A code is the term we use when we get a patient in Cardiac Arrest and we have to try to reanimate them by doing CPR, and Difibrillation. I got my first code Monday August 25th. But it wasn't what I expected.
Since the beginning of my stage I said I wanted a code so I can practice, I was expecting a old lady, or an old man who's time had simply come, but what I got was an 18 year old boy. He was epileptic and I think his family found him on the floor of the bathroom and he got out of the shower when they got home from work. We showed up, hurried down the stairs, I checked a pulse felt nothing so I began CPR. This patient was blue, and looked like he's had been there for a while, his parents said it's been more then half an hour since they've seen him alive. We did CPR, attached the defib pads, and did an analyze ''Choc- non conseillé'' shock not advised. I look at the monitor asystolie (flat line, no cardiac activity) so I continue CPR, my partner prepares the combitube and intubates him (Placing a tube down his throat to breathe for him and prevent him from vomiting into his lungs) the tube is in place, we continue CPR, and 3 more cycles ( one cycle= 30 compressions + 2 breaths) we do another analyze ''choc non conseillé) asystolie on the monitor, we did that one more time and never shocked him, because we didn't have a shockable rhythm. We stopped our maneuvers our efforts did not work. This poor family lost they're son and brother.
We did a good job, nobody was going to save this man, we gave him the best chance at survival and that's what our job is. My partner had to explain to the parents that he was gone. Seeing the family collapse as their world came crashing down is the worst part of the job so far. Nothing about this was right 18 year old kids aren't supposed to die like that.
The story I heard was this man got out of the shower had a seizure and fell face first in the garbage can, the bag suffocated him. ¸
After a call like that you go over it in your head, see if there was anything else you can do, make sure that no one else could've done a better job, and on this call nobody could've done better in Quebec. In the rest of the world there could have been Advanced Care Paramedics who could've administered cardiac drugs via I.V that might've worked. No guarantee because most people don't come back from asystolie, especially more than 30 minutes, but an Advanced care Paramedic, could've given him a better chance. Somethings gotta change in this province.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Cetam Vs Urgence Santé
It seems as though many of you do not know how the ambulance service works in your community. There are several companies in Quebec who run the Ambulance service depending on where you live. I`m going to talk about the two I was debating working for Cetam and Urgence Santé.
Cetam is a privately owned company, which means somebody owns it. It has many offices around the Montérigie:
Chateauguay,Delson,Valleyfield,Dorion,Rigaud,Ormstown,St-Chrysostome and Greenfield Park. There are more differences then just territory, equipment is also different. Cetam uses a newer type of stair chair which is incredible, the Monitor is different, they use a Lifepak, they don`t have as many Cube ambulances and mostly use Mirages. They don`t have as many calls as Urgence Santé, don't have as many employees, and Cetam is more of a family setting when it comes to it's employees. Everyone knows everyone and they all seem to be friends.
Urgence Santé. They're owned by the Government of Quebec. They are the largest ambulance service in Quebec, and cover Montreal and Laval. Urgence Santé uses the older stair chair that isn`t as good, and use the Zoll monitor. They have GPS in they're ambulances and use Cube trucks. They have people hired to clean and re-stock your ambulance,and mechanic's that work full-time to repair the ambulances. They have a higher call volume, and more employees, so not everyone knows everyone.
Where I chose to work:
CETAM: I decided to work at Cetam because I've enjoyed it immensely so far. Both Urgence Santé and CETAM have they're up sides and down sides. The main thing is the hiring process at Urgence Santé takes up to three months where at Cetam in can take a few days. Once I graduate I don't feel like waiting 3 months before I start getting paid. I won't have to cross that damned Mercier Bridge everyday to get to work, or sit in traffic while I work as well. At Cetam they have internet, and TV and pool tables in the office so when there's no calls you have a place to hang out. At Urgence Santé they don't have a place to hang out so you're out all day sitting in the Ambulance.
