Re: Comments on the West Wing episode

[Gary Isenhower <garyi@BCM.TMC.EDU>]

> 

> So, I have to dismiss your claim that a "simple"

> mistake couldn't have serious consequences.  When you

> are dealing with uneducated people that cannot see the

> difference between fact and fiction then that is a

> recipe for disaster.  Luckily, those are the same

> people that probably couldn't punch a voting ballot

> card correctly so we don't need to worry about any

> political influence they think they have.



Tim,



If you disagree with me, and think that Hollywood's presentation of

cardiac monitor scenarios is a serious matter, as you say a "recipe for

disaster", then don't you think the AMA or SOMEBODY should protest?  As

we should protest erroneous presentations of the dangers of radiation? 

Or should we just sit by and wait for the disaster?



Your personal experience is worth consideration.  You, the trained

individual on the scene, did not go along with public pressure because

you knew the right thing to do and did not mind screaming for help if

necessary.  That's commendable.



Nevertheless, I can't help thinking that the two issues are orders of

magnitude apart in terms of social impact.  Yes, you took some heat from

the big guy.  I have myself lost it and screamed at a 911 operator.  But

the patient got the care he was supposed to, right?  Doesn't that

support the idea that this issue has a small social impact?  So, I must

dismiss your dismissal.



The bottom line is this: If the matter is trivial, then let it be shown

with any number of Hollywood embelishments.  But if the matter is of

major consequence, someone needs to set the record straight.



    _______________________________________________



	Gary Isenhower

	713-798-8353

	garyi@bcm.tmc.edu

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