I have been reading this thread with a rising sense of concern. Although I
am fed up with the 'litigation' and the 'individual is no longer responsible
for whatever happens to them' culture of our society, I am increasingly
concerned about our vulnerability with regard to malicious or spurious
allegations made against us.
I think what really got me was Vic's post about being alone on occasions
where that can't really be avoided. I am a paramedic, and for a large part
of my patient contact time, I am alone in the back of the ambulance with the
patient. My colleague is up the front driving and can't be constantly
looking in the mirror watching me. I feel that if an allegation were to be
made against me, it would be almost impossible to defend. I am sure my area
of work is not the only one where one is often unavoidably on their own with
the patient, but what can you do!!!
The only thing I can think of is a mobile personal CCTV system, with audio,
that one always wears whilst at work, so everything one does is recorded. I
am sure the technology is there, but the confidentiality, H&S, infection,
etc... issues would be a nightmare to overcome.
Where's it all going, he????
T.H-H
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