure around 100/60 with a heart

rate in the 120?s, obvious signs of compensating shock.   We are transporting

from a rural hospital about an hour from the medical center.  The patient in my

professional opinion meets the criteria for a priority emergency transport.  Due

to the increased risk of transporting a patient priority traffic and the

patient?s history of anxiety; I chose to transport the patient non-priority

traffic.  While on the

highway to the Medical Center the traffic as stated earlier was moving very

well and traffic was for the most part light in nature for about 15:30.  I was

traveling in the left hand lane of the road with a group of vehicles that were

all traveling about the same speed.  We had just passed 2 other patrol cars that

were sitting on the side of the road, but they chose to leave us alone.  This

officer chose me out of the group to pull over. 

He asked what is the reason for the excessive speed, and I advised him that we

were transporting a patient to the medical center that is in need of blood

products.  He asked, " oh so you have a patient in the back? " and I advised him

that we did.  He responded " but they are not bad enough to need the lights and

siren? " I advised him that I did not want to use the lights and sirens and

before I could explain why, given the patient?s anxiety, he asked for my license

and proceeded to his patrol car. Upon returning he stated that being that there

is no explanation for the speed, I was getting a citation. ?Please sign here.? 

I can assure you that the look on my face was priceless, non-verbally it read

?REALLY? YOU ARE GIVING ME A CITATION....REALLY?.....NO REALLY...A CITATION!!!!?

I am just venting, and also putting the word out that obviously you can and will

be pulled over and receive a citation in the City of Houston for speeding while

transporting a patient to the hospital IN an ambulance if you are not following

ALL traffic laws.

Questions:

1. Has anyone else had this happen?

2. If so, what did you do about it? Did you go to court and fight, or did you

just take it as a lesson learned and pay the fine?

Mr. Marcus Finney

mdfinney@...

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Mr Finney this occured to me in L.A. About 10 years ago. We were txpt a 5 wo

girl from Garfield MC to LAC USC MC Burn Unit w 2 and 3 degree from the waist

down. C H P Pulled me over. I explained and she escorted us to the E r. The

point is sometimes its in the way you pitch the ball rather than the speed which

it is thrown.

Given a Speeding Ticket in an Ambulance

To: texasems-l

Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2011, 9:56 PM

I am still dumbfounded over 24 hours after receiving a citation from Houston PD

for speeding in an ambulance while transporting a patient to the Houston Medical

Center yesterday.  I was cited for 76 in a 60.  A $245.00 fine.  The flow of

traffic was pretty much traveling at the same speed, I was passing vehicles on

the road and at the same time was was being passed by vehicles.  This occurred

about 1/2 mile from the speed limit changing from 65 to 60 miles an hour. 

I am a paramedic with over 16 years experience.  13 years of this in the Gulf

Coast Area transporting numerous patients into the medical center.   An EVOC

instructor for over 6 years,  so before you say it, YES I should have known

better. 

Here is my justification for my actions.  The patient I was transporting had a

femur fracture from a fall that occurred on 01/10/2011, but was not transported

to our local ER for evaluation until 01/11/2011.  This patient was then being

transferred to a hospital in the Medical Center for further evaluation and

treatment.  The patient had a low H&H, and therefore was in need of blood

products.  The patient has a history of HTN and anxiety (more about that

later).    The patient started with a blood pressure around 100/60 with a heart

rate in the 120?s, obvious signs of compensating shock.   We are transporting

from a rural hospital about an hour from the medical center.  The patient in my

professional opinion meets the criteria for a priority emergency transport.  Due

to the increased risk of transporting a patient priority traffic and the

patient?s history of anxiety; I chose to transport the patient non-priority

traffic.  While on the

highway to the Medical Center the traffic as stated earlier was moving very

well and traffic was for the most part light in nature for about 15:30.  I was

traveling in the left hand lane of the road with a group of vehicles that were

all traveling about the same speed.  We had just passed 2 other patrol cars that

were sitting on the side of the road, but they chose to leave us alone.  This

officer chose me out of the group to pull over. 

