So I had to call 911 at work today

[TwixVoy]

I am truly disgusted in people today.

I work at a retailer. Today I was at the front helping check people out. (we are very short cashiers due to reduced payroll hours)

All of a sudden one our of employees came upfront being held up by another of our employees. She collapsed and could not breathe. She collapsed in the center of all of our registers so everyone at the front of the store saw what was going on. I was the only manager up front so I immediately followed our crisis action plan. (basically dial 911 immediately) I had never had a situation like this happen before.

I stopped checking out the customer I was checking out immediately and ran to the phone at customer service. I dial 911 and am put on hold by an automated recording. (I would guess total hold time was five minutes, but maybe time seemed to be going faster than it was)

While I was on hold the following things happened that sickened me

1. The customer I was checking out came over to me and asked me if I could put down the phone and finish checking her out. She also had this tone of voice like she couldn't believe I didn't finish checking her out first. I compltely ignored her and turned my back to her. I am sure she was pissed, but I heard nothing more from her.

2. People were literally walking over the employee that was on the ground dieing to advance in the check out lanes.

3. I asked one of our employees to make an over head announcement asking if a doctor was in the building and if they could come up front. Fortunately a nurse was in the building and came up front to help, but I was reprimanded later in the day by our store manager for doing this.

4. Eventually other managers came up front to help. One of them (who I personally consider to be a scum bag on a personal level) was trying to convince everyone to stay away from her and not help because he was concerned we could be sued. (so in other words, let her die, or risk being sued)

We are a sick society people.

Fortunately the ambulance arrived quickly after I got off hold (which I also can't believe happened when calling 911), and our employee is ok. But truly I am sickened after today.

[qanda]

1. That's so sad

I'm glad the employee is okay.

[orleans]

2. wow--what an ordeal. you did the right thing by paging for a doctor.

i'm guessing you're in a fairly big city to be put on 911 hold. and for such a long time.

i haven't called 911 that much--but i was never put on hold.

yes, i would be absolutely disgusted by people stepping over her and that customer expecting you to finish checking her out. when something like that happens people need to understand that the priority isn't them--it's the person in need of help.

i'm glad she is okay.

[elizfeelinggreat]

32. people need to understand that the priority isn't them--it's the person in need of help

I think we can't reinforce this enough, our society really needs to straighten out its morals and your simple statement is a good one to help do that.

"people need to understand that the priority isn't them--it's the person in need of help"

[havocmom]

33. Sadly, we seem to be a nation of people with a prolonged case of "Terrible Twos".

Too many people think they ARE the center of the universe and many more figured out they aren't, but are not convinced we don't know that so they carry on like they ARE the center of the universe.

A lot of the population needs a good dose of 'grow up'. The corporations and 'leaders' like us behaving as infants, as it makes us think we are helpless to remove their asses from the power we have abdicated.

It is all connected. Keep people confused about reality and they can be made to step over bodies without flinching. Make them think they are more important than they are and they never unite and find their true power.

[Dorian Gray]

47. I live in NYC

and I've called 911 twice. Neither time was there ever a hold duration. Wherever they put the OP on hold, it is AWFUL! I can't believe that they don't have enough operators to answer the emergency phones.

As for the OP, some people are selfish and scummy. I'm sad to hear that there were a number of them in your store when this happened. It's infuriating.

[Maine-ah]

63. I lived in Ft. Lauderdale for a couple of years

and the one time I called 911, I was put on hold. Never happened up here though. Unfortunately, where I live, it did take the volunteer ambulance about 15 minutes to get to my house.

[Dorian Gray]

64. So scary

that there is HOLD time for 911! I never considered that would be the case, anywhere!

[nadinbrzezinski]

77. I live in a large city, and we have been put on hold a couple times

it is a matter of funding... they simply do NOT have enough personnel, but every time they try to "raise taxes" you know who votes against that.

This is why the cops and firefighters are poorly paid and 9.11 is poorly staffed

Consequences...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. That is such an awful thing...

That people are so self-centered as to expect you to finish checking them out, in spite of the emergency happening right there...

My god.

Good for you, for your actions!

K&R

[Buns_of_Fire]

4. Alas, it's nothing new. Remember Kitty Genovese?

The Killing of Kitty Genovese

You did good. I'm glad she's okay.

