After reading Kat's post about healthcare in the UK that would be more Muslim-friendly, it reminded me of a situation that DH was in and would like some help/clarification/what-not.
As some of you know, my DH is a career firefighter/EMT. He works in a very ethnically and racially diverse city (we used to live there, so I know HOW diverse it REALLY is). He's been dispatched to medical calls where the patient was a woman having a SERIOUS medical problem (heart attack and such) and the guys weren't allowed near the patient because of a husband/father/brother/whatever. The problem is that the patient can't get care or taken to a hospital if the EMT/Paramedic can't asses the problem. And, if the EMT's can't put someone on a stretcher, the patient will obviously not get to the hospital or the emergency care that is needed.
I understand the rules of the faith but the fact of the matter is that EMS work is male-dominated and that's who's going to show up when someone calls 911.
Is there a way to work around this? Is there an idea to notify folks that this is what they will be dealing with?
I don't want to see anyone die because of a cultural difference, KWIM?
Any ideas here?
And, I hope that I didn't offend anyone. That was not my intention at all. I'm trying to open up some beneficial dialogue here to help other people.
__________________ Celtic Spirit
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Wow Stacie, that is just terrible. I do know some people who are especially sensitive about male/female care, etc. Yet, I don't know of any emergency situation where someone flat out denied help because the EMT/Doctor was of the opposite gender.
In my life, Islam is the middle path. While there are rulings & guidelines throughout every facet of our lives, there are also exceptions.
I don't know every detail of the situations you are referring to, but based on what you've said, I really think it is ridiculous to refuse help in a medical emergency simply based on gender. I don't think you'd find a single honest-to-goodness Muslim Scholar or Leader who would support such situations, either.
__________________
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
-Albert Einstein
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
...and to add, it isn't simply a male/female thing. It's anyone who doesn't need to see/treat you by necessity that should be avoided. For me as a woman, that means not only men, but other women, too.
Modesty is a very important value in Islam, so important that even my own mother shouldn't see what is considered my 'private areas' post puberty...
__________________
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
-Albert Einstein
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
I don't know every detail of the situations you are referring to, but based on what you've said, I really think it is ridiculous to refuse help in a medical emergency simply based on gender. I don't think you'd find a single honest-to-goodness Muslim Scholar or Leader who would support such situations, either.
I agree totally. I know a Muslim sister who's very pious but I could have kicked her when she told me she thought she was miscarrying but wouldn't allow a male doc to examine her. There's pious and then there's "thinking you're a major super-scholar" and the latter path is never good IMO. It's not smart and it's not gonna get you extra Islam points.
Can you find out what country the folks were who refused treatment like you mentioned, just for my curiosity?
Islam is not made to be difficult, in cases such as emergency, accident etc, i don't think an issue should be made whether the person is male or female.
as for everyday issues or pregnancy, if a women feels comfortable dealing with a female doctor than that is her choice.
but if you are talking life and death here, than i feel it would be too extreme to refuse help based on the emergency personnel's gender.
Well its really strange that someone could go to this extreme. I'm sorry to say but I really think that sometimes its the male society who's more concerened about this issue and not the ladies. Its even stated in Islam that a doctor should be treated as someone who's treating you and not a s a male or a female when its related to any medical condition.
I think that it really depends on the situation. Maybe some ladies feel secure around female doctors and they might chose which doc they want but that is when its a general situation and not a life threatening situation. I personally find male docs more caring and understanding here in Kuwait. And luckily I've always had wonderful male docs throughout my treatments. Yes if I feel insecure sometime I persuade my husband to come along with me. But I've noticed here in Kuwait being an Arab country that always there is a female nurse along with the doctor for every patient. Its sad that some people can go to such extent.
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
id have to agree with what everyone has said.. i dont think there is much ground for denying medical help based on gender..
a similar question was asked to me when i went for a blood test..i got called by a guy to do it..and he asked me..why is it that some women who dress like u refuse me taking their blood..i said u know its really a personal thing and alot of women are uncomfy with men..but its my understanding that if its for medical purposes it really isnt an issue..i said alot also it maybe more cultural than religious..and just what ppl are comfortable with ...but honestly only NOW do we start to see female drs and females in male dominated professions..u mean 50-100 years ago when there was hardly any women in these professions that muslim women wouldnt get treated at all..how were these women having babies and surgery and whatever else?
i know this blood guy kinda took it personally..but i told him ..dont takeit personal..its not anything against u..its just some ppl are set in their ways and thinking and refuse to see outside the box...
but in general..muslim women try not to mix with men that are not her immediate family..there is a religious barrier to a certain extent just to protect each others modesty and dignity .
im glad u asked about it!
__________________ me 26 dh 28 married july 2, 05 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
dx with pcos 2003 thin cyster no IR no mf 3 failed clomid and 9 inj cycles ivf- BFP may 17th! ITS A BOY! 1-19-08 ttc#2- cycle 1- BUST 2-BFN 3-BUST 4-BFN IVF...in progress
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Muslim cysters ??? 
