02/01/07 - CPR save

We responded (my new Station #3 crew - see previous blog) to a local senior center for a possible "cpr in progress". Upon arrival we noticed the RN staff attempting cpr and other first aid care. As a RN (registered nurse), you would think all RN's would have the same training - well this is not true at all as I found out on this call.

When we walked in, I witnessed the staff doing "everything" wrong. We naturally took over the scene and started patient care. The patient was choking on food while eating in the dinning room. The patient stopped breathing and went into cardiac arrest. We took over and started CPR and AED care. As we loaded the patient into the truck she did get a pulse back and we assisted breathing all the way to the E.R.. Upon arrival at the E.R. the patient was turned over to hospital staff in fair condition.

This was my "new" rookie's first full CPR run and it looks as if it might be a good save.

Note: I only count a "good save" if that person walks out the the hospital after treatment. The department thinks that if we get a pulse back  its a "save", Me, as a 13 year veteran know that in the "real" world it only matters if the patient can walk out of the hospital after treatment and lead a normal life again.

Well anyway, it looks like this patient might be ok after a few more days in the E.R. and hopefully we will see again in good shape.

Also Note: a Registered Nurse can be certified for work in senior care (assisted living) centers without having any E.R work or "trauma" type training. Not something I would want a loved one living in. Most senior centers employ R.N's with all training - but this one did not.

Copes