[emilyg]

19. To this day - I'll never forget.

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. Several observations as a former medic

1.- Yes, there is time dilation in an emergency, what you experienced IS normal

2.- 911 systems across the country are SHORT of staff... so yes, you will have trouble getting through at times... a sad statement all on its own

3.- Our society is sick.... truly sick, what you described as to your company's policy regarding a lawsuit potentially is common. though you were covered under good samaritan and so was the nurse that helped... and if I had been there, I'd have ignored your manager... hell have done such in the past. That said, retailers are afraid of lawsuits and that good Samaritan will not protect them. This is partly mythology and partly real... you'd find it amusing what people have tried to sue me over. Hell, every time I have gotten involved that is my fear.

4.- Most folks truly do not realize it when a REAL medical emergency is happening

5.- Most business that want an atta boy and good PR should have managers and some employers receive first aid training including AED training, as well as an AED. If you happen to save a life using one of those, it is a hell of a PR thing. Hell American Airlines is using that these days for PR.

[BadgerKid]

31. Re: Several observations as a former medic

I know this sounds like a oxymoron, but I thought some places had laws where if you are first to arrive and are capable of being a good Samaritan, you must help, or you could face legal action.

Any idea if this is so?

[nashville_brook]

36. like in that final Seinfeld episode. wow, that's a twist.

[FloridaJudy]

42. Nope

I just finished my yearly CPR training, and according to the Red Cross bystanders are not required to provide assistance. Once you start - however - you are legally obligated to continue to render aid until 1)The person recovers 2)Trained rescuers arrive 3)You are unable to continue due to exhaustion, or 4)The scene becomes unsafe (such as in a burning building).

I find it hard to believe that anyone would be so crass and unfeeling as to demand being served during what was obviously an emergency. If I'd been another customer I would have given the jerk a piece of my mind...strike that...I'd have been down on the floor next to the sick employee taking her pulse and making sure she was breathing okay. After that I would have some very unladylike things to say to that customer and the manager. And written a letter to the corporate offices.

[whopis01]

53. Actually it depends on the state. In Vermont, you are legally obligated to render aid.

Look up the "Duty to Aid the Endangered Act" in Vermont law.

The fine for failing to do so is only $100, but it does legally obligate people to render aid. It also protects those who render aid from certain types of liability.

[nadinbrzezinski]

71. Depends on the state and the Red Cross (local) will only cover

your local laws.

[nadinbrzezinski]

70. In some places that is the case, but the law does not cover

doctors or nurses... serious....

So the poor EMTs are stuck with it.

In most states you are covered if you decide to act, but once again if you are a doctor that is a lawsuit waiting to happen

And this is screwed up...I know

Several years ago a couple LAFD medics were sued... after three years of hell they were found non-liable, but their certs were long past, and they'd have to go back to school from the bottom

One of the medics put it succinctly when he addressed the jury.

One day you will call 9.11 and nobody will answer

Why?

Nobody wants this shit.

I'm not saying that medics (or other health professionals) should not be liable if they do something wrong, but the system is sick in that way... and the OP gave you a good example of why

[ismnotwasm]

76. No, you're not under legal obligation to help

You are protection from lawsuits and the like if you do

[BlueIris]

6. How awful.

That poor person—it's a good thing you did what you could to help.

I hope you can get out of there, ASAP. That doesn't sound like a good work environment to me.

[DesertRat]

7. That's a sad story

And you did the right thing. :hug:

[Mojambo]

8. Boy, if that customer had come up to me like that turning my back on her would have been the nicest

thing I would have done.

Highly likely that I would have told to to go to fucking hell and lost my job.

People are the worst.

[tavalon]

11. I thought of a great comeback to her

"Are you an asshole or are you just pretending to be one for my sake?" What a waste of air that one was being.

[Leftist Agitator]

9. Yup!

Sounds like America the "beautiful" to me!

WE'RE NUMBER ONE! WE'RE NUMBER ONE! USA! USA!

Do I really need to:

:sarcasm:

[leftofthedial]

10. get the damned body out of the way of our money

and get back to work!

