Live from Newark an Ambulance crew streams what might be a career-ending move
Live-streaming from your shift on an ambulance via Persicope. What could go wrong?
An ambulance crew with University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey did just that late Thursday night and is now on unpaid administrative leave as an investigation looks closely at the live broadcast from inside the ambulance.
I’ve often said that those in fire and EMS usually get in trouble these days doing the same things they have for many decades. But there is one big difference. Today, they often now shoot video of their transgression, share it for the world to see and end up providing Exhibit A for the disciplinary hearing that soon follows. It’s a common scenario with SMACSS (Social Media Assisted Career Suicide Syndrome).
In this case, News12 New Jersey reports that James Hovan and a partner had the live-stream going while in the drive-thru at a White Castle.
(Thanks to a long-time reader for sending this story to STATter911.)
While waiting on their food at the drive-thru, a call for service is heard on the radio.
Hovan is heard saying “Oh no they didn’t!” and continues to wait for his food.
A few moments later, one of the viewers posts a comment asking why they weren’t responding to the emergency call.
“I ordered my food before the [expletive] call came in,” Hovan responds. “What do you think, I just throw it up in the air and run off? No!”
Hovan and his partner then say that they assume the emergency call is a “taxi ride,” which refers to a patient who doesn’t’ necessarily have a medical condition, but just wants a ride to the hospital.
