Today my 'patient' was taken to the hospital. It started out like any other day, breakfast, chit chat, leg massage, house duties. He likes to sit in the sun for long periods, I took him some water and put a hat on him. After 40 minutes 'sunning' I hear the whistle I gave him to summon me, I go out to him. He tells me he feels weak and needs me to help him to bed. I comply, naturally. Once in bed, I feel his forehead, but, of course it's hot (he was in the sun), then I feel for a pulse to take his heart-rate, but I can feel nothing, check his neck for HR can't locate that either. I call his family, no-one answers. I, then decide to dial 911. The operator from hell asks me how his breathing is. (What answer can I give? He's breathing!) So I say okay. She asks me if he's conscious. He's sleeping, I put him in his bed and he's napping! The 'operator' insists he's unconscious! I know the difference between sleeping and unconscious, for petes sake. She tells me to roll him over onto his back and remove his pillow. So I wake him up to do just that and he answers me! She starts to yell at me, what? Again, I tell her he was asleep, all very confusing and unnecessary.
Well, to make a short story long, the EMT's arrive and his blood pressure is 90/61, I think. They ask me his health history. I don't have sufficient answers and I know it.
Is there a protocol in place as to what I should know of my patient's medical history? Seems pretty short-sighted NOT to know it.
All I know is if there is a next time, things WILL be different. But I need some help...any help out there?
I wouldn't be too hard on your patient's family for not thinking ahead on this, but now that it has come up, ask them to provide such a folder for you.
In answer to your question snowgrey, yes.. absolutely you are entitled to know the patient's medical history.
Don't say anything on here you wouldn't say to someone's face!
It's called bullying and it's not nice!!!
So, I might suggest that he/she(?) take a vacation (possibly extended) because she shows symptoms of burnout. It can happen to the best of us, which I clearly am not! (- : Critique however harsh, was appreciated for the honesty!
HHA's & PCA's are only part of the story...have we forgotten that sunshine, not only warms the cold bones, but it also a very important vitamin. 40 minutes was & is not excessive. Also, my client, is very acclimated to the sun. I just learned the medical staff has diagnosed my client with pneumonia! But it was detected early enough to 'nip it in the bud' & close this chapter, I am glad to report! Have a nice day all! God bless! C-ya!