[Nutmegger]

12. Remember when a woman was trampled?

Some people just don't give a damn.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/11/30/national/main586013.shtml?source=search_story

[Lorien]

13. It is sickening, but much of society is the same wherever you go in the

U.S.

Years ago I was on the highway when I saw a motorcyclist get hit by a pickup that was changing lanes. The motorcyclist was thrown from his bike and ended up in the median strip, where he lay screaming in pain (which was better than being silent). A few other drivers stopped to get out to help him. Cell phones hadn't become widespread yet, so I drove up to the nearest business-a Burger King- and ran inside. I asked the cashiers to call 911 and described the accident scene nearby. One of them shuffled over to the manager's office. The manager came out and asked what it was I wanted. I told him again. He said "we don't need to be involved in this. There could be liability issues" I said "Oh FUCK IT"! and climbed over the counter, marched into his office and used his phone to dial 911. He just stood there immobile and said nothing. After giving the EMTs directions to the accident scene I left and said "Thanks guys! Let's hope he makes it". I hope they were feeling just a LITTLE bit embarrassed for their lack of interest in the welfare of a fellow human being!

[juno jones]

16. Why does that remind me of Dr Strangelove

When Peter Sellers is trying to stop WW3 and nobody will let him use the phone, etc and he has to break open a soda machine for change.


"You'll have to answer to the Coca-Cola Company of America for that!"

You did the right thing, I hope the guy pulled thru.

[Selatius]

14. People seem very self-centered in our country today, no?

That's the way the industrialists who run America want it. The sooner people turn against each other for mere inconveniences like a health issue or something such as forming a labor union, the better off the real owners of America are. No people are so helpless as those who cannot see common cause but only individual gain.

[FlyingSquirrel]

15. I would quit.

Retail sucks. Been there done that. Being reprimanded for trying to help a co-worker would be pretty much it for me.

[Occulus]

39. It sounds like a hostile work environment lawsuit in the making to me

Was the poster officially disciplined? As in, papers "in their file"?

[Mythsaje]

17. I too work in retail

and this story makes me even MORE satisfied for working where I do. The welfare and safety of our customers is top priority in our store. Without caveat. But, as sad as I am to say it, what you say about the other customers doesn't surprise me. There seems to be a great sense of entitlement that provokes certain reactions in certain people. It's the same thing that motivates a person to walk up and interrupt a store employee in the middle of helping another customer as if that other customer doesn't even exist.

[tomreedtoon]

18. Easy to blame Republicans. Us...not so easy.

Like you guys, I'm looking forward to a Democratic victory this fall. But unlike a lot of you, I think that's only the beginning.

A lot of the coarseness, cruelty and outright bastardry has been breeding among Americans for the last decade or so. Bush and Company encouraged a lot of it, but it was there waiting for encouragement.

We, as a people, have to think hard about where we went wrong, and how we can make it right. The right President is only the start. We need a nationwide intervention, and sadly I don't know who will do the job. Nobody with a theology or psychology degree that I have ever heard of can do the job.

[eridani]

26. Sort of like living inside a big MIlgram experiment, no?

Any of us can act like a sociopath under the wrong set of circumstances, and the Repukes have turned us into a sociopathological society. The good news is that Milgram's second set of experiments showed that just one person saying "Not this time!" can turn the group behavior around.

[nashville_brook]

38. excellent point.

[sudopod]

20. You dun good. Kudos! nt

[hokies4ever]

21. Would you do the same thing all over again?

if you had another chance, or would you handle the situation differently. It's important to stick with your core values and morality and not let the greedy and selfish nature of some people deter you from doing good in our society.

[KT2000]

22. I know what you are saying

I took a somewhat disabled person to the store. After checking out, I took the cart back and then turned around to see the woman flat on her back on the floor. She was grimacing in pain. To this day I don't know how she fell down. People were just walking around her until finally a man came up and said he would take one side and I could take her other side to get her back on her feet. The manager saw us but was on the loudspeaker requesting a piece of furniture from the back room.

This is a small town with many retirees.

Thoughtless selfish people rule I guess.

[ClayZ]

23. Where did comassion go?

Glad you did the right thing and that your employee is ok!




K and R

[nashville_brook]

37. i think it's gone to "p"

:evilgrin:

[ClayZ]

44. lol, it must have. argh!

