Mr Murphy and I have an understanding of sorts. If I bring full C-spine equipment to the 7th floor, I won't need it after all. If I get my full PPE on for the trash can fire, it will be just that. And if I bring the valium all the way into the jail, I won't need it when I arrive.
THE EMERGENCY
Jailers report a man actively seizing
THE ACTION
Gosh darn it if there isn't a maze of doors, gates and guarded elevators in this jail. I guess it's to keep folks in, but since it often takes 4-5 minutes just to get confirmation we're supposed to be there, I decide to bring along the good stuff so I can stop this life threatening seizure. Besides, like I said, if I bring it, I won't need it.
We're led by the jailers to the medical ward where no less than 3 RNs and an MD are standing over a man sitting up on a stretcher, talking with him.
"Hi, did you report an active seizure?" I try not to sound accusatory, but I was told later I sounded upset.
We were informed that this man has had 3 seizures today and policy requires that he be transported for evaluation and observation.
He has no history of seizures. No one witnessed his seizures. He told his guard he had a seizure and came to the medical ward. Then he was released.
Then two more times and here he is. Never postictal, according to my explanation of what that meant to the guard who responded, "Not in the slightest."
The MD and the RNs are asking if I'm going to be sedating him for transport, since he is a violent offender.
"That's what these guys are for," I said pointing at 2 jailers salivating to rig this fellow up to our ambulance gurney.
Enroute the patient told me about how he was innocent and no one will listen to him, so he has to find ways to get them to listen.
"Like faking seizures?" I ask casually.
"Yeah, whatever it takes."
Sigh. At triage I passed everything along and the nurse was familiar with our friend who began to tell the entire ER how he didn't do anything wrong.
"What did he do?" I asked the jailer later.
"According to him, nothing." He replied, then smiled, "but according to the state, a whole lot of bad stuff."
It was then I finally remembered the valium was still just sitting in my jacket pocket, likely visible from more than 1 angle, and I can cross of another of my List of stuff I always wanted to do:
#32 Sneak narcotics into prison.
THE EMERGENCY
Jailers report a man actively seizing
THE ACTION
Gosh darn it if there isn't a maze of doors, gates and guarded elevators in this jail. I guess it's to keep folks in, but since it often takes 4-5 minutes just to get confirmation we're supposed to be there, I decide to bring along the good stuff so I can stop this life threatening seizure. Besides, like I said, if I bring it, I won't need it.
We're led by the jailers to the medical ward where no less than 3 RNs and an MD are standing over a man sitting up on a stretcher, talking with him.
"Hi, did you report an active seizure?" I try not to sound accusatory, but I was told later I sounded upset.
We were informed that this man has had 3 seizures today and policy requires that he be transported for evaluation and observation.
He has no history of seizures. No one witnessed his seizures. He told his guard he had a seizure and came to the medical ward. Then he was released.
Then two more times and here he is. Never postictal, according to my explanation of what that meant to the guard who responded, "Not in the slightest."
The MD and the RNs are asking if I'm going to be sedating him for transport, since he is a violent offender.
"That's what these guys are for," I said pointing at 2 jailers salivating to rig this fellow up to our ambulance gurney.
Enroute the patient told me about how he was innocent and no one will listen to him, so he has to find ways to get them to listen.
"Like faking seizures?" I ask casually.
"Yeah, whatever it takes."
Sigh. At triage I passed everything along and the nurse was familiar with our friend who began to tell the entire ER how he didn't do anything wrong.
"What did he do?" I asked the jailer later.
"According to him, nothing." He replied, then smiled, "but according to the state, a whole lot of bad stuff."
It was then I finally remembered the valium was still just sitting in my jacket pocket, likely visible from more than 1 angle, and I can cross of another of my List of stuff I always wanted to do:
#32 Sneak narcotics into prison.
Comments
Did I burst your bubble?
Aren't you a traffic guy anyways?
You always try yo ruin my list!