At Cetam you have to clean and re-stock your own Ambulance, you don't see as many calls, or as interesting calls as you would in Montreal. The people at CETAM seem to enjoy their job more then the people at Urgence Santé on average, the traffic, the violence, the long waits at the hospitals, the homeless people, and the ''B.S'' calls, and the high call volume take a toll on a Paramedic and they get burnt out quicker at Urgence Santé. I really really want to work with my Dad, and Richard (both of whom work at Urgence Santé) I really want to be ALS (Advanced Life Support) one day, or perhaps a Swat Medic, all of which is only at Urgence Santé right now. But I decided to start at Cetam, finish my probation at Cetam then see where I am, I'm a little sad that I can't start working with my father right away, but perhaps it's a good way to build a name of my own, and not just be known as Gary's son. Though my father has never pushed me, or put pressure on me in any way, I would put it upon myself, he is such a legend at Urgence Santé that I would feel pressured to serve the name McHugh with pride.
So I will spend a year a Cetam then see where the world takes me. The great thing about the job is everywhere needs Paramedics. So perhaps one day I will hop on a plane to live and work in Hawaii......
Cetam is a privately owned company, which means somebody owns it. It has many offices around the Montérigie:
Chateauguay,Delson,Valleyfield,Dorion,Rigaud,Ormstown,St-Chrysostome and Greenfield Park. There are more differences then just territory, equipment is also different. Cetam uses a newer type of stair chair which is incredible, the Monitor is different, they use a Lifepak, they don`t have as many Cube ambulances and mostly use Mirages. They don`t have as many calls as Urgence Santé, don't have as many employees, and Cetam is more of a family setting when it comes to it's employees. Everyone knows everyone and they all seem to be friends.
Urgence Santé. They're owned by the Government of Quebec. They are the largest ambulance service in Quebec, and cover Montreal and Laval. Urgence Santé uses the older stair chair that isn`t as good, and use the Zoll monitor. They have GPS in they're ambulances and use Cube trucks. They have people hired to clean and re-stock your ambulance,and mechanic's that work full-time to repair the ambulances. They have a higher call volume, and more employees, so not everyone knows everyone.
Where I chose to work:
CETAM: I decided to work at Cetam because I've enjoyed it immensely so far. Both Urgence Santé and CETAM have they're up sides and down sides. The main thing is the hiring process at Urgence Santé takes up to three months where at Cetam in can take a few days. Once I graduate I don't feel like waiting 3 months before I start getting paid. I won't have to cross that damned Mercier Bridge everyday to get to work, or sit in traffic while I work as well. At Cetam they have internet, and TV and pool tables in the office so when there's no calls you have a place to hang out. At Urgence Santé they don't have a place to hang out so you're out all day sitting in the Ambulance.
At Cetam you have to clean and re-stock your own Ambulance, you don't see as many calls, or as interesting calls as you would in Montreal. The people at CETAM seem to enjoy their job more then the people at Urgence Santé on average, the traffic, the violence, the long waits at the hospitals, the homeless people, and the ''B.S'' calls, and the high call volume take a toll on a Paramedic and they get burnt out quicker at Urgence Santé. I really really want to work with my Dad, and Richard (both of whom work at Urgence Santé) I really want to be ALS (Advanced Life Support) one day, or perhaps a Swat Medic, all of which is only at Urgence Santé right now. But I decided to start at Cetam, finish my probation at Cetam then see where I am, I'm a little sad that I can't start working with my father right away, but perhaps it's a good way to build a name of my own, and not just be known as Gary's son. Though my father has never pushed me, or put pressure on me in any way, I would put it upon myself, he is such a legend at Urgence Santé that I would feel pressured to serve the name McHugh with pride.
So I will spend a year a Cetam then see where the world takes me. The great thing about the job is everywhere needs Paramedics. So perhaps one day I will hop on a plane to live and work in Hawaii......
End Of Stage
Well my stage is officially over, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I feel like a real Paramedic now, and I have confidence, that I can do this job and do it well. Over the past few weeks the things I`ve learnt have been incredible. The way they teach you at school isn`t at all the way things are done on the road. The school gives you a base to follow, but on the road you have to find your own way to do it.
I didn`t see any major trauma, or a cardiac arrest but I saw a lot of different things. I don`t feel I personally saved any lives during my stage, but I do feel I made a difference in everyone of my patients`lives in some respect.
The one thing I really noticed was how hard it is to be old, you really lose all independance and become a completley different person. I try to look at my older patients and imagine them being my age and wonder what they were like.