[Lasher]

24. You should never be put on hold when you call 911.

If they can't do their job they should shut down.

[Tesha]

28. This is what "Cut taxes!" leads to. (NT)

[Lasher]

29. Yep, no doubt that's true.

This is what we've come to. :-(

[reformedrethug]

46. actually thats not accurate

at all. I worked for a local sheriffs office and you would be suprised at how many calls come into the 911 dispatchers that are NOT emergencies and tie up the lines. People think 911 is for ANY call to the police/sheriff and that is not true. If you are involved in a car wreck and nobody is injured call the regular number, kids playing games, people asking if the schools are closed due to weather, road conditions, the list goes on and on. Also, if they are on another 911 call the line will ring busy or go to hold automatically, I was up in dispatch one day when they had one line tied up for over an hour trying to track down a truck driver that was having a stroke, we had the trucking company on one line getting gps cooridnates and plugging them into our map to try to find out which way he was headed and possibly WHERE he was heading.

Also staffing IS a problem in most 911 call centers, not because of funding but because of the extremely high stresses that job can put a person under. Try talking to a person while their loved one is dying, trying to talk them thru basic cpr and having them tell you that the person is turning blue, not breathing, having convultions, etc... Can YOU handle that? I know I could not, just listining to the one end sometimes would tear me up. So before you start spouting off about something that you do not know is 100% accurate, stop for a second and think.

[Tesha]

56. Bullshit.

More money spent on more staff would solve both problems
you mentioned. Answering calls tears people up? Allow them
to answer fewer calls per hour, have more time off, better
counseling, etc.

911 response problems are *DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTABLE* to
taxpayer unwillingness to properly fund the systems. And
people die because of it.

Tesha

[reformedrethug]

60. LMAO

you have never been inside a 911 communications center now have you. Just where do you propose to have the other staff sit?? The sheriffs office I worked at had 3 staffed consoles with 1 usually handling fire calls only and the other 2 handling the other calls that would come in.

Tell you what, go spend a shift inside a 911 center then come back and talk to me, until then your just spouting without knowing.

[Tesha]

61. Your thinking about this in too-narrow terms.

Real estate problems? That comes back to a lack of
funds as well.

(And, strangely enough, I *HAVE* been inside a 911
call center.)

Look, if you don't want to pay taxes, it's okay to
admit that, but don't make the naive claim that the
more staff, more equipment, and the like wouldn't
grealy ease the wrkload on the 911 service center
and minimize the delay times answering calls.

Tesha

[reformedrethug]

65. Real estate issues

are you talking about rooms for expansion? If so, the building I was in was built back in the mid 90's and serves its purpose well, in fact when I left they were just approved the funds to put in another dispatch station so that would make 4 which would be more than enough on most days.

Its not so much not wanting to pay taxes, but making sure the taxes paid are spent RESPONSIBLY and I seen a 20,000 piece of equipment bought that was NOT needed but WANTED just to say "see what I have". Cut that type of spending out and guess what, the funds would be there for what you wanted in your earlier post.

[Tesha]

66. "Real estate" in terms of rooms, consoles, all the "infrastructure" stuff. (NT)

[reformedrethug]

67. as I stated in my previous post

They moved the OIC's office to another office about 15 ft away and were in the progress of adding another dispatch station. The only way to get any bigger is to either move to another building or build a new one and neither one is feasable right now and frankly not needed. 4 dispatchers is plenty for this county 99.9% of the time.

[Tesha]

68. Perhaps "plenty" for yu, but the staffing at our OP's 911 center seems insufficient.

Else he wouldn't have waited five minutes (even in
"subjetive" time) to have his emergency call answered.

Tesha

[reformedrethug]

69. It all depends

On the volume of calls, the average number per day per year etc... as to what determines the staffing levels. Every location is different and in the case I was talking about 4 is enough because the population is not that high and also they do not handle city PD calls just county and fire/ems for the county, everything else is transfered to the city.

[snooper2]

74. Local taxpayers that is...

and it also depends on if the PSAP is in a old old area/county with small population, or if they are in a larger area where calls are routed using selective routers. In some of the old PSAP areas some can only support 2-4 simultaneous calls at any one time.

[nadinbrzezinski]

73. I WORKED dispatch

and one of the reasons for low staffing is LOW funding.

