(this true EMS story relates to the author and a volunteer ambulance company of which he is a member is not necessarily in any chronological order) Time frame, approximate 1990.
Most days my ambulance corps has set crews and each has a crew chief. The crew chief is usually the member with the highest EMT certification. I was not on duty the day of the following call, however, since I am a first responder, I respond whenever I am available, on call or not. Once on scene, I stabilize a patient until the rig arrives and then pass the patient over to the crew. I stay with the crew, to the hospital if I am needed.
It was a Saturday afternoon, about 2pm. I was enjoying the bright summer day, mowing my lawn and fixing up the front yard. My pager went off announcing a motor vehicle accident with the driver ejected from car. The Saturday crew was just coming out of the hospital after answering a call previously. I ran to quickly clean up and jump in my car to respond. I arrived at the scene after the ambulance but decided to see if I could help out anyway. I was needed.
My certification is EMT Basic. Has been for the past 22 years, and on this day I was working with what was then called, AEMT’s, (4 of them) which are Advanced EMT’s able to start IV’s, give medications, defibrillate manually, etc. Today AEMT is equated as EMT-CC. What I saw upon arrived scared the hell out of me. Our patient looked to be an 18 or 19 year old male, obviously ejected from his car after hitting a tree on the side of a service road for the interstate expressway that runs through our district. He was supine (face up) on the street with his head half on and half off the curb. He was unconscious.
In EMS, the rule is BLS (basic life support) before ALS (advanced life support). Our problem was to perform our ABC’s then immobilize this patient, properly, before doing much else. We did. It was not easy considering his position in which we found him as well as his obviously injured neck and other injuries. We moved him while stabilizing his head and neck, placed a cervical collar on him and then placed him on a long backboard for transport. Still unconscious enroute to the hospital, we assisted the patients breathing using a BVM (bag-valve mask) and our AEMT’s started their IV, then intubated the patient so our BVM assist was more efficient.
We retrieved the patients identification from his wallet and were stunned to see he was the son of one of our founding members of the corps. The time format in which this call occurred was before the advent of the cell phone, so notification of next of kin had to wait until we arrived at the hospital.
Our patient was taken into the trauma room upon arrival and the trauma team went right to work. While many EMS workers complain about care some patients get in the hospital, we had nothing but praise for the manner in which our patient was treated this day.
Not long after we completed the call (actually several days later) we learned, in a thank you note from the patients’ mother, that he had sustained a broken neck in the accident. The surgeon who worked on him said that if it weren’t for the extremely good care we gave him in the field, packaging him perfectly, he might have ended up a paraplegic. He wore a hallo device for several months until his injuries healed and walked out of the hospital on his own.
Today, the young man we assisted that bright summer day is alive and well, married, and living in Virginia. This is one of those calls where everything turned out well because we trained for it in advance. Putting our training and skills to work in the field and having an outcome such as this, is what makes working (even volunteering) so rewarding.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
LOST - A BATTERED SOUL
DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.
My cousin Lillian, whom I've written about before, in this blog, died this past Saturday at North Shore University Hospital. She was 85.
Went to her funeral on Monday, along with my brother and my daughter. Lill was one of our last close relatives in our small family. (that we had contact with, anyway) It was a nice service and internment was simple in rainy weather.
Lillian fought off many different catastrophic illnesses throughout her lifetime and always surprised everyone by bouncing back. But not this time. This last illness was just too much and she succumbed quietly in her sleep while in the hospital.
Even though confined to a wheel chair, she was an active member of her temple in Great Neck, NY, as well as, her community in general. Lillian touched many lives and many of those she touched came to the funeral service to express their condolences and respect. She is survived by her brother, two daughters and five grandchildren and many cousins.
We'll all miss her. May she rest in peace.
My cousin Lillian, whom I've written about before, in this blog, died this past Saturday at North Shore University Hospital. She was 85.
Went to her funeral on Monday, along with my brother and my daughter. Lill was one of our last close relatives in our small family. (that we had contact with, anyway) It was a nice service and internment was simple in rainy weather.
Lillian fought off many different catastrophic illnesses throughout her lifetime and always surprised everyone by bouncing back. But not this time. This last illness was just too much and she succumbed quietly in her sleep while in the hospital.
Even though confined to a wheel chair, she was an active member of her temple in Great Neck, NY, as well as, her community in general. Lillian touched many lives and many of those she touched came to the funeral service to express their condolences and respect. She is survived by her brother, two daughters and five grandchildren and many cousins.
We'll all miss her. May she rest in peace.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Diverticu what?
DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.
Well... out of sync but here goes anyway...
From October 7th through the 14th, my daughter and I were in Orlando Florida at the EMS EXPO 2007. This was the first convention either Rachel or I had been to, her in 5years plus, me in 21.
