Such a Horrible Night

[CaliEMT]

So, as my screen name states I am an EMT.
Today has just been tough.

We coded a 2 year old girl; apneic and pulseless (not breathing, no pulse). She was cyanotic, and her eyes lifelessly open halfway. No history or recent ilness. In the middle of the code while bagging her (breathing with Bag Valve Mask) I started thinking about my neice. I almost wanted to cry but I kept my bearing. I remember praying in my head the whole time.
I mean, this little girl hasnt even started living. I can hardly type right now.

And not 10 min later, we run another code, of a 34 yr old man, as Jaundice (yellow) as a smiley. He had Cirosis of the liver. Guys, please wach how much you drink. It really sucks to get Liver Cirosis. Yet anoher sensless death.
34, and 2. too young.

I dont know if Ill sleep tonigh. Usually this is very easy for me. Been doing it for 2 years, but somehow today was exra hard. The little ones get 2 you.

Thanks for reading guys, needed to vent

[bluedevil02]

sorry brotha....sux to see such innocent lives be taken...my prayers r w/ em

[Buhmblbe]

I'm truly sorry to hear that. You are a stronger person than I am for doing EMT work. I purposely went into dentistry because I knew the emotional challenges that you guys face everyday. I can't imagine what you went through tonight. Just hang in there and always review, learn and apply what you experienced. The next person you save will be grateful you stayed with your profession.

[two_wheel_mayhem]

The youngins' are the toughest.

Just hang in there and know that you are doing some good for mankind.

[Mindz]

Sorry you're having a worse night than I am. But you're doing your best and I bet when you actually can save someone it's one of the best feelings in the world. A few of my friends are EMTs up here in NorCal and it's all about the want to help people. I commend you for taken on such a disadvantageous battle.

Keep strong, and Thank you.

[CamaroScotty]

Originally Posted by CaliEMT

So, as my screen name states I am an EMT.
Today has just been tough.

We coded a 2 year old girl; apneic and pulseless (not breathing, no pulse). She was cyanotic, and her eyes lifelessly open halfway. No history or recent ilness. In the middle of the code while bagging her (breathing with Bag Valve Mask) I started thinking about my neice. I almost wanted to cry but I kept my bearing. I remember praying in my head the whole time.
I mean, this little girl hasnt even started living. I can hardly type right now.

And not 10 min later, we run another code, of a 34 yr old man, as Jaundice (yellow) as a smiley. He had Cirosis of the liver. Guys, please wach how much you drink. It really sucks to get Liver Cirosis. Yet anoher sensless death.
34, and 2. too young.

I dont know if Ill sleep tonigh. Usually this is very easy for me. Been doing it for 2 years, but somehow today was exra hard. The little ones get 2 you.

Thanks for reading guys, needed to vent

Thanks for doing what you do - I was an EMT back in the 90's in rural country, and seen trauma that I will remember for life. After my kids were born, I couldn't do it anymore. Bless you for what you do to help others!

[fad1]

EMT = Hidden Heroes

[HondaPowered]

Man I thought cramming for two simultaneous finals was hard.. That would be tough(what you went through), but all you can do is hope and pray that you and your family have a long healthy life. Life takes some unexpected turns, and sometimes there is nothing you can do about it. Keep up the hard work, and don't let it affect you.

[Thrillz]

You people who do that for a living are hero's imo. I couldnt do that.

[CaliEMT]

Thanks for the support you guys. I really appreciate, hardly a hero though. Just doing my part
As you see Im posting at 5 am. I really cant sleep

[Xanthos]

Originally Posted by CaliEMT

So, as my screen name states I am an EMT.
Today has just been tough.

We coded a 2 year old girl; apneic and pulseless (not breathing, no pulse). She was cyanotic, and her eyes lifelessly open halfway. No history or recent ilness. In the middle of the code while bagging her (breathing with Bag Valve Mask) I started thinking about my neice. I almost wanted to cry but I kept my bearing. I remember praying in my head the whole time.
I mean, this little girl hasnt even started living. I can hardly type right now.

And not 10 min later, we run another code, of a 34 yr old man, as Jaundice (yellow) as a smiley. He had Cirosis of the liver. Guys, please wach how much you drink. It really sucks to get Liver Cirosis. Yet anoher sensless death.
34, and 2. too young.

I dont know if Ill sleep tonigh. Usually this is very easy for me. Been doing it for 2 years, but somehow today was exra hard. The little ones get 2 you.

Thanks for reading guys, needed to vent

Originally Posted by CaliEMT

Thanks for the support you guys. I really appreciate, hardly a hero though. Just doing my part
As you see Im posting at 5 am. I really cant sleep

Hey - talking it out can help. There are a number of people on these boards that either are currently working or have worked in EMS. I'm just getting started myself (just finished my EMT-B and I'm in the class for my I/85 right now) but I've already ran on a few crazy things in my clinicals. Its a tough field but like anything you just have to keep focused on why you do it.
- X

[2010SLVRBULIT]

sux..ingestion/poisoning?
..glad I stopped drinking....heavily that is

[BlownSS]

I have been a medic for the last 15 years. There are alot of calls that stick in my brain and they can become toxic. I urge you to use the CISD system (formally or informally) and use your coworkers and family to talk to openly. You are human and you got into this profession to help people....this is no time to act like the person that is too strong to be affected....if you werent a person with real feelings, you would not be in this profession. Own your feelings and share them with others. When you get further into your career, you will look back and realize that these cases make you stronger and more capable of handling what will come in the future if you let it affect you positively. I work with a bunch of strong people that dont like to share feelings and sitting down to discuss "feelings" is not one of their favorite things to do. What i usually do is gather the crew to discuss the "care" end of the call and do a crew critique of how the call went. While discussing it, I will throw out one of my feelings like, "that really bugged me to see a child so young be taken". This opens the door for others to share without realizing that you have opened up a discussion to "allow" people to let a few thoughts out. No matter how much or how little the others share, it is therapeutic for them to see that they are not the only ones that were affected and it validates their feelings. I have a great respect for all of my colleagues that do what we do. Be strong but stay human! Its what makes you great. Good luck!

[5thGenOwner]

Thank you!