It is a major component

The stress factor is also one of them, as turnover tends to be slightly higher than other jobs

But MONEY is one of them

Now where I did it, I was at times THE ONLY DISPATCHER for an ambulance system that covered a city a million plus

On the bright side, if we stated having people make joke calls, and we could find where that was coming from... the COPS sent a patrol over... I believe a hefty fine was involved

[snooper2]

72. Um, no...

The local municipalities provide funding for the PSAP... PSAP also get a small percentage of money based on number of registered TN in the ALI database for a given carrier.

If you don't know what a PSAP is or what the ALI database is wikipedia is your friend :)





GOBAMA!

[Tesha]

75. Where do you figure "local municipalities" get their money from? (NT)

[snooper2]

78. In your post above...you put "that's what "CUT TAXES"" leads to

Assumed you were talking about Chimpy and the federal level...

most municipalities over the past 5 years have been raising taxes

[Tesha]

79. Many local municipalities have been under *EXTREME PRESSURE*...

...to cut taxes. Certainly my own has been. And
so have all the higher-level government entities
(the counties and the state). Our local police
and fire services have been in decline for years
as, of course, have our public schools.

Nowhere in my post did I constrain my "Cut Taxes!"
argument to just the Feds.

Tesha

[NuttyFluffers]

25. you did good. sorry to hear the sad scene.

doesn't surprise me, but sorry to hear that you had to go through it. i firmly believe i have a solid grasp of the callousness of the human heart (as well as its compassionate heights), so such things do not really phase me anymore. it probably helped that i worked retail for a few years.

i still believe working retail should be a national required 2 years of service to the nation to keep one's citizenship, similar to mandatory military service in other nations. it'd do wonders for national civility, i think.

[bean fidhleir]

27. You did well, and the mayor/council need to hear about the 911 hold

I'd like to think I would do as well as you did!

[knitter4democracy]

30. A year ago, one of my best friends in college died at work.

He was a manager in a big box store and was changing one of the displays. He had a heart attack and died before EMS got there, and he was only 35. At least his fellow staffers did their best, one of them starting CPR on him before EMS arrived to keep it going. His wife was able to consent to donating a few of his organs and follow his wishes at least.

People don't realize what's going on half the time. I was in an airport, travelling with a friend, and my friend was the one who saw the older gentleman go white and then fall to the ground clutching his chest. I saw him on the ground, and I'll admit, it didn't register until my friend said something. Then, I ran to the nearest desk only to be told that she didn't think she needed to call anyone. I got my mean teacher voice out, and she finally called 911. His family was all around him, but my friend and I went up to see if we could help at all. He was still conscious at least, and EMS eventually showed up, but it was really scary.

I still wonder why it didn't get through to me that he needed help. Maybe it's just that it wasn't where I'd expect it?

[LeftHander]

41. I was at a Twins baseball game....

And a kid looked like he was throwing up below me and my friend. I said to my friend "Look that kid is barfing..." He said yuk and went back to watching the game. The teen stood up and did the universal "I'm choking" signal by putting his hand repeatedly to his throat and he looked up at the crowd above him trying to make contact....I flew over the seats, spilled my beer which flowed under the kids sitting below me, I got to him if a few seconds I looked him square in the eye and asked "Are you choking." He nodded. I did the Heimlich maneuver on him hard. By this time the kid was turning from red to purple. I heard him gasp as the half a 1/4 pound hotdog flopped out onto the stairs. We stared at it wide eyed for moment and I asked him if he could breathe. He said yes horsely and started coughing and sat down in his aisle seat. I said he better go to first aid and have himself checked out. He said no he was alright. I kept watching him for about 15 minutes and he was not looking well. I returned to my seat. He was really shookup and obviously nauseated from nearly asphyxiating. I went down and asked him again...he said no so I went down under the seats and found a usher and asked him to go get first aid to his seat...and explained what happened.

I went back up and asked the kid who was looking poorly and coughing still that he should go to first aid and possibly the hospital because he could of damaged parts of his throat or aspirated a piece of hotdog. He said yes....and that he was really scared felt sick and wanted to go but not alone. I said I would walk with him to the aid station, we walked down the ramp and as we did the first aid guys showed up and explained what happened...

