Amazon Worker with a Medical Emergency? Do NOT Call 911!

Diji1 on 25/10/2015 - 10:23
Last edited 25/10/2015 - 10:34 by 1 other user

Many here are fans of Amazon's low, low prices (and great service) and I notice many people commenting that they dislike various Aussie companies that mistreat their workers - I thought of this as I read this article this morning:

http://news.slashdot.org/story/15/10/24/1721259/do-not-call-…

The TL;DR is that Amazon's employee guidelines insist that in the case of a medical emergency employees should contact security - first, before anyone else. And in case you were wondering does that actually mean do not call for medical help in the case of a life threatening emergency the direct quote is:

Do NOT Call 911!

It seems to me that often people completely disregard tech companies terrible work practices because they are imbued with a halo in their minds due to being magical computers and networks. So Amazon and Uber are given a free pass in public opinion to underpay and mistreat workers - to the point of risking their life apparently - and people will continue to be supportive with their wallet.

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Comments

  • altomic on 25/10/2015 - 10:34
    +6

    if you are a worker in the Amazon then you should call Brazil's emergency number - 193 (ambulance).

    "Temos uma emergência" - I have an emergency.

  • Davo1111 on 25/10/2015 - 11:57
    +3

    Pretty standard with many businesses. Especially since security have a defibrillator.

  • indium on 25/10/2015 - 12:31
    +11

    So the comments seem to provide good reason why it's better to call security at a large facility rather than 911. Here's one for example:

    Former security dispatcher for a large complex of manufacturing plants here, and this is absolutely correct. We know which of the multiple entry gates the ambulance should use to get to the complainant in the most efficient manner, and it isn't necessarily the one the reporting party uses to get to work every day (likely the only one he/she knows). We know the physical addresses of those gates, which few other people do, so emergency respondents know exactly where to go.

    We contact the appropriate response (not always "911" — usually more efficient to call the ambulance service directly) immediately. A guy with a broken finger doesn't need or want all of the response 911 will bring. Large-scale incidents, confined space rescues, etc.? That's when you want the whole cavalry. Often one dispatcher would initiate the ambulance response while another was still talking with the reporting party, so any questions about the complainant's condition could be answered.

    We then work on the logistics of getting the response to the complainant. This usually involved sending one roving security unit to actually find the complainant, and another to the gate to escort the ambulance to the proper location. Once the first unit assessed the situation, they could advise the other via radio of exactly where to bring the ambulance. Depending on the response gate and time of the incident, we might also advise the local rail services to hold traffic. During times of heavy truck traffic, we'd advise the guards at gates in the ambulance's path to hold traffic, so there wasn't a mile-long line of semi trucks blocking the way.

    Everyone involved was very well-trained and incidents almost always ran like clockwork. You know when they didn't? When someone called 911 directly and an ambulance showed up at a gate and no one in security knew anything about it.

    Bunch of other comments stating that procedures are the same for intel, federal facilities, universities etc.

    • roadsign on 26/10/2015 - 14:53

      Completely agree; this is standard procedure at most large facilities or institutions. There's usually a specific emergency number to be called from any campus phone instead of 000.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/10/2015 - 13:21
    +2

    I bet Diji1 feels stupid for posting this now after being proven that calling security is better.

    • GameChanger on 25/10/2015 - 15:46

      Yep, he should have started thread on how amazon abuses workers.

      Many tech companies have a God complex, have a look at Ubers recruitment process, pretty much they want the top 1% but compensating the average wage. Many act like working for their brand is a reward in itself lol.

      • Davo1111 on 27/10/2015 - 13:02

        have a look at Ubers recruitment process,

        just did, what's the issue?

        This is no different from any oil/gas/mining/construction company i've ever applied for

        • GameChanger on 27/10/2015 - 14:40

          For the analytical side you have a 2 hour online test, then phone interview, assement centre and countless in person interviews.

          You work investment banking hours for not even close compensation! Uber want the best minds, but really some of their roles don't require geniuses.

          Some companies especially in tech side think they're God's gift and just by working under their name you should be happy.

        • Davo1111 on 27/10/2015 - 15:00

          @gamechanger:

          And?

          People don't have to work there.

        • GameChanger on 27/10/2015 - 18:14

          @Davo1111: It's a flawed bs process that gets some of the best people cut from the job. HR has reached ridiculous levels, complete waste of department imo.

  • Baysew on 25/10/2015 - 15:20

    If there's something strange
    In you neighborhood
    Who you gonna call ?

    • gringo on 25/10/2015 - 16:42
      +1

      he man

    • [Deactivated] on 25/10/2015 - 19:07
      +1

      Ghostbusters!

    • onetwothreefour on 25/10/2015 - 19:59
      +1

      A taxi for Diji1

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