He asked what is the reason for the excessive speed, and I advised him that we

were transporting a patient to the medical center that is in need of blood

products.  He asked, " oh so you have a patient in the back? " and I advised him

that we did.  He responded " but they are not bad enough to need the lights and

siren? " I advised him that I did not want to use the lights and sirens and

before I could explain why, given the patient?s anxiety, he asked for my license

and proceeded to his patrol car. Upon returning he stated that being that there

is no explanation for the speed, I was getting a citation. ?Please sign here.? 

I can assure you that the look on my face was priceless, non-verbally it read

?REALLY? YOU ARE GIVING ME A CITATION....REALLY?.....NO REALLY...A CITATION!!!!?

I am just venting, and also putting the word out that obviously you can and will

be pulled over and receive a citation in the City of Houston for speeding while

transporting a patient to the hospital IN an ambulance if you are not following

ALL traffic laws.

Questions:

1. Has anyone else had this happen?

2. If so, what did you do about it? Did you go to court and fight, or did you

just take it as a lesson learned and pay the fine?

Mr. Marcus Finney

mdfinney@...

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Mr Finney this occured to me in L.A. About 10 years ago. We were txpt a 5 wo

girl from Garfield MC to LAC USC MC Burn Unit w 2 and 3 degree from the waist

down. C H P Pulled me over. I explained and she escorted us to the E r. The

point is sometimes its in the way you pitch the ball rather than the speed which

it is thrown.

Given a Speeding Ticket in an Ambulance

To: texasems-l

Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2011, 9:56 PM

I am still dumbfounded over 24 hours after receiving a citation from Houston PD

for speeding in an ambulance while transporting a patient to the Houston Medical

Center yesterday.  I was cited for 76 in a 60.  A $245.00 fine.  The flow of

traffic was pretty much traveling at the same speed, I was passing vehicles on

the road and at the same time was was being passed by vehicles.  This occurred

about 1/2 mile from the speed limit changing from 65 to 60 miles an hour. 

I am a paramedic with over 16 years experience.  13 years of this in the Gulf

Coast Area transporting numerous patients into the medical center.   An EVOC

instructor for over 6 years,  so before you say it, YES I should have known

better. 

Here is my justification for my actions.  The patient I was transporting had a

femur fracture from a fall that occurred on 01/10/2011, but was not transported

to our local ER for evaluation until 01/11/2011.  This patient was then being

transferred to a hospital in the Medical Center for further evaluation and

treatment.  The patient had a low H&H, and therefore was in need of blood

products.  The patient has a history of HTN and anxiety (more about that

later).    The patient started with a blood pressure around 100/60 with a heart

rate in the 120?s, obvious signs of compensating shock.   We are transporting

from a rural hospital about an hour from the medical center.  The patient in my

professional opinion meets the criteria for a priority emergency transport.  Due

to the increased risk of transporting a patient priority traffic and the

patient?s history of anxiety; I chose to transport the patient non-priority

traffic.  While on the

highway to the Medical Center the traffic as stated earlier was moving very

well and traffic was for the most part light in nature for about 15:30.  I was

traveling in the left hand lane of the road with a group of vehicles that were

all traveling about the same speed.  We had just passed 2 other patrol cars that

were sitting on the side of the road, but they chose to leave us alone.  This

officer chose me out of the group to pull over. 

He asked what is the reason for the excessive speed, and I advised him that we

were transporting a patient to the medical center that is in need of blood

products.  He asked, " oh so you have a patient in the back? " and I advised him

that we did.  He responded " but they are not bad enough to need the lights and

siren? " I advised him that I did not want to use the lights and sirens and

before I could explain why, given the patient?s anxiety, he asked for my license

and proceeded to his patrol car. Upon returning he stated that being that there

is no explanation for the speed, I was getting a citation. ?Please sign here.? 

I can assure you that the look on my face was priceless, non-verbally it read

?REALLY? YOU ARE GIVING ME A CITATION....REALLY?.....NO REALLY...A CITATION!!!!?

I am just venting, and also putting the word out that obviously you can and will

be pulled over and receive a citation in the City of Houston for speeding while

transporting a patient to the hospital IN an ambulance if you are not following

ALL traffic laws.

Questions:

1. Has anyone else had this happen?

2. If so, what did you do about it? Did you go to court and fight, or did you

just take it as a lesson learned and pay the fine?

