Thoughts
I observed how in the busiest of times when an ER nurse was trying to move patients “upstairs” (MedSurg or ICU), they would often feel a palpable amount of cultural tension. Not only did other departments appear to work at different speeds, but had very different goals and ways of doing things.
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I went to an EMT class over the summer between my first and second year. It was a great program, taught by a crusty old Paramedic with more horror stories than I had ever imagined. One day in particular I remember best. He came to the front of the class and showed us accidents that he had seen. Cars and bodies mangled and disfigured in ways I could never have imagined possible. Watching us cringe, he put down the remote to the slide show.
Read MoreOffice jobs don’t get the “oo” and “ah” response that EMTs, medics, flight medics, flight nurses, and SWAT medics, etc., receive. It makes people think, and people have questions. They want to know about the horrible things, but not about the normal things. Have you ever noticed how sharing people are with terrible things?
Read MoreMy favorite ER love story starts in triage. A long line of people waiting to be seen. Enter two middle aged folks. Obviously homeless. Wearing clothes too large for them. And their skin is covered in pink and purple.
Read MoreIf the person at the time of disrobing has all their facilities, then the hospital gown may seem better suited for a fraternity initiation stunt then the first step into the most advanced medical care in the world. For most patients, conscious or otherwise, the hospital gown is rarely a confidence booster.
Read MoreI want to give you a roadmap for what you are about to experience, to offer you hope and encouragement that this terrible thing does not have to be the thing that destroys you.
Read MoreDo you get really frustrated at a coworker who should be way ahead in their career but struggle with the simplest of things? Is there someone you looked up to, but soon discovered that despite their years of experience just aren’t the kind of person you aspire to be? What you are experiencing is what I call “the Gap”, and what you need, is to Leap.
Read MoreI was sitting in the driver’s seat of my own ambulance when this story started to flood social media.
Not that long ago, we would have heard about this story later that night – maybe the next day – and would’ve imagined how horrible it had been......We don’t get to imagine things anymore.
Read MoreRegret is an empty journal.
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"Nothing like waking up with a garden hose shoved down your windpipe" Click for source
Going from a medicine induced coma to the Full Monty of awake, afraid, and painful of being intubated can induce the kind of panic usually reserved for pilots who run out of fuel or skydivers who's parachute doesn't open. The shock for most is nothing short of horrifying. But don't worry, it gets better.
Read MoreI'm not good at everything. I think I'm good at only a few things. But the truth is I'm really good at only one thing; Feeling Stupid, and being ok with it.
Read MoreYour healing, like your health and your life. is yours alone. No one can take your meds for you, go to Physical Therapy for you, eat right for you or live your life for you.
Read MoreThe short story is, the very best thing for a heart patient to do is walk, and it is often the one thing they don't want to do. Many do well, but my patient today did not. It inspired me to share this lesson with you now before life puts you in a situation where your life depends on it.
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