Very interesting... lots to see and learn about, plus a vacation like atmosphere that I have not enjoyed in many years. Forgot all about the craziness back home. It was great.
Anyway... learned a lot, ate a lot, played a lot, gambled a little..lol (and lost this time)...then went home.
I was to return to work the evening of the Sunday morning on which we arrived home. I called my job on Saturday and told them I would not be in until Monday night. I did not tell them why... just that I was tired and probably needed a good nights rest after a 1 week vacation. I just did not feel right but could not put a finger on why.
Well, I slept alot after returning home Sunday... and slept alot on Monday... Awoke around 2PM and started cleaning up our scattered mess of souvenirs, luggage and such. I moved a heavy and, as of that moment not emptied, large piece of luggage from the living room and put it downstairs in Rachels' room. It was then I felt a pain in my left mid abdomen. I have a double inguinal hernia and thought I blew it out... Then thought, aw... a gas pocket.. it will go away... so in order to get ready for work that night (Monday) I went to catch a nap at about 6:00PM. I got up at 8:45PM and was climbing the walls in pain. I really thought I busted my gut...lol...
Luckily, Rachel was just returning home from work and I told her how I felt, she called my son Dan and he quickly returned home from a friends house.
By 9:45PM I was in the emergency room at Brookhaven Hospital. I'm lucky that there are a lot of people at the E/R that know me and my daughter from the ambulance company we ride with. I got some immediate treatment.
My surgeon, who I had already called to alert that I was coming in, would stop into the E/R when finished in the O/R. He did. He immediately ordered a Cat Scan and said this is no hernia...For the pain I was given 5mg of Morphine. Wow... heavy stuff...lol I had a bad reaction to it and was loopy for quite some time... Anyway... was able to drink the contrast fluid... then passed out. I don't remember the Cat Scan at all...lol
The scan showed I had had an attack of diverticulitis. I was an inch or so away from needing surgery. Lucky for me the surgeon opted to see if heavy IV antibiotics would reduce the possibility of needing immediate surgery. He was right.
Spent the night in the E/R and some time Tuesday (11/16) was moved to a semi-private room on 2 East. This was the only the second time I had ever been hospitalized (one time prior with pneumonia) and I was not ready for it. However, all things being equal, the staff at 2 East both day and night were great. I was there until mid day on Sunday 11/21. The entire time I was in the hospital, I was nauseous from the 2 types of antibiotics at was being given via IV. Even with anti nausea medication I was nauseous.
(TO BE CONTINUED)
Well... out of sync but here goes anyway...
From October 7th through the 14th, my daughter and I were in Orlando Florida at the EMS EXPO 2007. This was the first convention either Rachel or I had been to, her in 5years plus, me in 21.
Very interesting... lots to see and learn about, plus a vacation like atmosphere that I have not enjoyed in many years. Forgot all about the craziness back home. It was great.
Anyway... learned a lot, ate a lot, played a lot, gambled a little..lol (and lost this time)...then went home.
I was to return to work the evening of the Sunday morning on which we arrived home. I called my job on Saturday and told them I would not be in until Monday night. I did not tell them why... just that I was tired and probably needed a good nights rest after a 1 week vacation. I just did not feel right but could not put a finger on why.
Well, I slept alot after returning home Sunday... and slept alot on Monday... Awoke around 2PM and started cleaning up our scattered mess of souvenirs, luggage and such. I moved a heavy and, as of that moment not emptied, large piece of luggage from the living room and put it downstairs in Rachels' room. It was then I felt a pain in my left mid abdomen. I have a double inguinal hernia and thought I blew it out... Then thought, aw... a gas pocket.. it will go away... so in order to get ready for work that night (Monday) I went to catch a nap at about 6:00PM. I got up at 8:45PM and was climbing the walls in pain. I really thought I busted my gut...lol...
Luckily, Rachel was just returning home from work and I told her how I felt, she called my son Dan and he quickly returned home from a friends house.
By 9:45PM I was in the emergency room at Brookhaven Hospital. I'm lucky that there are a lot of people at the E/R that know me and my daughter from the ambulance company we ride with. I got some immediate treatment.
My surgeon, who I had already called to alert that I was coming in, would stop into the E/R when finished in the O/R. He did. He immediately ordered a Cat Scan and said this is no hernia...For the pain I was given 5mg of Morphine. Wow... heavy stuff...lol I had a bad reaction to it and was loopy for quite some time... Anyway... was able to drink the contrast fluid... then passed out. I don't remember the Cat Scan at all...lol
The scan showed I had had an attack of diverticulitis. I was an inch or so away from needing surgery. Lucky for me the surgeon opted to see if heavy IV antibiotics would reduce the possibility of needing immediate surgery. He was right.