Mr. Marcus Finney

mdfinney@...

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

I can explain this one, as it was told to me by LE.

LE also has it's own protocol determining use of lights and sirens, even when

responding to an emergency. A lot of times, these guys are back logged and

trying to get there to answer a citizen's complaint, They go from one to the

other as fast as they can, and are still running behind. Most officers are well

trained at emergency driving, FAR beyond most EMS. 

PD's have finally figured out what we have known for a long time. People act

like IDIOTS when they see lights and sirens. They cause accidents. The officer

is trying to get to a complaint as quickly as possible, to get to the next one,

and so on, to better serve the citizens. The use of lights and sirens through

intersections is required, but not between them. It " rattles " other drivers.

They panic, stare at the rearview instead of the road, they can kill people. 

It's not ALWAYS getting to the do-nut shop However, I do know of an EMS girl

who ran lights and sirens to the bank to cash her check before it closed, and

99.9% of private txp EMT's are NOT EVOC. I would trust a speeding PD, WAY more

than a private ambulance running hot.

Coug

I'll keep my Guns, my Freedom and my MONEY,

You can keep the " CHANGE. "

Subject: RE: Given a Speeding Ticket in an Ambulance

To: texasems-l

Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2011, 10:12 PM

 

16 over running non-emergent I almost have to wonder why your even asking

this question Marcus and what is your companies position on this obvious

violation of the traffic laws?

Jim<

Given a Speeding Ticket in an Ambulance

I am still dumbfounded over 24 hours after receiving a citation from Houston

PD for speeding in an ambulance while transporting a patient to the Houston

Medical Center yesterday. I was cited for 76 in a 60. A $245.00 fine. The

flow of traffic was pretty much traveling at the same speed, I was passing

vehicles on the road and at the same time was was being passed by vehicles.

This occurred about 1/2 mile from the speed limit changing from 65 to 60

miles an hour.

I am a paramedic with over 16 years experience. 13 years of this in the

Gulf Coast Area transporting numerous patients into the medical center. An

EVOC instructor for over 6 years, so before you say it, YES I should have

known better.

Here is my justification for my actions. The patient I was transporting had

a femur fracture from a fall that occurred on 01/10/2011, but was not

transported to our local ER for evaluation until 01/11/2011. This patient

was then being transferred to a hospital in the Medical Center for further

evaluation and treatment. The patient had a low H&H, and therefore was in

need of blood products. The patient has a history of HTN and anxiety (more

about that later). The patient started with a blood pressure around

100/60 with a heart rate in the 120's, obvious signs of compensating shock.

We are transporting from a rural hospital about an hour from the medical

center. The patient in my professional opinion meets the criteria for a

priority emergency transport. Due to the increased risk of transporting a

patient priority traffic and the patient's history of anxiety; I chose to

transport the patient non-priority traffic. While on the highway to the

Medical Center the traffic as stated earlier was moving very well and

traffic was for the most part light in nature for about 15:30. I was

traveling in the left hand lane of the road with a group of vehicles that

were all traveling about the same speed. We had just passed 2 other patrol

cars that were sitting on the side of the road, but they chose to leave us

alone. This officer chose me out of the group to pull over.

He asked what is the reason for the excessive speed, and I advised him that

we were transporting a patient to the medical center that is in need of

blood products. He asked, " oh so you have a patient in the back? " and I

advised him that we did. He responded " but they are not bad enough to need

the lights and siren? " I advised him that I did not want to use the lights

and sirens and before I could explain why, given the patient's anxiety, he

asked for my license and proceeded to his patrol car. Upon returning he

stated that being that there is no explanation for the speed, I was getting

a citation. " Please sign here. "

I can assure you that the look on my face was priceless, non-verbally it

read " REALLY? YOU ARE GIVING ME A CITATION....REALLY?.....NO REALLY...A

CITATION!!!! "

I am just venting, and also putting the word out that obviously you can and

will be pulled over and receive a citation in the City of Houston for

speeding while transporting a patient to the hospital IN an ambulance if you

are not following ALL traffic laws.

Questions:

1. Has anyone else had this happen?

2. If so, what did you do about it? Did you go to court and fight, or did

you just take it as a lesson learned and pay the fine?

