Losing Independence

Not a political post, I assure you. This is about a section of the population that needs to come to terms with their limited abilities. And to remind PAs that I am in charge of patient care at a scene.

THE EMERGENCY

Caller states there has been a car accident and one person appears shaken up.

THE ACTION

Shaken up. OK. Out the doors and a few blocks down we see a large SUV into a light pole, newspaper machines and trash cans in the sidewalk, 2 parking meters down for the count and a little old lady seated behind the wheel of a little hatchback behind the SUV.

Blink. Blink.

The SUV was empty and parked, our little friend is alert and oriented, sitting behind the wheel, clearly upset at what has happened. I think she would likely get out of the car and be fine if it weren't for the half dozen samaritans encouraging her to go and get "checked out."

I introduce myself to the group and they all start to tell the story, each pointing different directions and saying different things. Quickly, I duck down and make contact, she is not injured and has no complaints. She describes not having parallel parked in years, let alone on a hill like this, and hit the gas a little to hard backing up (she points over her shoulder to the uphill parking meter). Then she gunned the gas a little too much instead of letting the car roll forward. (She points forward towards the mess down the hill). When she realized what was happening, she tried to hit the brakes, but her foot was still on the gas. She pushed that SUV right up off the street and onto what is usually a crowded sidewalk.

As I completed my assessment and she blushingly refuses an ambulance, a man approaches to ask me if she had a TIA.
"I don't think it appropriate to discuss her condition with strangers, do you know this man?" I asked her seeing her shaking her head.
"I'm a PA," he advises, removing his sun glasses, "Are you OK Dear?" He asked her as if talking to a three year old.
"Sir, I have this scene under control, and she has a name if you'd care to ask." Was my smart ass response that got his attention off of her and onto me, as planned.

"You guys sure have a lot of attitude," he observed looking me up and down, perhaps looking for my Registry Certificate, State and County Licenses, 48 hours of continuing education, Bachelor's Degree, instructor's certificate and years of assessments. I keep them in my other pants.

"I would have her checked out if I was you." And away he went, placing his sunglasses back on as if nothing was wrong.

"Who was that man?" my client asked looking up at me from the seat of the car, holding her insurance information and license.
It was then that all the BS around that man faded away and I saw what was going to happen to my friend. There is no way her insurance rates will stay affordable, likely resulting in her losing the car. The freedom she has known for close to 70 years of driving will be gone. Then she'll have to walk to the market, that is until her knees give out. Then she'll be stuck at home. And the PA so concerned for 80 seconds will never stop by to lend a hand.