I was a fairly new ER nurse, and it was late summer. Could have been around this time of year, school had just started and the first High School football game of the season was being played..
The town where I worked, was fairly small, probably less than 20,000 people, but in the midwest, High School football was a major event and drew huge crowds.
Our EMS received a dispatch to one of the local parks, for an "unknown problem". Not unusual, and during a football game it could have been anything. Little did we know what was about to transpire.
About 5-7 minutes after arriving at the scene, our paramedic came on the radio and informed us that they were at the scene of a stabbing and they were going to "load and go". oh crap. This meant they were not going to prolong their "on scene" time to start IV's etc, they had to get in the bus and roll... for their safety.
Less than 5 minutes later they pulled into our ambulance bay, running "Code Red", which indicated to us that they had an extreme emergency on board. It was extreme all right, a 17 yr old african american male, with multiple stab wounds. 17 to be exact. One for every year of his young life.
When we off loaded him from the ambulance into the ER, he was trying to talk, covered in blood, and with alarm, I noticed a huge hole in the side of his neck. Every time his heart pumped, blood gushed out of the hole. The experienced staff talked me through every step. we lost his pulse immediately after he was moved to the ER stretcher. We never got it back. I had to hold pressure on the gaping wound in his neck throughout the entire code, it seemed like each time the paramedic pushed on his chest, blood would escape from yet another hole in this poor boys body.
We finally ceased resuscitation, and knowing this was a crime scene, it became my job to ready the body for the coroner. This included carefully detailing my documentation, and trying to contain his body without disrupting any evidence. The trauma room looked like someone had been murdered... they had.
I had on a trauma gown and gloves, mask etc. and I was covered with blood. I had to step across the hall to get some supplies, and realized that our hallway was lined with SWAT team members! There was a riot brewing in our parking lot!!!
The story was, that this young man was at a birthday party at a local park, and also at the park were two rival gangs from another town in the state. One of the gang members said something about this boys mother and a fight ensued. When EMS arrived there were over 300 people in the park, and it ended up a virtual mob scene.
We just never know what is going to roll in the door. More ER stories to come!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Pouring My Heart Out!
I read a really cool blog called Things I cant say and she has started a meme, (kind of) called "Pour your heart out Wednesday"
I have decided to join in and take a day to "pour my heart out". Today is my first PYHO post. If you want to join in, just go to the link above and you can be part of it too! Just a few rules apply:
Again, just a brief reminder that everyone linking is pouring their hearts out and we should all be respectful in our comments. ;)
OK.. here I go, my version of PYHO edition #1. I think I will do this one today and the rest of them on Wednesdays from now on.
Regret. I wish I could say I have no regrets in my life. But I do. I have many. I regret that I married so young, I regret that I wasnt in love with the man that I married, but most of all I regret that I stayed too long in a bad marriage. I regret that my adorable, loving daughter had to live in such a horrible environment of hate for so long.
Maybe this is why I dont fight with Bre. We have been through so much in our lives that we are like survivors of some horrible plane crash or some traumatic situation. It was traumatic.
Most of all, I regret that I stayed in that marriage for 21 years.
God please forgive me..
I have decided to join in and take a day to "pour my heart out". Today is my first PYHO post. If you want to join in, just go to the link above and you can be part of it too! Just a few rules apply:
Again, just a brief reminder that everyone linking is pouring their hearts out and we should all be respectful in our comments. ;)
OK.. here I go, my version of PYHO edition #1. I think I will do this one today and the rest of them on Wednesdays from now on.
Regret. I wish I could say I have no regrets in my life. But I do. I have many. I regret that I married so young, I regret that I wasnt in love with the man that I married, but most of all I regret that I stayed too long in a bad marriage. I regret that my adorable, loving daughter had to live in such a horrible environment of hate for so long.
Maybe this is why I dont fight with Bre. We have been through so much in our lives that we are like survivors of some horrible plane crash or some traumatic situation. It was traumatic.
Most of all, I regret that I stayed in that marriage for 21 years.
God please forgive me..
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Eureka!!!
I guess small things amuse small minds, I have been working on my blog format all afternoon trying to figure out why some of my friends cannot comment on my blog.
With the help of Debbie at gittinitouttamyhead I have figured it out!! woo hoo! Thank you Debbie!
Ok, on with my post. Still having drama by the tons at my job. Its getting so bad that I am really not happy going to work anymore. Now I have to decide if I want to change jobs now or just wait it out. I havent made up my mind yet, its just so sophomoric that I want to scream. Wish I could retire....
My crazy patient of the week story- 30 yr old male comes in with a small laceration on the base of his thumb (over the knuckle) he was fine when he got there, but the longer he sat, the worse he got. By the time he left he was crying, kicking his feet and writhing in the bed..... I guess he "doesnt like needles" His wife sat there with a tiny baby who was more mature than the dad!!!