Mr. Marcus Finney

mdfinney@...

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

I can explain this one, as it was told to me by LE.

LE also has it's own protocol determining use of lights and sirens, even when

responding to an emergency. A lot of times, these guys are back logged and

trying to get there to answer a citizen's complaint, They go from one to the

other as fast as they can, and are still running behind. Most officers are well

trained at emergency driving, FAR beyond most EMS. 

PD's have finally figured out what we have known for a long time. People act

like IDIOTS when they see lights and sirens. They cause accidents. The officer

is trying to get to a complaint as quickly as possible, to get to the next one,

and so on, to better serve the citizens. The use of lights and sirens through

intersections is required, but not between them. It " rattles " other drivers.

They panic, stare at the rearview instead of the road, they can kill people. 

It's not ALWAYS getting to the do-nut shop However, I do know of an EMS girl

who ran lights and sirens to the bank to cash her check before it closed, and

99.9% of private txp EMT's are NOT EVOC. I would trust a speeding PD, WAY more

than a private ambulance running hot.

Coug

I'll keep my Guns, my Freedom and my MONEY,

You can keep the " CHANGE. "

Subject: RE: Given a Speeding Ticket in an Ambulance

To: texasems-l

Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2011, 10:12 PM

 

16 over running non-emergent I almost have to wonder why your even asking

this question Marcus and what is your companies position on this obvious

violation of the traffic laws?

Jim<

Given a Speeding Ticket in an Ambulance

I am still dumbfounded over 24 hours after receiving a citation from Houston

PD for speeding in an ambulance while transporting a patient to the Houston

Medical Center yesterday. I was cited for 76 in a 60. A $245.00 fine. The

flow of traffic was pretty much traveling at the same speed, I was passing

vehicles on the road and at the same time was was being passed by vehicles.

This occurred about 1/2 mile from the speed limit changing from 65 to 60

miles an hour.

I am a paramedic with over 16 years experience. 13 years of this in the

Gulf Coast Area transporting numerous patients into the medical center. An

EVOC instructor for over 6 years, so before you say it, YES I should have

known better.

Here is my justification for my actions. The patient I was transporting had

a femur fracture from a fall that occurred on 01/10/2011, but was not

transported to our local ER for evaluation until 01/11/2011. This patient

was then being transferred to a hospital in the Medical Center for further

evaluation and treatment. The patient had a low H&H, and therefore was in

need of blood products. The patient has a history of HTN and anxiety (more

about that later). The patient started with a blood pressure around

100/60 with a heart rate in the 120's, obvious signs of compensating shock.

We are transporting from a rural hospital about an hour from the medical

center. The patient in my professional opinion meets the criteria for a

priority emergency transport. Due to the increased risk of transporting a

patient priority traffic and the patient's history of anxiety; I chose to

transport the patient non-priority traffic. While on the highway to the

Medical Center the traffic as stated earlier was moving very well and

traffic was for the most part light in nature for about 15:30. I was

traveling in the left hand lane of the road with a group of vehicles that

were all traveling about the same speed. We had just passed 2 other patrol

cars that were sitting on the side of the road, but they chose to leave us

alone. This officer chose me out of the group to pull over.

He asked what is the reason for the excessive speed, and I advised him that

we were transporting a patient to the medical center that is in need of

blood products. He asked, " oh so you have a patient in the back? " and I

advised him that we did. He responded " but they are not bad enough to need

the lights and siren? " I advised him that I did not want to use the lights

and sirens and before I could explain why, given the patient's anxiety, he

asked for my license and proceeded to his patrol car. Upon returning he

stated that being that there is no explanation for the speed, I was getting

a citation. " Please sign here. "

I can assure you that the look on my face was priceless, non-verbally it

read " REALLY? YOU ARE GIVING ME A CITATION....REALLY?.....NO REALLY...A

CITATION!!!! "

I am just venting, and also putting the word out that obviously you can and

will be pulled over and receive a citation in the City of Houston for

speeding while transporting a patient to the hospital IN an ambulance if you

are not following ALL traffic laws.

Questions:

1. Has anyone else had this happen?

2. If so, what did you do about it? Did you go to court and fight, or did

you just take it as a lesson learned and pay the fine?

