[Red Flag 1]

There are two side to every coin. For ER staff, 27 is a short list. For the patient, a parallel list runs as well. I feel compelled to relate an experience my partner had @ Base "X". An ER patient was hustled in with "vague non-acute distressing complaints". ER was not busy at 0100hrs. By history the patient had a " complete positive review of systems ". Allergy list filled an 8.5x11.5 page of paper. List of meds presented could not be verified. Every question asked was answered with problems. Workup included extensive labs, CT scans, X-rays, a call to Psych., and any providers name the patient mentioned. By 0700hrs the following morning, there was no clinical need for the patient to be admitted. The patient refused to leave without being admitted. My partner called our commander with his problem. The commander suggested he pick a diagnosis and admitt. Admitting diagnosis was listed as "GOK" ( God Only Knows ). My partner and I both got in trouble over this!

A second case that I recall was @ Plattsburg AFB,NY in the early 70's. I ran the ER there. It was noted that Sunday mornings after Chapel Services, the ER got a bit busy for a few hours with just crap. On occasion I would pull some hours to give the crew a break. One Sunday morning that I was filling in, an active duty member and his family, including wife three children, stopped by the ER. His chief complaint was, " we are going on leave tomorrow. I just want to be sure that my family is OK.". None were seen as patients. My Commander and I were in the Wing Commanders Office @ 0600 Monday. Post Chapel ER visits dropped to zero until I left in DEC 75.

RF 1