Efficiency in a Life or Death Situation

Written by Aditi Avunuri

I entered the plastic surgery office, and I encountered a woman with her entire torso bandaged up, who was struggling to breathe. Blood coated the geri chair with the woman in absolute distress, as the plastic surgeon frantically attempted to explain the situation. As an attendant at my local EMS Services, I was used to helping out EMTs and paramedics on ambulance calls, ranging from li calls, transports, and life support. However, this was the first time I had ever encountered a situation like this, 

The patient had lost lots of blood, slurred her words, and felt lightheaded. The EMTs assessed her right away while I went through facts. She had recently gotten implants, and a stitch came loose on her right breast, causing her to bleed out. Understanding the severity of the situation, I knew we had to rush her off to hospital right away. Without wavering, I assured her calmly, explaining what had happened and what we were doing to treat her. While putting her on a stretcher, her panic seemed to slightly alleviate. 

Inside the ambulance, I watched the EMTs closely as they performed purposefully, with every movement quick and confident. For the first time ever, I took her vitals, shouting out numbers while coordinating her care efficiently. No unnecessary movement, no delay, only quick and precise movements that had the patient top priority. I had always respected and admired EMTs from the start, but that moment was when I really grasped how much skill and calmness while working under pressure went into treating emergencies. 

By the time we had reached hospital, the patient had steadied out, and the doctors thanked us for the basic information we provided (like her vitals, history, etc.) I reflected while the ambulance drove me back to the station, thinking back to each moment. 

In a life or death situation, every minute counts. Taking things forward with confidence, asking questions, and not being afraid to actively participate is the best way to help out. I finished that day with a greater admiration of all that EMTs do, and loads of motivation to improve my own skills as much as possible.