If you're local in the Rochester area, you've probably heard of the Greece high school teacher who resigned a picture of her using some questionable language in the classroom was posted to Facebook. Regardless of who was right or wrong in this case (there are questions surrounding the intentions of the student, the student's mother, and the teacher), it is yet another glaring example of how the proliferation of smart phones and cell phone cameras can lead to someone's undoing.
The damage isn't limited to just cell phones and Facebook however. You may recall my posting last year of the FDNY EMS Lieutenant who resigned over comments made on his Twitter account. There have also been cases in the media of fire and EMS personnel behaving badly toward those who were seeking to record their actions for whatever reason. Before the claims of "HIPAA violations" are heard echoing across the nation, remember that HIPAA laws do not apply to the actions of every day citizens. Sure, there are personal privacy laws, not to mention social norms and mores that may be at play in the decision of someone to record those who are receiving medical attention. Unfortunately, there are still some who are going to do their best to catch you at your worst.
We, as a profession, must work our way to becoming "Facebook-proof." What exactly does this mean? Situational awareness is one phrase that comes to mind. Unlike many others, we work on a very public stage at times. Being wary of those around you should come as second nature, especially when it comes to the safety of you, your partner, and your patient. If you happen to look up and see someone recording, catch your tongue and your thought process before going off like a firework. Calmly explain that the patient deserves privacy and respectfully request the individual stop recording the scene. If they refuse, drop it, expedite your packaging and move the patient to your vehicle. If the individual is truly recording you, and chooses to make the tape public, your behavior (if they choose to show it) will show you as recognizing the situation, attempting to address it, then taking action to protect the patient. I would also suggest that you write an addendum or report to be filed with your supervisor attesting to the events should anything be posted later.
Demonstrating competency is something else altogether. Though we all would like to think that we do the right thing every time, there are times that we deviate from "standard practice," sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances...sometimes for other reasons altogether. If you catch yourself taking liberty with standard care for the latter, stop, gather your thought process, and do it the proper way. If you absolutely must deviate, explain what you're doing and why to the patient, then document it appropriately. If someone is present and recording, again this information will be captured. Remember that Hollywood has some very different ideas of what EMTs do, and public perception is often based upon what they see on TV, not in real life.
Last, but certainly not least: don't let Facebook tell your life. Choose your "friends" carefully, secure your page, and share wisely. You may think the photo of your buddy being passed out drunk in the front yard is humorous, but he may not. In today's connected world, all it takes is one misstep to bring someone else's world crashing down.
