[Institution Title]
Chapter 7
The book presented the occurring chaos within and outside of the hospital as something that is severely serious for the simple argument that there were already orders to stop all forms of medications for patients who might require medical assistance. This implies that that the hospital came to a point that it necessarily has to stop refer to the situation in its finality.
When the nurses were asked to stop all forms of medication and the administration of IV fluids, this implies that the medical staff, most especially the physicians were ready to euthanized the patients and allow for one’s survival to depend on the individual’s actual capacity to survive the storm and the effects of the storm.
I feel that the takeover was necessary to keep the integrity and control within the system. The takeover might seem like an administrative meltdown, however, considering the result and the capabilities of the selected individual to assume the position they were given and their responsibilities, then it can be safe to assert that the takeover was an effort to keep order within the chaos.
Euthanasia always received mixed responses. This was the same reaction by the different characters in the book “Five Days at the Memorial”. Some people have seen euthanasia as a means of securing the life of the other people within the hospital who has a better chance of getting out of the situation. Others might have seen euthanasia as a direct breach of an individual’s right to survival. Finally, other people in the story sees euthanasia as the only solution to protect everyone.
Personally, given the order of Dr. Ewing Cook to Ann Pou about assisting patients to go to sleep and die, I think Pou was oblivious to the actual message. I got this impression from the fact that Pou did not follow the order of Dr. Cook, rather she ensured the general wellbeing of the patients.
Chapter 8
Tenet Corporation were summoned to give an honest report relating to the number of patients that passed away and their condition prior to admission and transferring. Furthermore, the organization was also mandated to identify the medical professionals who can be held liable about the situation. Tenet had the right to refuse cooperation to secure the integrity of the situation.
The points which actually stood out for me during the interview was the need for emergency preparedness plan. While it may seem farfetched, or it may be assumed impossible, it is imperative that everyone is prepared of whatever circumstances is presented upon them. Another important point I gather from the interview was that we cannot blame people who spaced out and act all selfish and apprehensive because it is human nature to protect one’s self from the possibility of harm.
The three findings that stood out for me was: (a) the Memorial Hospital has the capacity to address the presented situation. Also, the lack of key emergency management plan was a bit surprising for me because being a medical facility, it is mandatory that the hospital has a protocol and sees what occur. Nevertheless, the absence of such plan negates the purpose of the hospital to render help and service.
The two notable events from this chapter for me was the intensive and detailed reporting that was required from the different hospitals and health facilities. The second event that got my attention was the revelation that was opened during the interview. I believe that these two events paved the way for the truth to come out and for improvements to be institutionalized.
Chapter 9
Aside from the devastating impact of the Hurricane Katrina, the reason why many people died during this time was the lack of an effective emergency management plan. Everyone was caught by surprise when hospitals have gone close and unable to provide the appropriate medical attention.
Charity Hospital has an existing emergency plan that was responsive when events such as the Hurricane Katrina takes place. Furthermore, the size of the hospital has more to do with the number of casualties. The ability of the hospital to attend to every patient helps a lot too in securing the survival of the patients within the organization.
The Grand Jury’s decision not to charge and prosecute Ann Pou was because her conscience was clear. She was carrying out an order which was generally what is required for a nurse. I believe that because of this clause in the role and responsibilities of Pou, she can accept exclusion from prosecution.
The discussion about euthanasia was considerably enlightening. Nevertheless, I believe it went overboard as to not validating the accusations against most concerned individual. It is easy to look at the superficial aspect. The responsiveness of the individual and the cultural orientation on the part of the doctors and nurses are also of high importance which was neglected during the discussion.
I think Pou was trying to clear her conscience for saying some untruthful information in her speech. It may be incriminating to openly admit that she also has responsibilities but it can be quite understandable for someone to be confused after a traumatic event. Thus, there could be the result of many behavior being intertwined with her reasoning ability.
Additional Questions
My question was for Dr. Ewing Cook, I would like to know what could prompt him to take the easy course of euthanasia. I would like to know what his thoughts were during that time that they were confined within the hospital.
What bothered me the most was the capacity of people to sacrifice the lives of others over some people. When the doctors were choosing who would evacuate first, that prompted serious consideration of what matters for different individuals.
The three lessons I’ve learned was to always anticipate. Nothing is absolute in this world. Thus, it is important to keep a risk management plan always in the backup. Second, I have also learned that in life we always make certain choices. We need to stand up for these choices and take responsibility for it. Finally, I learned that people respond to situations differently and before we pass judgment over others it is important to know the bigger picture.
Reference
Fink, S. (2013). Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital. New York, NY: Crown Publishing Group.