Spent the night in the E/R and some time Tuesday (11/16) was moved to a semi-private room on 2 East. This was the only the second time I had ever been hospitalized (one time prior with pneumonia) and I was not ready for it. However, all things being equal, the staff at 2 East both day and night were great. I was there until mid day on Sunday 11/21. The entire time I was in the hospital, I was nauseous from the 2 types of antibiotics at was being given via IV. Even with anti nausea medication I was nauseous.
(TO BE CONTINUED)
Regarding an old lawsuit...
DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.
Seems like one part of a lawsuit has been dismissed as I had previously forecast (July 2007)... Seems a Supreme Court Judge (NYS) found no harm done by the newspaper involved and as such, dismissed the them from the suit. Now it's just a one on one thing.
Notice... no names here... only those involved might have the slightest idea what I am alluding to...Have a great day!:)
Seems like one part of a lawsuit has been dismissed as I had previously forecast (July 2007)... Seems a Supreme Court Judge (NYS) found no harm done by the newspaper involved and as such, dismissed the them from the suit. Now it's just a one on one thing.
Notice... no names here... only those involved might have the slightest idea what I am alluding to...Have a great day!:)
Saturday, September 01, 2007
So Tell me...
DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.
So... AFTER A BRIEF DISCUSSION WITH AN AFFECTED PARTY, I HAVE DECIDED TO REMOVE THE " So Tell Me..." ENTRY. NO FURTHER DISCUSSION IS REQUESTED.
cya lata
For those who missed the excellent comments posted on a previous entry, I present them for you now, in their entirety and without commercial interruption. ( lol )
comment 1 Anonymous said... I HATE YOUR GUTS!!!! 7:23 PM
comment 2 Anonymous said... So MUCh 7:23 PM
comment 3 Anonymous said... weebles wobble but they don't fall down 7:24 PM
comment 4 Anonymous said... trix are for kids silly rabbit 7:25 PM
comment 5 Anonymous said... follow your nose 7:25 PM
comment 6 Anonymous said... spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down makes medicine go downnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn 7:26 PM
comment 7 Anonymous said... I smell pooh 7:27 PM
comment 8 Anonymous said... cant we all just get along 7:27 PM
comment 9 Anonymous said... Will you marry me 7:28 PM (she is already married)
comment 10 Anonymous said... I learned from watching you ok! 7:28 PM
comment 11 Anonymous said... Scoooby doooby doooooooooooo 7:29 PM
comment 12 Anonymous said... sponge bob square pantssssssssss who lives in a sponge under the sea 7:29 PM
comment 13 Anonymous said... go go gadget brains 7:30 PM
comment 14 Anonymous said... I smell cheeseeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 7:31 PM
comment 15 Anonymous said... You are the weakest link! Good bye 7:31 PM
cool huh? lol guess she couldn't think of anything else to say...
So... AFTER A BRIEF DISCUSSION WITH AN AFFECTED PARTY, I HAVE DECIDED TO REMOVE THE " So Tell Me..." ENTRY. NO FURTHER DISCUSSION IS REQUESTED.
cya lata
For those who missed the excellent comments posted on a previous entry, I present them for you now, in their entirety and without commercial interruption. ( lol )
comment 1 Anonymous said... I HATE YOUR GUTS!!!! 7:23 PM
comment 2 Anonymous said... So MUCh 7:23 PM
comment 3 Anonymous said... weebles wobble but they don't fall down 7:24 PM
comment 4 Anonymous said... trix are for kids silly rabbit 7:25 PM
comment 5 Anonymous said... follow your nose 7:25 PM
comment 6 Anonymous said... spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down makes medicine go downnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn 7:26 PM
comment 7 Anonymous said... I smell pooh 7:27 PM
comment 8 Anonymous said... cant we all just get along 7:27 PM
comment 9 Anonymous said... Will you marry me 7:28 PM (she is already married)
comment 10 Anonymous said... I learned from watching you ok! 7:28 PM
comment 11 Anonymous said... Scoooby doooby doooooooooooo 7:29 PM
comment 12 Anonymous said... sponge bob square pantssssssssss who lives in a sponge under the sea 7:29 PM
comment 13 Anonymous said... go go gadget brains 7:30 PM
comment 14 Anonymous said... I smell cheeseeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 7:31 PM
comment 15 Anonymous said... You are the weakest link! Good bye 7:31 PM
cool huh? lol guess she couldn't think of anything else to say...
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Oh My... More Visitors
DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.
Well... it seems that some "members" of the ambulance corps I belong to are visiting my blog. How nice. However, many are perturbed about what I've written. No names mentioned, mind you... but perturbed none the less.
Seems that over the 3 years I've maintained this "online" diary... many of my experiences and thats all they are, my experiences...have come to light and people (as is their right, just as it is mine to write about it) are uptight. Well, excuse me...