Mr. Marcus Finney

mdfinney@...

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Going with the flow of traffic....

A cop pulls up behind a group of cars, all going the same speed, but all

speeding, who gets the ticket?

Answer:

The one that pulls over.

If you see a cop coming, gun it, and move to the front of the pack, he will come

up behind the pack, and chances are, one of the other people will pull over.

THAT is who is getting the ticket. 

I have tested this theory. It works. However, if they latch on to you, change

lanes, twice, only twice, if he is still on you,....you're tagged, pull over.

Coug.

(And no, Im not a speed demon, what Im talking about are incidences spanning

many years, most younger EMT's hate the way I drive and complain about me going

too slow.)

I'll keep my Guns, my Freedom and my MONEY,

You can keep the " CHANGE. "

Subject: Re: Given a Speeding Ticket in an Ambulance

To: texasems-l

Date: Thursday, January 13, 2011, 4:55 AM

 

What really grinds my gears about this is, well professional

courtesy..... Would that cop have pulled you over and given you a ticket if your

ambulance said HFD, Cypress Creek, or ESD1 on the side? Probably not! Yes you

were speeding but it sounds to me you were going with the flow of traffic (and I

drive in Houston ALOT) in similar traffic condition as you describe and believe

that you were not only With the flow of traffic I would dare to say you were

probably being passed by many a car. That being said pay the ticket, it's not

worth the fight especially in a time of economic hardship for the city of

Houston, to take it in spite look on the bright side he has a huge chip on his

shoulder about EMS, but at least your still gonna have health insurance and

retirement at the end of your career. (that was meant soley as a Political joke

and not to start a new argument, if you don't know what it means you prolly

don't live in the Houston area my

apologies)

-Chris

Sorry for the spelling and punctuation this was typed on the tiny keyboard on my

iPhone

[Guest guest]

Going with the flow of traffic....

A cop pulls up behind a group of cars, all going the same speed, but all

speeding, who gets the ticket?

Answer:

The one that pulls over.

If you see a cop coming, gun it, and move to the front of the pack, he will come

up behind the pack, and chances are, one of the other people will pull over.

THAT is who is getting the ticket. 

I have tested this theory. It works. However, if they latch on to you, change

lanes, twice, only twice, if he is still on you,....you're tagged, pull over.

Coug.

(And no, Im not a speed demon, what Im talking about are incidences spanning

many years, most younger EMT's hate the way I drive and complain about me going

too slow.)

I'll keep my Guns, my Freedom and my MONEY,

You can keep the " CHANGE. "

Subject: Re: Given a Speeding Ticket in an Ambulance

To: texasems-l

Date: Thursday, January 13, 2011, 4:55 AM

 

What really grinds my gears about this is, well professional

courtesy..... Would that cop have pulled you over and given you a ticket if your

ambulance said HFD, Cypress Creek, or ESD1 on the side? Probably not! Yes you

were speeding but it sounds to me you were going with the flow of traffic (and I

drive in Houston ALOT) in similar traffic condition as you describe and believe

that you were not only With the flow of traffic I would dare to say you were

probably being passed by many a car. That being said pay the ticket, it's not

worth the fight especially in a time of economic hardship for the city of

Houston, to take it in spite look on the bright side he has a huge chip on his

shoulder about EMS, but at least your still gonna have health insurance and

retirement at the end of your career. (that was meant soley as a Political joke

and not to start a new argument, if you don't know what it means you prolly

don't live in the Houston area my

apologies)

-Chris

Sorry for the spelling and punctuation this was typed on the tiny keyboard on my

iPhone

[Guest guest]

Going with the flow of traffic....

A cop pulls up behind a group of cars, all going the same speed, but all

speeding, who gets the ticket?

Answer:

The one that pulls over.

If you see a cop coming, gun it, and move to the front of the pack, he will come

up behind the pack, and chances are, one of the other people will pull over.

THAT is who is getting the ticket. 

I have tested this theory. It works. However, if they latch on to you, change

lanes, twice, only twice, if he is still on you,....you're tagged, pull over.

Coug.

(And no, Im not a speed demon, what Im talking about are incidences spanning

many years, most younger EMT's hate the way I drive and complain about me going

too slow.)

