Ever Told Someone They Were Going To Die?

[AnthonyM83]

The other thread where someone said the poster with grammatical errors had no hope made me think of this.

Have you guys ever been in a situation where your patient was going to die, no doubt about it, and they asked you if they were going to die or how they were doing? How did you reply to that?

I know for a lot of critical patients, you say stuff like "You're badly injured, but we're going to do everything we can for you and you're going to be okay"....but I'm talking imminent death.

I had a friend who was once asked as a police officer by a shooting victim if he was going to die. He just said, "Yeah, man you are". His reply was "I can't di----" never finished the sentence. EMS was not on-scene yet. CONSIDERABLE blood loss.

[Just Plain Ruff]

I have told several patients they were going to die.

One that stands out in my mind was a man in his 80's who was pinnned in his car. He was nearly cut in half and the only thing keeping him alive was the engine lying on him from his belly down. The bottom half of his body was crushed and every time he moved a larger pool of blood was collecting under the engine. He was suffering a traumatic crush injury.

He asked if he was going to die and I told him "yes you are" and he said for me to tell his kids he loved them. I told him I would do that.

We got the engine off him and he coded right there. He bled out when his aorta was unclamped.

I also told my grandfather that he was dying from the cancer he had. He was in hospice and I told him to go ahead and go that it was his time. He held on for 6 more days. Not sure what he was waiting for but one night he just died. My aunt was lying next to him in the bed at hospice and he stopped breathing he went very silently and peacefully.

God bless hospice.

[Scaramedic]

My dog about fifteen minutes ago!!

Yes, do not lie to a patient ever. If you know their injuries are fatal (burns, trauma) then be honest if they ask. I had to tell my father that he was going to die. He had CA and he was in renal failure, he didn't want anymore treatment and asked me if he was going to die.

Something else to keep in mind is dying declarations. It is important to let the Police know this patient is dying so they can a statement. That way if a patient is the victim of a crime they might get some justice.

[spenac]

I've told several that they would not survive their injuries or illness. It is hard but I would not want to be lied to so I do not lie to my patients. Actually had one that the doctor sent home but apparently in translation patient and family did not understand it was to go home to die. Saw what meds was on and read discharge info. Explained to patient and family that there was nothing could be done beyond comfort measures. Put them in touch with hospice and called patients doctor and chewed him out for not getting a real translator apparently had used small child that did not fully grasp info.

[AZCEP]

I try to tell them the truth, that being they will not die in my ambulance. Considering that a patient I'm working on will be called once they get to the ER aside, I've never had someone die on me.

They will die before, or after my contact with them is made, not during.

Yes, I've had obviously mortal injuries/illnesses come across my path, but it is far more common for family members to ask the question than the patient. The patients always seem to know. :shock:

[spenac]

I try to tell them the truth, that being they will not die in my ambulance. Considering that a patient I'm working on will be called once they get to the ER aside, I've never had someone die on me.

They will die before, or after my contact with them is made, not during.

Must be nice. I have people die in my ambulance but we are not expected to do CPR 90 miles to the hospital either. Of course you can lie to them and yourself but if your doing CPR they are almost always already dead.

I hate that lame statement "nobody dies on my ambulance".

[Just Plain Ruff]

I'm just about ready to tell over 15000 people that they are gonna die.

ready

get set

go

Everyone who belongs to this site will eventually Die. Really we will

oh well, I'm gonna die too someday but hopefully not for a long long time.

[spenac]

I'm just about ready to tell over 15000 people that they are gonna die.

Everyone who belongs to this site will eventually Die. Really we will

oh well, I'm gonna die too someday but hopefully not for a long long time.

You threatening us. I got 15000 people going open a can of wup butt on you.

[mrmeaner]

I try to tell them the truth, that being they will not die in my ambulance. Considering that a patient I'm working on will be called once they get to the ER aside, I've never had someone die on me.

They will die before, or after my contact with them is made, not during.

Yes, I've had obviously mortal injuries/illnesses come across my path, but it is far more common for family members to ask the question than the patient. The patients always seem to know. :shock:

Does a change in semantics really help? I understand your point, but it doesn't change what happens. I haven't delivered a dead person to the ER either. Not due to clever wording or my ability to walk above water, I just haven't been in that situation yet.