I have decided to continue on, on my stage, because even though I don`t need the extra time to pass the course, I need all the help I can get to be a great Paramedic. Throughout my career I never want to feel like I know enough, I want to continue to learn everyday and continue to learn for the better of my patients. My ''Maitres de stages'' have said they would like me to stick around for as long as I can so thankfully I can continue to work on the ambulance until school starts.
I didn`t see any major trauma, or a cardiac arrest but I saw a lot of different things. I don`t feel I personally saved any lives during my stage, but I do feel I made a difference in everyone of my patients`lives in some respect.
The one thing I really noticed was how hard it is to be old, you really lose all independance and become a completley different person. I try to look at my older patients and imagine them being my age and wonder what they were like.
I have decided to continue on, on my stage, because even though I don`t need the extra time to pass the course, I need all the help I can get to be a great Paramedic. Throughout my career I never want to feel like I know enough, I want to continue to learn everyday and continue to learn for the better of my patients. My ''Maitres de stages'' have said they would like me to stick around for as long as I can so thankfully I can continue to work on the ambulance until school starts.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
My ''Maitres de Stages''
One thing that has made my transition from stupid kid, to confident Paramedic easier has been the team I'm working with on the Ambulance. Anne and Annie have been the best people any Paramedic student can ask for, Their knowledge, they're excitement, they're attitude, and they're bed side manner have all been qualities that I have seen in them that I hope to have one day.
Not once have they ever made me feel stupid, or inadequate, or incapable of doing this as a career. They have always been there to back me up, and when I do make mistakes they tell me in a very respectful manner. They are great Paramedics, great teachers, and great people. There are a few people whom throughout my career I will never forget and will play a huge role into what kind of Paramedic I'll be, and Anne and Annie are two of them.
Not once have they ever made me feel stupid, or inadequate, or incapable of doing this as a career. They have always been there to back me up, and when I do make mistakes they tell me in a very respectful manner. They are great Paramedics, great teachers, and great people. There are a few people whom throughout my career I will never forget and will play a huge role into what kind of Paramedic I'll be, and Anne and Annie are two of them.
Coming Into My Own
I'm starting to believe a bit more in myself. I feel more like a Paramedic then a stupid kid who doesn't know anything. On my Mid-Stage evaluation, all the lower notes that I got were because of one thing...lack of confidence. So I decided to suck it up, take a deep breathe and believe in myself, and it seems to be making a difference. There are times where I freak out a bit.
We got a call last night, for a nine year old epileptic girl, who had convulsions. On the way to the call I told my partner to stay close because I was very nervous. I've never done a seizure before, and I've never done a pediatric, and I got both at the same time. I handled it very well, remained calm, and didn't even need that much help.
We got another call for a 14 year old woman, who had severe vaginal bleeding, it was so bad that her skin was very pale. She was obviously bothered by it, and though I don`t know what it must feel like to have vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain like that, I can imagine how frustrating and embarrassing it must be. In the Ambulance she started crying, because of being annoyed, embarrassed and scared, so I decided to talk to her about school, and summer vacation and what school she goes to etc... Her tears stopped and for a little while she forgot about her problems. I felt really good after that call, sure I didn`t treat her in the medical sense if you will, but I spoke to her and made her feel better, and that's what a Paramedic is supposed to do.
We got a call last night, for a nine year old epileptic girl, who had convulsions. On the way to the call I told my partner to stay close because I was very nervous. I've never done a seizure before, and I've never done a pediatric, and I got both at the same time. I handled it very well, remained calm, and didn't even need that much help.
We got another call for a 14 year old woman, who had severe vaginal bleeding, it was so bad that her skin was very pale. She was obviously bothered by it, and though I don`t know what it must feel like to have vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain like that, I can imagine how frustrating and embarrassing it must be. In the Ambulance she started crying, because of being annoyed, embarrassed and scared, so I decided to talk to her about school, and summer vacation and what school she goes to etc... Her tears stopped and for a little while she forgot about her problems. I felt really good after that call, sure I didn`t treat her in the medical sense if you will, but I spoke to her and made her feel better, and that's what a Paramedic is supposed to do.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Mid-Stage
Well here we are half way done my stage, and still not confident enough in my abilities. My "stage masters" say I'm ready to be on my own but for some reason I don't feel it. I think maybe I'm just too hard on myself. Now I'm torn between figuring out where I wanna work, Cetam or Urgence Sante, there are things about both companies that I like, and things about both that I don't.
