Yeah, when I was in ER with my wife; I didn't hear any profanity issued by a single MD. When I was in for surgery, I never once heard a nurse, MD or techican utter a single profanity - so I must be unique.
What branch of the Military did you serve with? Did you use profanity in your radio communications? Must have been some 'group'.
USMC Articles 117 and 134 govern such language. Section 917, Article 117 states: “Any person subject to this chapter who uses provoking or reproachful words or gestures towards any other person subject to this chapter shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.”
Section 934, Article 134 states: “Though not specifically mentioned in this chapter, all disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces, all conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces … shall be punished at the discretion of that court.”
But, I guess I must be living in a fantasy, watching TV.
Why would the doctors swear? They have no reason to. They're not in any danger. How about the people being treated? I've done a little time in an ER, and people who are afraid, wounded, or otherwise not in a stable frame of mind say some pretty colorful things.
What branch of the Military did you serve with? Did you use profanity in your radio communications? Must have been some 'group'.
I was in the Army. OEF and OIF. Most radio communications are professional transfers of information done in non-life threatening situations. In enemy contact or when dealing with wounded, or the otherwise normal chain of events has been punctuated by death or impending death, harsh words do surface.
Is the norm to avoid profanity? Sure. Does profanitizing (Soldiers can make any noun a verb) occur under duress? All the time.
The point your missing entirely is that when a normal person is afraid for their lives, or under tremendous personal stress, they'll say things that will peel paint off the walls. It's a normal reaction. Even the most calm, stalwart professionals I know have have heated up a headset with explicit language when under duress.
A 911 dispatcher who doesn't understand this aspect of human nature should be fired, immediately, and without question. The arrogance of someone sitting at a comfortable desk and demanding people who may be dying to act politely or be refused assistance is monstrous.