I'll keep my Guns, my Freedom and my MONEY,

You can keep the " CHANGE. "

Subject: Re: Given a Speeding Ticket in an Ambulance

To: texasems-l

Date: Thursday, January 13, 2011, 4:55 AM

 

What really grinds my gears about this is, well professional

courtesy..... Would that cop have pulled you over and given you a ticket if your

ambulance said HFD, Cypress Creek, or ESD1 on the side? Probably not! Yes you

were speeding but it sounds to me you were going with the flow of traffic (and I

drive in Houston ALOT) in similar traffic condition as you describe and believe

that you were not only With the flow of traffic I would dare to say you were

probably being passed by many a car. That being said pay the ticket, it's not

worth the fight especially in a time of economic hardship for the city of

Houston, to take it in spite look on the bright side he has a huge chip on his

shoulder about EMS, but at least your still gonna have health insurance and

retirement at the end of your career. (that was meant soley as a Political joke

and not to start a new argument, if you don't know what it means you prolly

don't live in the Houston area my

apologies)

-Chris

Sorry for the spelling and punctuation this was typed on the tiny keyboard on my

iPhone

[Guest guest]

Sort of like the slow wildebeast on the savannah.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Re: Given a Speeding Ticket in an Ambulance

To: texasems-l

Date: Thursday, January 13, 2011, 4:55 AM

 

What really grinds my gears about this is, well professional

courtesy..... Would that cop have pulled you over and given you a ticket if your

ambulance said HFD, Cypress Creek, or ESD1 on the side? Probably not! Yes you

were speeding but it sounds to me you were going with the flow of traffic (and I

drive in Houston ALOT) in similar traffic condition as you describe and believe

that you were not only With the flow of traffic I would dare to say you were

probably being passed by many a car. That being said pay the ticket, it's not

worth the fight especially in a time of economic hardship for the city of

Houston, to take it in spite look on the bright side he has a huge chip on his

shoulder about EMS, but at least your still gonna have health insurance and

retirement at the end of your career. (that was meant soley as a Political joke

and not to start a new argument, if you don't know what it means you prolly

don't live in the Houston area my

apologies)

-Chris

Sorry for the spelling and punctuation this was typed on the tiny keyboard on my

iPhone

[Guest guest]

Sort of like the slow wildebeast on the savannah.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Re: Given a Speeding Ticket in an Ambulance

To: texasems-l

Date: Thursday, January 13, 2011, 4:55 AM

 

What really grinds my gears about this is, well professional

courtesy..... Would that cop have pulled you over and given you a ticket if your

ambulance said HFD, Cypress Creek, or ESD1 on the side? Probably not! Yes you

were speeding but it sounds to me you were going with the flow of traffic (and I

drive in Houston ALOT) in similar traffic condition as you describe and believe

that you were not only With the flow of traffic I would dare to say you were

probably being passed by many a car. That being said pay the ticket, it's not

worth the fight especially in a time of economic hardship for the city of

Houston, to take it in spite look on the bright side he has a huge chip on his

shoulder about EMS, but at least your still gonna have health insurance and

retirement at the end of your career. (that was meant soley as a Political joke

and not to start a new argument, if you don't know what it means you prolly

don't live in the Houston area my

apologies)

-Chris

Sorry for the spelling and punctuation this was typed on the tiny keyboard on my

iPhone

[Guest guest]

Sort of like the slow wildebeast on the savannah.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Re: Given a Speeding Ticket in an Ambulance

To: texasems-l

Date: Thursday, January 13, 2011, 4:55 AM

 

What really grinds my gears about this is, well professional

courtesy..... Would that cop have pulled you over and given you a ticket if your

ambulance said HFD, Cypress Creek, or ESD1 on the side? Probably not! Yes you

were speeding but it sounds to me you were going with the flow of traffic (and I

drive in Houston ALOT) in similar traffic condition as you describe and believe

that you were not only With the flow of traffic I would dare to say you were

probably being passed by many a car. That being said pay the ticket, it's not

worth the fight especially in a time of economic hardship for the city of

Houston, to take it in spite look on the bright side he has a huge chip on his

shoulder about EMS, but at least your still gonna have health insurance and

retirement at the end of your career. (that was meant soley as a Political joke

and not to start a new argument, if you don't know what it means you prolly

don't live in the Houston area my

apologies)

-Chris

Sorry for the spelling and punctuation this was typed on the tiny keyboard on my

iPhone

[Guest guest]

On Thursday, January 13, 2011 14:11, " Cougar!! " ems_cougar@...> said:

> As stupid as this sounds....he may have you on that. TECHNICALLY...unless the

law

> has changed, we are only allowed to exceed the speed limit by 10mph, WITH

lights

> and sirens.

