It’s 8 a.m. and once again, I’m back in paradise. As expected, I see the patient I met at the door last night – he is actually calm and settled this morning; the amphetamines washed out quickly. Unfortunately one of the security boys had his nose smashed over night – this patient thought he was being attacked by aliens and took a swing at him. Continue reading No movement – A/Prof David Mountain
Another cough. I look up from the care plan. There’s a look of distress. And blood, lots of it.
We stare at each other. It’s a brief glance, but also the most meaningful unspoken exchange. The sheepish grin turns to a look of fear, horror – finality.
He knows. I know. This is it; this is dying. Continue reading Dignity – Dr Simon Judkins
She’s withdrawn and closed when I bluster in to the cubicle, and instantly I have to change demeanour. Close the curtain, low lighting, soft voice. Her friend is sitting quietly in the corner busily fiddling with her mobile phone, but listening intently.
‘What happened?’ Her partner assaulted her. They had been drinking; it was the early hours of the morning. Continue reading Places of refuge – Dr Georgina Phillips
‘I’m going to die,’ she moans. This time it’s more guttural, almost like a bad exorcism movie. Her hands, like clamps, clutch onto me. I manage to extricate myself from the vice-like grip.
‘Ooohhh, my heart. Ohhh, sweet Jesus, take me now!’
More and more, on and on. Continue reading The Dizz – Dr Simon Judkins
Real ED Stories 