I get really tired of whiny people!
Have a great day everyone!! I will be back tomorrow!
With the help of Debbie at gittinitouttamyhead I have figured it out!! woo hoo! Thank you Debbie!
Ok, on with my post. Still having drama by the tons at my job. Its getting so bad that I am really not happy going to work anymore. Now I have to decide if I want to change jobs now or just wait it out. I havent made up my mind yet, its just so sophomoric that I want to scream. Wish I could retire....
My crazy patient of the week story- 30 yr old male comes in with a small laceration on the base of his thumb (over the knuckle) he was fine when he got there, but the longer he sat, the worse he got. By the time he left he was crying, kicking his feet and writhing in the bed..... I guess he "doesnt like needles" His wife sat there with a tiny baby who was more mature than the dad!!!
I get really tired of whiny people!
Have a great day everyone!! I will be back tomorrow!
Monday, August 23, 2010
hurtful people...
They are everywhere!! I have run into so many hurtful people lately, that it is making me want to scream!
One of my dear friends at work is being bullied and ganged up on because she is outspoken, a professional, and expects others to maintain a standard of patient care that she maintains. This is not a bad trait, but because of her strong personality and because she is not a whiner, she is feeling that her job is in jeopardy. The hurtful people in our department are out of control and no one seems to notice. Or maybe, no one seems to care.
One of my dear online friends is being bullied much the same way. In her blog she opened herself up and shared some feelings about a friendship that has deteriorated and now she is being bullied by a member of this persons family. What is up with that????
Life is too short y'all. In my profession, I see people die at too young of an age, I see family members grieve and wish their loved ones back with all of their heart. I think we all need to dig deep into our hearts and realize that people have feelings, and those feelings are very close to the surface sometimes.
I know I am preaching to the choir here, but thank you all for listening, I had to get this off of my chest.
One of my dear friends at work is being bullied and ganged up on because she is outspoken, a professional, and expects others to maintain a standard of patient care that she maintains. This is not a bad trait, but because of her strong personality and because she is not a whiner, she is feeling that her job is in jeopardy. The hurtful people in our department are out of control and no one seems to notice. Or maybe, no one seems to care.
One of my dear online friends is being bullied much the same way. In her blog she opened herself up and shared some feelings about a friendship that has deteriorated and now she is being bullied by a member of this persons family. What is up with that????
Life is too short y'all. In my profession, I see people die at too young of an age, I see family members grieve and wish their loved ones back with all of their heart. I think we all need to dig deep into our hearts and realize that people have feelings, and those feelings are very close to the surface sometimes.
I know I am preaching to the choir here, but thank you all for listening, I had to get this off of my chest.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Can I just take a pill??
I need to start this post, by saying that I think I work in THE most drama filled department known to man.
Our teeny tiny hospital has more drama than any huge medical center on earth. We have so many trouble makers, and drama queens that constantly disrupt the flow of the department, that it is seriously like a 3 ring circus!
I am becoming very intolerant of these whining, crybabies and their feeble attempt at being the center of attention. Maybe its because I am older than they are, or maybe its because I have worked in much bigger, busier, wilder emergency rooms and seen some pretty amazing drama there, or maybe I am just done with the whole scene.
Whatever it is, I think I am about to blow sky high and say things that I might regret later!
Can I just take a pill and make it all go away? LOLOL
More to come.....
Our teeny tiny hospital has more drama than any huge medical center on earth. We have so many trouble makers, and drama queens that constantly disrupt the flow of the department, that it is seriously like a 3 ring circus!
I am becoming very intolerant of these whining, crybabies and their feeble attempt at being the center of attention. Maybe its because I am older than they are, or maybe its because I have worked in much bigger, busier, wilder emergency rooms and seen some pretty amazing drama there, or maybe I am just done with the whole scene.
Whatever it is, I think I am about to blow sky high and say things that I might regret later!
Can I just take a pill and make it all go away? LOLOL
More to come.....
Thursday, August 19, 2010
How Important Is It??
I have been tossing this around in my head for a while, and I would like to throw the question out there to the masses..
How important is it to be thin, if you are not having health related issues with your current weight?
I heard a quote by Tyra Banks not long ago, and to paraphrase, she said she promotes good health, no being thin. (this from a former supermodel is really amazing to me)
It made me think, just how important is that number on the scale? I have a friend who works for weight watchers (hi Sandi ) and she would probably agree with me, I am not convinced that a certain low NUMBER makes me healthier than a higher number. I doubt that the powers that be at weight watchers would agree with Sandi and I though. LOL
Some of you know me better than others and know that I have battled my weight all of my life. I was the fat kid, the fat teenager, and the fat adult. My highest known weight was 324# 15 years ago, and now I am 97# lighter, but I am still not "thin". I say "known" weight because I have a feeling I was heavier at one time, but I didnt step on the scale.
