Overview of the Situation
I remember an incident when I was newly hired as an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel for a large county hospital. The family member who called for assistance was an old lady of about 80 years old. Her husband, who could have been three years older than her had difficulty breathing and had a history of cardiovascular problem. When I arrived, with a senior colleague, she immediately performed the needed interventions for the elderly man. Much to my surprise, the old lady also exhibited symptoms of difficulty of breathing.
What caused you to try it when you were unsure about it?
Although I had already been trained for instituting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), this is the first time that I have encountered an actual patient who would require it. I had apprehensions of applying this newly acquired skill but I had to do it as urgently needed to save a life.
What went well in the experience?
The experience actually went well since both spouses were brought to the hospital in stable health condition. Likewise, the appropriate urgent action that our team instituted for the spouses were done in the most effective manner, according to standard operating procedures for EMS and Paramedics. It enabled me to boost my confidence and recognize that the skills that were learned could be applied in actual real life setting.
What would you do differently?
As such, I would do the same course of action in future situations that require urgent and immediate application of CPR – or other medical interventions, according to how we have been trained. In the future, when uncertain experiences are encountered, I would recognize and remember that I have been trained to assume the role and responsibilities entrusted to me as an EMS personnel. The theoretical framework gained from previous academic instructions, in conjunction with the skills which were developed in the program, have equipped and prepared me to face challenging emergency situations in the near future.