I went in for an extra shift yesterday even though it was my day off, and I'm happy I did, we did a transfer of a 12 year old boy to the children's cause he got a balloon in the eye and his eye was bleeding, no emergency, we did a car accident where everyone was OK, and a 15 year old girl who got in a fight with her best friend, and her friend litter ally bit her lip right off, there was a chuck about 1cm3 that we found on the ground very strange, women are crazy. We also had a 94 year old man with Alzheimer's who was just getting worse, nothing we, or anyone can do for him. It's sad to look into his eyes and see nothing, he looked like a sad little boy. I started to think about him as a young man, working hard to support his family, playing catch with his son, or pushing his daughter on the swing, and now his eyes are empty, physically there, but emotionally absent. Getting old isn't something I'm looking forward to.
I still need to see a big trauma, and a Cardiac Arrest.
I went in for an extra shift yesterday even though it was my day off, and I'm happy I did, we did a transfer of a 12 year old boy to the children's cause he got a balloon in the eye and his eye was bleeding, no emergency, we did a car accident where everyone was OK, and a 15 year old girl who got in a fight with her best friend, and her friend litter ally bit her lip right off, there was a chuck about 1cm3 that we found on the ground very strange, women are crazy. We also had a 94 year old man with Alzheimer's who was just getting worse, nothing we, or anyone can do for him. It's sad to look into his eyes and see nothing, he looked like a sad little boy. I started to think about him as a young man, working hard to support his family, playing catch with his son, or pushing his daughter on the swing, and now his eyes are empty, physically there, but emotionally absent. Getting old isn't something I'm looking forward to.
I still need to see a big trauma, and a Cardiac Arrest.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Stage Update.
I have began "leading" on all the interventions, and while I have a lot to learn, I'm coming along fairly quickly as a paramedic. We've been fairly busy each night, getting 5-6 calls a night, and I've gotten a lot of different calls. A woman who was literally struggling for air, a 17 year old aggressive patient intoxicated on alcohol and cocaine, to a woman who really just wanted a ride to the hospital because she was bored. The coolest thing so far, was we did a transfer from Anna Laberge Hospital, to Pierre Boucher. A man was having a Heart Attack, and they needed to unblock his arteries at Pierre Boucher. We transferred him there, then I watched the surgeons perform the angioplastie. I still haven't seen any major trauma, or had to perform CPR, or Intubation. But I'm loving it more then you can imagine. The staff at Anna Laberge Hospital have been so nice to me, very patient and understanding when I'm giving my reports. The Staff at CETAM Chateauguay has been so nice to me it's incredible. I feel I've learnt more in 5 days of stage then 10 months of school.
We got a call for a 17 year old female, who got in a fight with her boyfriend. She was intoxicated with beer and coke, she was combative and aggressive, she punched and spit on some police officers. She had her hands cuffed behind her back, and had blood all over her (during the physical exam we noticed the blood was from her boyfriend, she punched him in the face and broke his nose) All throughout the intervention the patient was kicking her feet, moving, cussing etc... We tied her to the stretcher and a police officer came in the Ambulance with us en route to the hospital. Out of all the cops, and all the Paramedics, I was the only one able to calm her down, stop her from fighting, and get information like what happened and how much drugs and alcohol she took. It's a pretty nice feeling to have police officers tell you, you did a great job while you're on your stage. I love this job more then you could imagine.
We got a call for a 17 year old female, who got in a fight with her boyfriend. She was intoxicated with beer and coke, she was combative and aggressive, she punched and spit on some police officers. She had her hands cuffed behind her back, and had blood all over her (during the physical exam we noticed the blood was from her boyfriend, she punched him in the face and broke his nose) All throughout the intervention the patient was kicking her feet, moving, cussing etc... We tied her to the stretcher and a police officer came in the Ambulance with us en route to the hospital. Out of all the cops, and all the Paramedics, I was the only one able to calm her down, stop her from fighting, and get information like what happened and how much drugs and alcohol she took. It's a pretty nice feeling to have police officers tell you, you did a great job while you're on your stage. I love this job more then you could imagine.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