I am not sure I will EVER be "thin". I have a genetic predisposition to obesity, because I am primarily of native american descent. (the blonde hair is from the beauty shop. LOL) Cherokee Indians are NOT thin. None of the women in my family are thin. My mom and my dad were both native american, my dad is cherokee, my mom is blackfoot, so my sisters and I have been kind of doomed from the start. Both of my sisters are overweight too, so I know its not just me.
I am trying to figure out what the definition of "thin" is for me?
Health-wise, I am a type II diabetic. Another curse that goes along with my ancestry. I dont use insulin, I am not horribly out of control, and my blood pressure has not been high since I lost weight. my cholesterol is low, and with the exception of bad knees (8 years of high school and college softball and lots of skiing in my life), and sciatica (from a skiing accident) I am not in bad shape. My diabetes will be with me forever, no matter what my weight is.
Maybe I am trying to give myself "permission" to accept myself as I am and understand that there is nothing wrong with being me, maybe I am trying to give myself excuses for not wanting to diet every day of my life.
I am interested to hear what you all think, not necessarily about my situation but about the topic in general.
Is it more important to be thin or to be healthy??
How important is it to be thin, if you are not having health related issues with your current weight?
I heard a quote by Tyra Banks not long ago, and to paraphrase, she said she promotes good health, no being thin. (this from a former supermodel is really amazing to me)
It made me think, just how important is that number on the scale? I have a friend who works for weight watchers (hi Sandi ) and she would probably agree with me, I am not convinced that a certain low NUMBER makes me healthier than a higher number. I doubt that the powers that be at weight watchers would agree with Sandi and I though. LOL
Some of you know me better than others and know that I have battled my weight all of my life. I was the fat kid, the fat teenager, and the fat adult. My highest known weight was 324# 15 years ago, and now I am 97# lighter, but I am still not "thin". I say "known" weight because I have a feeling I was heavier at one time, but I didnt step on the scale.
I am not sure I will EVER be "thin". I have a genetic predisposition to obesity, because I am primarily of native american descent. (the blonde hair is from the beauty shop. LOL) Cherokee Indians are NOT thin. None of the women in my family are thin. My mom and my dad were both native american, my dad is cherokee, my mom is blackfoot, so my sisters and I have been kind of doomed from the start. Both of my sisters are overweight too, so I know its not just me.
I am trying to figure out what the definition of "thin" is for me?
Health-wise, I am a type II diabetic. Another curse that goes along with my ancestry. I dont use insulin, I am not horribly out of control, and my blood pressure has not been high since I lost weight. my cholesterol is low, and with the exception of bad knees (8 years of high school and college softball and lots of skiing in my life), and sciatica (from a skiing accident) I am not in bad shape. My diabetes will be with me forever, no matter what my weight is.
Maybe I am trying to give myself "permission" to accept myself as I am and understand that there is nothing wrong with being me, maybe I am trying to give myself excuses for not wanting to diet every day of my life.
I am interested to hear what you all think, not necessarily about my situation but about the topic in general.
Is it more important to be thin or to be healthy??
Friday, August 13, 2010
Inner Peace...
The end of a hectic week makes me want some inner peace. This song provides me with that.
Please sit back, close your eyes, hear and feel the music. My all time favorite song sung by the one person who brings it to life. The most breathtaking performance of this song to me, was at the Vancouver Olympics opening ceremonies. Unfortunately, the 2010 Olympic Committee will not let the video be posted. This is the next best performance.
Enjoy...
Please sit back, close your eyes, hear and feel the music. My all time favorite song sung by the one person who brings it to life. The most breathtaking performance of this song to me, was at the Vancouver Olympics opening ceremonies. Unfortunately, the 2010 Olympic Committee will not let the video be posted. This is the next best performance.
Enjoy...
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Respect
Main Entry: 1re·spect
Pronunciation: \ri-ˈspekt\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin respectus, literally, act of looking back, from respicere to look back, regard, from re- + specere to look — more at spy
Date: 14th century
1 : a relation or reference to a particular thing or situation
2 : an act of giving particular attention : consideration
3 a : high or special regard : esteem b : the quality or state of being esteemed c plural : expressions of respect or deferences>
2 : an act of giving particular attention : consideration
3 a : high or special regard : esteem b : the quality or state of being esteemed c plural : expressions of respect or deference
Is it me, or has the society kind of lost the ability to respect others? By now, I am sure we have all hear about the Jet Blue flight attendant who reacted (pretty negatively) to being cussed at and hit in the head by a passenger on a recent flight.
