...one of the neatest things I have ever seen done on any blog ever is up for your edification. MattG, Ambulance Driver, and Babs RN tell a tale of a rough night on the job from the point of view of the responding officer, the paramedic, and the ER nurse.
You're cheating yourself if you don't read it.
As someone who has had to make use of the professional services of their brethren and sistern more than once, it really, really makes me appreciate all those people do. (If you've never looked up a hazy black tunnel at the ceiling of an ambulance to hear an EMT yelling "Hey! Breathe, honey! Breathe!", I don't recommend the experience. They're swell people and all, but it's more fun to meet them socially.)
And believe me, we would rather meet you folks socially than when we have to do that medical stuff. It makes for better and more meaningful conversations.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid on the second ride, I wasn't much for conversation. All I did was scream. And cuss. And cry. And forget to breathe for a bit there. Mostly screaming, though.
ReplyDeleteI don't know who thought the ride was longer, me or them...
I have a buddy who is an EMT and lawyer, who struck upon the perfect advertising gimmick...
ReplyDeletePlaster a sticker on the ceiling of the ambulance at the end of that hazy black tunnel that says, "IF YOU CAN READ THIS, YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION!"
Incentive to live, I guess, A.D.
ReplyDeleteI think I can write the cussing monologue on that second ride, Tam: "Ow, my wrist! My leg! My... Oh my Gawd! MY BIKE!! That sorry... Wait a F$*%king second! What about my pistols!?!?? Damn, but it hurts. Don't you have any Vicodin I could wash down with a goddamned IPA? No? They why the hell do y'all put little refrigerators in these over-priced nanny-taxis with underused mini-bars?!? I'm still waiting on that Vicodin..."
Everytime I am near medical types, something goes wrong. I don't mean I get hurt, exactly. I do that plenty enough. But my hurts get complicated like. For example: I took a dive at my full running speed, right into a sidewalk. Head first. Fine, other than my broken set of glasses. But I give blood at a hospital and I pass out.
ReplyDeleteLOL Feanaro, you think that might have something to do with losing an entire pound of nothing but blood in only a few minutes?
ReplyDeleteAnd Tam, thank you, ma'am.
Matt - sounds about right. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd also, another thanks to all y'all do.
Oh, another sticker, seen on the ceiling of an Anchorage doc's office for similar purposes...
"Thank you for not screaming"
I got home from a long crappy day at a job that leaves me empty a little while ago. I grabbed the easiest meal I could when I got through the door, cereal, and decided to read Tam's blog for the pleasant diversion it usually provides. And then, naturally, I followed the links to Matt, AD, and Babs. Kind of puts it all in perspective.
ReplyDeleteWords to adequately praise their shared story are hard to come by and I know I'm merely stating the obvious when I suggest that EVERYONE needs to read it.
Thanks for the links, Tamara. Thank you Matt, AD, and Babs.
All three stories are excellent arguments against drinking and driving.
ReplyDeleteMoreover, they are excellent explanations for, if you DO D&D not to give any lip to Mr. Nice Police Officer, Mr. Paramedic/Ambulance Driver, and most especially anyone who uses the words "Foley catheter" professionally.
How these people can do this day-in and day-out, is beyond me.
Got a whole new batch of respect for son (CRNA) and D-I-L (RN, ret.) now.
It always makes me angry when people are in such a hurry to get to Starbucks that they won't get out of the way of that ambulance that has been trying to pass them for 3 blocks.
ReplyDeletePeople, they really are in a bigger hurry than you are, and some day you (or your mother or daughter or whoever) may be riding in that vehicle.
I posted a follow-up post on Perspectives-- I found out what happened to Tony.
ReplyDelete