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LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Editorial misstated BEMco's policy and put students in real danger
Letters to the Editor | 3/25/08
Posted online at 2:21 AM EST on 3/25/08
To the Editor:
In an editorial published March 11 ("Resuscitate emergency care"), the Justice underhandedly congratulated BEMCo on its 25th anniversary. Using our 25th anniversary to publish unfounded, incorrect and unprovoked claims shows a severe lack of journalistic integrity. Disseminating misinformation about BEMCo's policies is the real danger, not a supposed breach of privacy. BEMCo takes patient privacy very seriously-BEMCo EMTs are trained under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Acts.
The Justice's editorial staff wrongly equates a meeting with a University representative as a result of calling BEMCo. Certain branches of the University (such as Residence Life) act in loco parentis, legally responsible for the well-being of the student. This includes being accountable for student health and safety before and after an incident. Speaking with a dean or quad director is not under our control, nor is it judicial action. These meetings are standard practice at many universities across the nation.
Implying that patients needing treatment should refuse care simply to avoid possible University repercussions is not only dangerous but also irresponsible. BEMCo has clearly defined standards of when it is appropriate to allow a patient to refuse care. Patients facing "potentially serious consequences to their health" would very rarely meet these standards and would be strongly encouraged to seek appropriate care.
Although it is expensive to be transported by Waltham paramedics, it is impossible to put a price on one's health and safety. Students should never feel afraid to call BEMCo if at all in doubt about their health or well-being.
The editors of the Justice should be embarrassed by this article. Despite interviewing a member of the executive board, they failed to quote anyone in their article because the quotations given contradicted what appeared in the editorial. We reevaluate our protocols each year; perhaps the Justice should start doing the same.
-BEMCo Executive Board
In an editorial published March 11 ("Resuscitate emergency care"), the Justice underhandedly congratulated BEMCo on its 25th anniversary. Using our 25th anniversary to publish unfounded, incorrect and unprovoked claims shows a severe lack of journalistic integrity. Disseminating misinformation about BEMCo's policies is the real danger, not a supposed breach of privacy. BEMCo takes patient privacy very seriously-BEMCo EMTs are trained under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Acts.
The Justice's editorial staff wrongly equates a meeting with a University representative as a result of calling BEMCo. Certain branches of the University (such as Residence Life) act in loco parentis, legally responsible for the well-being of the student. This includes being accountable for student health and safety before and after an incident. Speaking with a dean or quad director is not under our control, nor is it judicial action. These meetings are standard practice at many universities across the nation.
Implying that patients needing treatment should refuse care simply to avoid possible University repercussions is not only dangerous but also irresponsible. BEMCo has clearly defined standards of when it is appropriate to allow a patient to refuse care. Patients facing "potentially serious consequences to their health" would very rarely meet these standards and would be strongly encouraged to seek appropriate care.
Although it is expensive to be transported by Waltham paramedics, it is impossible to put a price on one's health and safety. Students should never feel afraid to call BEMCo if at all in doubt about their health or well-being.
The editors of the Justice should be embarrassed by this article. Despite interviewing a member of the executive board, they failed to quote anyone in their article because the quotations given contradicted what appeared in the editorial. We reevaluate our protocols each year; perhaps the Justice should start doing the same.
-BEMCo Executive Board
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