In this case, who didnt respect who? It probably went both ways, but I am sure the incident was escalated by the way the passenger treated the flight attendant. I wonder, was it really necessary? Sometimes I stand back and observe the way people act while out in public, and I am telling you, it can be an eye opening experience.
In my workplace, patients nowadays have the idea that they can talk anyway they want to the staff, act anyway they want and because we have to see every person who walks in the door, we are required by law to take the abuse. Not so any more. This is an entirely different post and I wont take up time today with this, but the time is coming when ER staff will not have to deal with the abuse.
I have had my eyes opened recently, and am vowing to practice tolerance and respect for others. Please, everyone, try to do the same. The world will be a better place if we all make a conscious effort.......
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Did you ever??
Have to try to find THE perfect haircut from pictures online?
I need to change my hairstyle, and since I have short short hair sometimes that is a challenge. I see women with haircuts like I want but I cannot explain it! argggg. I have an appointment on Wednesday to get my hair cut so I have a couple days too look, what a challenge!
OK moving on, yesterday Dana and I went up on Grand Mesa to my sisters cabins. We had a really fun day, it was heating up down here in the valley but it was in the 60's up there (9,000ft) and then it rained a little and the temperature dropped to 54 degrees! I was WEARING A COAT! WAHOO!!! I can feel it, fall is right around the corner!
What a relaxing day, just hanging with my sisters, laughing, talking and after a while we even had to turn the pellet stove on!
Wish we had a cabin of our own but there is really no need, between my two sisters they have 3 cabins, so there is always somewhere to stay.
Before I sign off, I have to ask if anyone out there watches the "Housewives" reality shows?? I started watching The Housewives of DC last week and seriously, it is just like a train wreck! I cant stop watching it! OMG am I getting addicted?
Time will tell......
I need to change my hairstyle, and since I have short short hair sometimes that is a challenge. I see women with haircuts like I want but I cannot explain it! argggg. I have an appointment on Wednesday to get my hair cut so I have a couple days too look, what a challenge!
OK moving on, yesterday Dana and I went up on Grand Mesa to my sisters cabins. We had a really fun day, it was heating up down here in the valley but it was in the 60's up there (9,000ft) and then it rained a little and the temperature dropped to 54 degrees! I was WEARING A COAT! WAHOO!!! I can feel it, fall is right around the corner!
What a relaxing day, just hanging with my sisters, laughing, talking and after a while we even had to turn the pellet stove on!
Wish we had a cabin of our own but there is really no need, between my two sisters they have 3 cabins, so there is always somewhere to stay.
Before I sign off, I have to ask if anyone out there watches the "Housewives" reality shows?? I started watching The Housewives of DC last week and seriously, it is just like a train wreck! I cant stop watching it! OMG am I getting addicted?
Time will tell......
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Godspeed Maywood PD
A good friend of mine brought this to my attention last night, and I havent been able to get it off of my mind.
This video is the last transmission from the Maywood, CA police department. The Maywood Police have been unable to survive the disastrous passing of proposition 101, which decreases tax income to the cities, and therefore makes it impossible for the local police, fire and EMS to continue service. Its pathetic, It should be illegal, and it makes me sick to my stomach.
And the scary thing is... we are facing this same proposition on our ballots in November.
Godspeed Maywood PD, you served your citizens with honor and dignity, I pray your officers who lost their lives in the line of duty did not perish for nothing..
This video is the last transmission from the Maywood, CA police department. The Maywood Police have been unable to survive the disastrous passing of proposition 101, which decreases tax income to the cities, and therefore makes it impossible for the local police, fire and EMS to continue service. Its pathetic, It should be illegal, and it makes me sick to my stomach.
And the scary thing is... we are facing this same proposition on our ballots in November.
Godspeed Maywood PD, you served your citizens with honor and dignity, I pray your officers who lost their lives in the line of duty did not perish for nothing..
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
I love animals...
Somewhere, down deep inside, I have a theory. I believe that having an inherent love for animals will help you live longer. I believe animals bring peace to your soul, like nothing else in life.
I feel joy when I walk in the front door after a particularly exasperating or frustrating day and our dogs come running with tails wagging, big smiles on their faces and barks of happiness.
I feel joy when I hold my little Frankie on my lap, and he lays his chin on my knee, or he snuggles up against my leg, any position that he can, to just touch me. I relax when I pet him, as I read or watch TV or surf the internet.
I believe God created animals to help us through each day. Even if we are upset, our loyal pets can be there to give us comfort.
My dream is to someday be able to spend all of my working hours with animals, dogs and horses are my favorites, but I have to admit that I love all of them.
I found this video and I hope it makes you smile.
My wish for you is to love an animal today. they will always love you back.
peace my friends, until next time.
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