When Cot Wars Collide: A Petty Tale of Malicious Compliance in Medical Transport
In the unpredictable world of non-emergency medical transport, you’d think the most dramatic thing you’d encounter is a flat tire or a rogue cup of hospital coffee. But as it turns out, sometimes the real drama lies not in the patients, but in the passionate—and petty—preferences of your own coworkers. Enter the saga of “who’s cot is it anyway!?”, a Reddit tale that proves, once and for all, that sometimes the biggest emergencies are over the smallest things.
Let’s set the stage: you’re just trying to do your job, maybe even be a little helpful. But what happens when a coworker’s obsession with a particular piece of equipment turns them into the office diva? Well, sometimes, malicious compliance is the only prescription.
The Curious Case of the Coveted Cot
Our story, as posted by u/danz409 on r/MaliciousCompliance, starts with an all-too-familiar scenario: everyone in the workplace has their quirks. But one driver takes it to a new level, insisting on driving Truck #26 and using a meticulously labeled, personal cot. This isn’t just any cot—it’s his cot, with a possessiveness usually reserved for favorite coffee mugs or that one stapler nobody else is allowed to touch.
But fate (and a trip to the mechanic) intervenes. Truck #26 is out of commission, forcing our cot connoisseur into Truck #29 for Monday’s shift. Ever the considerate colleague (and perhaps a tiny bit mischievous), our narrator goes out of their way to move the precious cot and all associated gear into #29 ahead of Monday’s runs. A little extra work, sure, but it keeps the peace.
Or so it seems.
When Compliance Becomes Malicious
Fast forward: the schedule for Tuesday is out. Truck #29 is reassigned, and #26 is still in the shop. Trying to keep things running smoothly, our hero approaches the cot king to let him know his beloved cot will need to move to Truck #34, which is conveniently unassigned for Tuesday.
Cue the meltdown.
In a display worthy of reality TV, the driver erupts: “Don’t touch my s***, dammit. I’m not using another truck. Keep it in this truck!” Well, if you insist...
So, like any good practitioner of malicious compliance, the narrator does exactly what was requested. The cot and equipment stay put in #29. The twist? Truck #29 is scheduled to hit the road an hour before the driver even arrives—and it’s now piloted by someone else, with a different assignment altogether. But it’s still carrying one very special, very personalized cot.
Lessons in Petty Workplace Warfare
So, what can we learn from this tale of cot-centric drama?
First, never underestimate how much someone can care about a piece of workplace equipment. Whether it’s a cot, a mug, or a favorite chair, personal preferences in shared environments can get weirdly intense. Second, malicious compliance is a powerful force—especially when wielded with a wink and a smile. When someone insists on a rule or demand that’s clearly impractical, sometimes the best revenge is simply giving them exactly what they asked for.
This story also highlights a larger truth about workplace dynamics: sometimes, the biggest headaches come not from the job itself, but from navigating the quirks, egos, and idiosyncrasies of the people around us. And whether you’re in an office, a hospital, or a medical transport unit, a little bit of petty payback can go a long way in restoring balance to your day.
The Cot Conundrum: Comedy or Cautionary Tale?
For those of us reading (and perhaps reliving similar experiences), this Reddit gem is equal parts catharsis and cautionary tale. It’s a reminder that while it’s important to respect colleagues’ preferences, there’s a limit—and sometimes, the universe (or a particularly clever coworker) will step in to teach a lesson.
So next time you find yourself getting a bit too attached to that office supply or insisting on “your” spot, remember the story of the coveted cot. Because in the end, the only thing more powerful than someone’s pettiness is the sweet satisfaction of watching it backfire.
What’s the pettiest or funniest instance of malicious compliance you’ve witnessed in your own workplace? Drop your stories in the comments below—we all need a laugh (and perhaps a lesson) from time to time!
Original Reddit Post: who's cot is it anyway!?