The importance of what is said around patients

[fire911medic]

I've always talked to my patients that were unconscious during long transports simply because it helps pass the time. I do it also because I figure what could it hurt? I talk to them just as if they could respond, telling them about my day, other things. I was told by a physician friend of our family that hearing is the last sense to go, and I do believe it. I think if you speak positively to a patient, it may help a positive outcome. I couldn't imagine barely hanging on and hearing people going, "nope, that one's a goner, ain't gonna make it." I use caution when around what I think are unconscious patients and advise my students to follow the same.

[streetsmart]

I use the "Open Mike" rule... don't say anything, you would not broad-casted out loud.....

R/r 911

I totally agree - never say anything, that you don't want repeated.

[uglymedic]

Oh dear God, you guys can rip on me for this until the end of time...

3 a.m. Call for an unresponsive female. Show up, cops are there, they've been there for 20 minutes trying to wake her up. She's been on a bender and may have O.D.'d. Sternal rub gets nothing, room air p/ox by rescue shows 85%. NRB. Pt to cot, patient wakes up and begins to fight. Manually restrain her, she goes "unconscious" again. I take vitals and think about transporting another drunk that tried to O.D. again.

I notice her toes and how freaky long they are. I turn to my partner and say something to the effect that she should be able to write with her toes,etc. Nothing extremly bad.

Well, guess what? She was faking unresponsiveness! Yes sir! One medic made to look like an *sshole!

Yes, I did it. I admit it. It was unprofessional and I was a schmuck. I don't feel quite as bad considering the ER doc referred to her as "that scrawny whiny b*tch that always comes here and whines".

I was just being stupid is all.

There. That should give you all something to pick on me about for awhile.

ugly