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What do we ‘do' in times of Piguim and what to 'expect' on order to prepare for multiple (mass) community 'events' given the 'warnings', a question some of my NYC colleagues have been asking as they prepare for the Convention. _option_option
To paraphrase Monty Python's group: One never expects the Spanish Inquisition. However, since November 2000, we have experienced 26 terror attacks in Jerusalem alone, and of the four hospitals in the city, the one where I work received 38% of the injured, many psychological trauma victims as well. Below I will list some of the 'hints' to make the unbearable a bit more 'user friendly' for the medical/psych/social staff in the ER: When the 'beeper' or hospital code goes off signifying the call for first response staff: - first take a deep breath
- then go to the ladies/mens room
- have comfortable shoes stashed in your desk, change immediately you wont have time later.
- call home and check 'where your ducks' are and tell them you're ok and don't know when you'll speak to them again, they should watch a video and not News Re-Hash!
- 'ER Kit'--I keep a canvas carpenter's belt (got it at Home Depot awhile ago) in my ER file, so that I have extra pockets.
- Mints or the like and tissues go in pockets too.
- Keep five extra pens (cheapest available because they get lost) in 'Kit'.
- Some cash for buying coffee or something. We get a lot of volunteers as the night goes on who bring water, cake, sandwiches etc (we won't die of starvation! ) This 'stuff' usually spans 5-8 hours from influx to when the pts. are either released or 'dispatched' to wards, OR etc. Even 'just' trauma pts. usually need ENT for 'collateral' bombing sequelae, and then we have 'release procedure' that includes being seen one last time by internist (to check that all the 'tests'- blood work, x-ray etc were addressed as well as re-check for wounds that might have been missed. Psych and social worker sit with them (and their family) to 'educate' about trauma, and give them follow up info. We try not to give meds to 'just trauma' (but that depends on the case) so as not to mask anything else, the next day they can come back and/or see their own doc.
- I use a small '7 Flag' loose leaf (like a 'day runner') about 4-6 inches tall, fits in lab coat pocket, with paper so that after I stick on their sticker, I can take notes of the diff pts state and comments about their experience, so that I can refer to it later on when I come back to see them. Also family names, pets, etc. to make conversation more fluid as the night/day goes on.
- I don't know about the States, but we need to use our rubber stamp with lic. number on anything we put in their file, also in pocket.
- Cell phone, to help them call or call for them, our hospital (and those in the whole country, gave up on limiting cell phone use in the hospital except for CCU, and ICU. Nothing goes further to relieve angst than, as ET said, 'call home'.
- Keep an eye on 'helping' staff (MDs, nurses other psych/social) if you see tears or burn-out notice 'them' too, same goes for YOU, ask for a break if you feel overcome by what you see, or what you have to do/say to a pt. or family member!
Si Vas Pacem Para Bellum --When you want peace prepare for war!! A Shanna Tova, Metuka, Briah, Ve Shekaita--a peaceful time to all, Judith Guedalia, PhD. Tags: Hints For The Staff In The ER | War |
