Tippecanoe Emergency Ambulance Service

Unfortunately my family had to call 911 for the first time. My grandfather was extremely ill and very confused. The Lafayette Fire Dept and Tippecanoe Emergency Ambulance Service responded to my grandmothers home. The medics were extremely polite, helpful, and explained everything that was going on. The fire dept also helped my grandmother get her portable oxygen on so we could take her. The medics reassured my grandmother and I that they would take good care of him. They were confident, professional, and very compassionate. They were at the hospital when we arrived and again had explained everything to us. It was a very stressful situation that they seemed to have been calm through. As for the fire dept. and the ambulance service we would be so happy to have these people in our homes in our time of need again. Thank you all for what you do for our community. I can't understand what your jobs are like and the stress you have. We are lucky as a community to have such good people.

January 10, 2017 I was stricken with acute pain. Previous experience was indicative of small bowel block or a chronic kidney stone. I called the ambulance and waited out on the road for their arrival. As I walked the road back and forth in front of the house, a first responder showed before the ambulance and put me in his car to stay warm since I was experiencing a shaking chill likely due to dehydration. He was pleasant and inquired about my condition. Then the ambulance showed up. The male EMT immediately went hostile about what may or may not have been in my backpack. He did not ask about my medical condition but was fixated on the bag instead. I offered it to him but he refused, launching into asking how long I had been outside. When I tried to explain why I was outside, (about 10 minutes waiting for the ambulance) he would interrupt and repeat the question with serious hostility. He then threatened to have me put into handcuffs, that he was going to call the sheriff and have me arrested. I asked him based on what action or threat by me he felt he needed to do this and he admitted there was no action or threat on my part but then found his mojo by citing my "tone". At this point my pain level was through the roof so I imagine my tone was rather desperate and anxious. In fact, on their arrival I thanked them and was prepared to give a full medical history. Several more times the male EMT threatened to have me arrested for a crime he could not articulate. When I was finally allowed into the ambulance I expected a medical history would be taken. The female EMT picked up where her male colleague left off, making threats that she could have me "put in cuffs". What both these EMTs did is a crime. They have no powers of restraint except where there is a case of harm to self or others. I've awaited an explanation with no reply to date. If possible avoid calling EMTs. They are not your helper and may get you into criminal trouble.

I have used TEAS a lot. A lot of the EMT's and medic's downgrade me. I have found 2 however that are very PROFESSIONAL. John and Gary. The rest of them think I am a nut case and do not take my complaints seriously despite my epilepsy TBI diabetes previous cardiac history pe history hypertension along with many other medical problems. It takes them at least 20 minutes to get to my house near downtown Lafayette running non emergency status to a chest pain call. Then Fabian and his partner that night make me walk to the truck with chest pain and trouble breathing along with shakes and do a BLS run to St. E East ER. Cut my coat when it was not necessary. Ashley. They make comments like this is ridiculous quit faking we know you didn't have a seizure on that bus. Nicole is not very good at her job she has very little compassion or empathy. Keep John and Gary and get rid of the rest of the incompetent and rude personnel. Tippecanoe County deserves better pre hospital care. If we didn't need them we would not call. They only reason I give them 4 stars for expertise is because of Gary and John. 2 stars for professionalism because of all the rude comments doing BLS runs when it should be ALS. You don't run BLS with chest pain and numbness in the left arm. I am a former certified EMT. I know when something is wrong.