I have been accused of a lot of things, only because I am a visible member, outspoken and at times downright loud. But that's just the way it is... Someone told me I am too passionate about the "goings on" in the corps... that I should reserve that passion for the bedroom... lol I like it...
Most recent events have accused me of having a MySpace page with all kinds of bad things to say about the corps. Please... lol if you know how... visit my page... there is nothing there except for pics of 5 or so people who have asked to be part of it. Their posts are there... (which I have nothing to do with except that I can delete them and none of them have related to the corps at all.)
In addition, recent events have provoked some members to plead with everyone to stop the charges... stop the lawsuits... stop the bullsh*t... lol It's a clic thing... They preach unity and yet one of their own is the ONLY one in the corps with an "active" (according to the latest from the Unified Court System, State of New York) lawsuit against another member as well as a local newspaper. LOL ... Is this a case of do as I say not as I do? Well... no matter... seems frivolous anyway... Seems that a local paper published an article which contained a picture of members of some corps tending to patients of a motor vehicle accident. Unfortunately, neither member is wearing his/her issued turnout gear as is supposedly required. Seems it showed these members in a bad light (brought on themselves). In the article, a member, correction ex-member (thrown out illegally with no hearing) was misquoted in his commentary. Thus a lawsuit... the first actual suit I am aware of in 20+ years in the corps.
I'll comment on that one when and if it is not dismissed. (there have been motions to do so already) ...
I've got to run... more craziness later... cya
[note to anyone leaving a comment... comments are always welcome...however, anonymous comments, vulgar comments and comments with no real meaning will NOT be published. There were on July 7th 2007, 3 different comments I had to review when I updated this blog, errors in grammar, spelling and such lead me to believe they were not serious in their commentary and therefore not published]
Well... it seems that some "members" of the ambulance corps I belong to are visiting my blog. How nice. However, many are perturbed about what I've written. No names mentioned, mind you... but perturbed none the less.
Seems that over the 3 years I've maintained this "online" diary... many of my experiences and thats all they are, my experiences...have come to light and people (as is their right, just as it is mine to write about it) are uptight. Well, excuse me...
I have been accused of a lot of things, only because I am a visible member, outspoken and at times downright loud. But that's just the way it is... Someone told me I am too passionate about the "goings on" in the corps... that I should reserve that passion for the bedroom... lol I like it...
Most recent events have accused me of having a MySpace page with all kinds of bad things to say about the corps. Please... lol if you know how... visit my page... there is nothing there except for pics of 5 or so people who have asked to be part of it. Their posts are there... (which I have nothing to do with except that I can delete them and none of them have related to the corps at all.)
In addition, recent events have provoked some members to plead with everyone to stop the charges... stop the lawsuits... stop the bullsh*t... lol It's a clic thing... They preach unity and yet one of their own is the ONLY one in the corps with an "active" (according to the latest from the Unified Court System, State of New York) lawsuit against another member as well as a local newspaper. LOL ... Is this a case of do as I say not as I do? Well... no matter... seems frivolous anyway... Seems that a local paper published an article which contained a picture of members of some corps tending to patients of a motor vehicle accident. Unfortunately, neither member is wearing his/her issued turnout gear as is supposedly required. Seems it showed these members in a bad light (brought on themselves). In the article, a member, correction ex-member (thrown out illegally with no hearing) was misquoted in his commentary. Thus a lawsuit... the first actual suit I am aware of in 20+ years in the corps.
I'll comment on that one when and if it is not dismissed. (there have been motions to do so already) ...
I've got to run... more craziness later... cya
[note to anyone leaving a comment... comments are always welcome...however, anonymous comments, vulgar comments and comments with no real meaning will NOT be published. There were on July 7th 2007, 3 different comments I had to review when I updated this blog, errors in grammar, spelling and such lead me to believe they were not serious in their commentary and therefore not published]
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Been Awhile Again...
DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.
Well... with blogger switching over to Google... oy... finally with Dan's help I am able to get back in and update my blog.
Lots has happened... Word has it that some members of my corps have found their way to my blog and are not happy... oh well too bad... Most times truth hurts but I've used no names, not even the corps name, so those that are unhappy can shove it... hows that.
I will be back shortly to update what's been happening.... i.e. the elections, the aftemath, shittergate and much, much more... stay tuned... lol cya
Well... with blogger switching over to Google... oy... finally with Dan's help I am able to get back in and update my blog.
Lots has happened... Word has it that some members of my corps have found their way to my blog and are not happy... oh well too bad... Most times truth hurts but I've used no names, not even the corps name, so those that are unhappy can shove it... hows that.
I will be back shortly to update what's been happening.... i.e. the elections, the aftemath, shittergate and much, much more... stay tuned... lol cya
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