Three Minutes Out

So my time in the ED started off at a crawl. Did lots of urine samples and EKGs. Three hours in and (finally!) there is a code 1 three minutes out. My brain tunes out everything else that was said. I sort of went blank. I knew that if CPR was in progress or needed I would be called upon. I was fine with that, just a bit nervous seeing as how I had only ever practiced on a limb-less plastic dummy.

There are two EMTs and two Paramedics wheeling the patient in. One of them is riding on the side performing chest compressions. The patient is an 83 year old male who was found pulseless and apneic by his daughter. He had been that way for at least 4 minutes when the medics arrived. By the time he was rushed into the red pod he had been intubated and had vomit dripping down the sides of his face. With each breath his stomach kept filling with air.

Within ten seconds that vacant room filled with 15 people, 1 patient, and myself. It was sudden chaos, and I was being called to the opposite side of the stretcher to take over compressions. I weaved my way over, dodged a few flailing arms, and stepped up onto the stool. Adrenaline took over and I found myself with my hands on the patient's sternum doing my first real chest compressions. It was nothing like I expected. Although, I'm not quite sure what I was expecting in the first place.

Meanwhile, doctors were shouting orders at nurses and asking the medics question after question. Three minutes go by and the nursing student takes my place. Before I even have time to try and figure out where I should stand the medic at the patient's head asks me to take over bagging. Lucky for me there was a little yellow light that blinked every six seconds, prompting me to squeeze the bag. Two minutes go by. The head doctor stops compressions, checks again for a pulse, and says to continue with cpr. It's my turn. I got out just in time. Not twenty seconds later does the patient vomit and it sprays everywhere. Specifically onto the face of the medic (not wearing proper BSI!) who took over bagging.

Another two minutes, compressions are stopped. A weak femoral pulse is felt. It is short lived. Compressions begin again. This goes on for twenty three minutes. Finally the patient has regained a pulse, at least for a short time, and the doctors kick us out to do their thing. Whatever that might be.

I don't know what happened to the man. His daughter had disappeared when EMS arrived on scene, and she never showed at the hospital.

That was 24 days ago. I can still picture every detail about the man's face, and I remember all the tattoos he had on his chest and arms. And sometimes I find myself wondering who he was, what kind of life he lived, how he ended up exposed on a backboard with a tube down his throat and me pounding on his chest.

So, that was exciting. I wish I knew the outcome, but I suppose that's just the way it goes sometimes. Time to return to my studies.

Third time's the charm

Today I get home from class, check my email, and find that I got my first comment. Yay! It gets better. Turns out it is from Medic999, and he has also given me a shout out on his page. :) I'm honored! So, thank you to Medic999 and everyone else who has already taken a look here and left comments. I know it's a small thing, but it sure means a lot.

I feel like I don't have much to write about on here just yet, seeing as how I am just beginning. But I am most definitely excited! I do know, however, that I have many questions.

Today I met with someone at the local volunteer ambulance company and finally got the ball rolling. I am looking forward to getting involved and gaining as much experience as I can.

Oh! And today I spent most of my morning and afternoon holding C-spine on Resusci Anne while the other class of EMT-B students took their final and did their practicals. Okay, so it wasn't quite as exciting as skydiving, or anything of the sorts, but at least I was able to get a feel for what the final will be like. And this Saturday I will be volunteering to be a 'victim' for the day as students take their NREMT, so that will give me even more of an idea of what to expect, at least for one station.

Other than that I'm just studying, working and house-sitting this week. And I think I have found a more subdued (somewhat!) layout. I am having the hardest time finding one that I like and that is not too flashy. And not being all that tech-savvy, this is quite a challenge!

Are you an EMT, Paramedic, or other health care professional?
Do you remember what/who your first call/patient was?
Just curious.

One Down

I completed my first ride time this past weekend. Nothing too exciting in ten hours. First we had an 81 y/o woman who had chest pain upon exertion. Though it first came in as a psych call. Hmm. Then we had a man in his late fifties who had just had a seizure. He was postictal when we got there, and relatively combative. The ativan seemed to calm him down a bit, but it didn't kick in until we reached the ED. So, that was my night, along with hours of sitting and waiting. I now know to bring a book next time, though I'm hoping for a few more calls. I'm going back this weekend, so we'll see. I'm looking forward to it.

We are studying geriatrics this week in class. Oh, the things we have to look forward to as we age. Next weekend we are doing extrication, which I am really looking forward to. And tomorrow, kinematics.

What kind of stethoscope do you use? Is there one that you prefer over another?

A Fresh Start

Today is a new day, and with it has come a new perspective.

Though, I wish I could write about more meaningful things.
Instead of a few words here and there and probably too many youtube videos to waste time with.
But I don't have the words.

I used to.
In high school I was a big writer, and I was good at it if I do say so myself.
But that was a long time ago.
And something happened between then and now.
A lot of things.
And the words don't come anymore.

But, here's to trying, right?

Other people put it so much better, though.

"Cause everything inside of me looks like
Everything I hate
You are the hope I have for change
You are the only chance I'll take"
-Switchfoot