I'm retired now, but I've been in law enforcement since 1975, and this is

absolutely untrue. It has NEVER been the law in Texas, as best as I can recall.

Not sure where this myth got started, but I've been hearing it quoted by many

people over the years. I believe Alyssa's quotes of the applicable laws cover

it.

But yes, we pay the price for the bad behaviour of so many others in EMS. Click

over to a law enforcement forum and read the threads where officers discuss

drivers who tried to " badge " their way out of a ticket. A shocking number of

them turn out to be EMS and fire personnel who believe their " public safety "

status puts them above the law. Consequently, we get stereotyped as yahoos, and

given less consideration, rather than more.

I personally believe that Mr. Marcus should have received the benefit of a doubt

on this encounter. I further believe that damn few cops have the knowledge base

necessary to intelligently make a determination of whether a patient's condition

is emergent or not. Hell, a lot of medics lack that capacity too. But with

cops arresting and beating diabetics every day, mistaking them for drunks, it is

obvious that this is not something they should be routinely trusted to do.

Rob

[Guest guest]

On Thursday, January 13, 2011 14:11, " Cougar!! " ems_cougar@...> said:

> As stupid as this sounds....he may have you on that. TECHNICALLY...unless the

law

> has changed, we are only allowed to exceed the speed limit by 10mph, WITH

lights

> and sirens.

I'm retired now, but I've been in law enforcement since 1975, and this is

absolutely untrue. It has NEVER been the law in Texas, as best as I can recall.

Not sure where this myth got started, but I've been hearing it quoted by many

people over the years. I believe Alyssa's quotes of the applicable laws cover

it.

But yes, we pay the price for the bad behaviour of so many others in EMS. Click

over to a law enforcement forum and read the threads where officers discuss

drivers who tried to " badge " their way out of a ticket. A shocking number of

them turn out to be EMS and fire personnel who believe their " public safety "

status puts them above the law. Consequently, we get stereotyped as yahoos, and

given less consideration, rather than more.

I personally believe that Mr. Marcus should have received the benefit of a doubt

on this encounter. I further believe that damn few cops have the knowledge base

necessary to intelligently make a determination of whether a patient's condition

is emergent or not. Hell, a lot of medics lack that capacity too. But with

cops arresting and beating diabetics every day, mistaking them for drunks, it is

obvious that this is not something they should be routinely trusted to do.

Rob

[Guest guest]

On Thursday, January 13, 2011 14:11, " Cougar!! " ems_cougar@...> said:

> As stupid as this sounds....he may have you on that. TECHNICALLY...unless the

law

> has changed, we are only allowed to exceed the speed limit by 10mph, WITH

lights

> and sirens.

I'm retired now, but I've been in law enforcement since 1975, and this is

absolutely untrue. It has NEVER been the law in Texas, as best as I can recall.

Not sure where this myth got started, but I've been hearing it quoted by many

people over the years. I believe Alyssa's quotes of the applicable laws cover

it.

But yes, we pay the price for the bad behaviour of so many others in EMS. Click

over to a law enforcement forum and read the threads where officers discuss

drivers who tried to " badge " their way out of a ticket. A shocking number of

them turn out to be EMS and fire personnel who believe their " public safety "

status puts them above the law. Consequently, we get stereotyped as yahoos, and

given less consideration, rather than more.

I personally believe that Mr. Marcus should have received the benefit of a doubt

on this encounter. I further believe that damn few cops have the knowledge base

necessary to intelligently make a determination of whether a patient's condition

is emergent or not. Hell, a lot of medics lack that capacity too. But with

cops arresting and beating diabetics every day, mistaking them for drunks, it is

obvious that this is not something they should be routinely trusted to do.

Rob