I went with him and the Aid people to the aid station and after some time...I said you are in good hands and I should get back to my friend. They were calling his parents and sending him off to the hospital. The kid, about 16, or so was now shaking and sobbing pretty hard now. He realized he almost died in front of 12,000 people, at first I thought it was because missed the game he was so wanting to see. Kid was from out of town and it was the twins championship season. Looking back on it now...it was probably the former.

His friends showed up who were in a different section so I took my leave.
I fetched a replacement beer that I spilled and spilled some more on kids homer hankie as I returned to my seat a couple innings later. My friend said..."Dude you spilled beer on those little kids again." As they wrung beer out of their homer hankies, The kids' father looked up at me and I apologized...I was shaking a little bit too now...

Later I saw the first aid people and asked about the kid. They said they got a hold of his folks and they sent him to the hospital. We was doing better once his friends got there.

Later the hotdog that was ejected from the kids throat was smashed on concrete stairs. I'll always see that smashed hot dog in my mind.

Weird.

[Fireweed247]

51. wow, you are a hero!

:applause:

[Fireweed247]

50. He had a heart attack and died before EMS got there, and he was only 35

That's is horrible! Was there a pre-existing condition?

[knitter4democracy]

55. Yeah, but he hadn't told us about it.

Hubby's the only doctor in the group, and our friend never told him. It was the hardest funeral I've ever had to go to. I broke down entirely when they had his two baby girls put roses in the casket.

[jtrockville]

34. Better to err on the side of humanity, rather than inhumanity.

Thank you TwixVoy. You should be proud.

[4_TN_TITANS]

35. Precisely what is wrong with America.

Everyone believes it's someone else's job to help those in need. That, and such cushy lifestyles that any situation like that shocks most people into helplessness.

Volunteer as a firefighter or first responder - you'll be amazed at what goes on while most people are cozy in the bed.

[Occulus]

40. From the sound of the OP's work environment

it sounds as if he'd be fired for leaving work without consent if he did that, and got a call...

[Neshanic]

43. Are you in a "Good Samaritan" law state? The behavior you had to endure from others is repulsive.

I was in a checkout line when I felt the person behind me slump against my back. I turned around an it was a person having a seizure. I laid them on the floor and opened their mouth. He did not have anything in it. I called out to the cashier to cal 911. They were there in five minutes. Another person came over and we both agreed it looked like an epileptic seizure, as two of my sister are and he was one. Everyone was very helpfull and concerned, except one who made some remark having to change lanes which I told to go fuck himself.

It is too bad you had to go through that, but you are the good person, and you should be proud.

[Pastiche423]

54. Please, please, please

Never go near a person's mouth that is having a seizure. It's an old wife's tale that the person will swallow their tongue.

When I begin to have a grand mal, my jaw clamps shut like lockjaw. If anything were to be in the way, i.e. fingers, they likely would be bitten off. Furthermore, do not put anything into the person's mouth, such as a wallet. It can break the person's teeth.

I am an epileptic and I approve this message.

[B Calm]

45. I've called 911 quite a few times at work. I'm a truck driver and see

accidents almost everyday. I've never been put on hold. . .

[Midlodemocrat]

48. Why were you reprimanded for the nurse coming forward to help?

Seems totally logical to me if there was no doctor in the store, the next best thing would be a nurse or a paramedic.

[GreenPartyVoter]

49. Oh, my! It's unbelievable, isn't it?? More than anything, I am appalled by

the reaction of your store managers. Yes, the customers sucked but your managers were actually advocating that the worst be allowed to happen. :mad:

[TwixVoy]

59. Not everyone

Fortunately we only have two ass ho*** on our management team.

[Fireweed247]

52. We are one sick society! At least you set a good example...

There is something terribly wrong with this country!

[Disturbed]

57. Thanks for posting this & your honorable actions.

Maybe you could call members of your city council & let them know
about your hold when calling 911.

[TwixVoy]

58. What I think may have happened is

We are "on the border" of a major city and what is considered a rural area. I think maybe my 911 call got routed to the rural 911 center, and I bet it was not so well staffed.

[Pale Blue Dot]

62. Just one of the many reason I left retail for teaching.

The attitude of the customers in your story seems especially familiar.