I have an odd question.
Several years ago I had a splenectomy due to a traumatic injury. I was briefed on a few of the things I should be aware of that are unique to splenectomy patients as far as things that can cause overwhelming post splenectomy sepsis.
I know I should avoid deer ticks, live virus vaccines, pneumonia and meningitis. I'm sure there are other things that are more obscure but I assume the incidence is so low they don't bother telling us about it.
The question I have is am I playing with fire interacting with the patients we see on a daily or weekly basis? I've been in this business for about four years. I love being a paramedic and yes, I absolutely love being a fireman. But, putting your life on the line for someone who is in an IDLH environment sits better on my conscience than possibly getting sick and succumbing to OPSS over an IFT.
I also know there are things that I can do such as universal precautions to safeguard against this stuff but, the reality is a splenectomy patient just doesn't have the immune system of someone with a spleen.
Thanks you guys in advance. There are several people on these boards that blow me away daily with their level of knowledge and experience. I respect your opinions, that's why I'm asking here.
Several years ago I had a splenectomy due to a traumatic injury. I was briefed on a few of the things I should be aware of that are unique to splenectomy patients as far as things that can cause overwhelming post splenectomy sepsis.
I know I should avoid deer ticks, live virus vaccines, pneumonia and meningitis. I'm sure there are other things that are more obscure but I assume the incidence is so low they don't bother telling us about it.
The question I have is am I playing with fire interacting with the patients we see on a daily or weekly basis? I've been in this business for about four years. I love being a paramedic and yes, I absolutely love being a fireman. But, putting your life on the line for someone who is in an IDLH environment sits better on my conscience than possibly getting sick and succumbing to OPSS over an IFT.
I also know there are things that I can do such as universal precautions to safeguard against this stuff but, the reality is a splenectomy patient just doesn't have the immune system of someone with a spleen.
Thanks you guys in advance. There are several people on these boards that blow me away daily with their level of knowledge and experience. I respect your opinions, that's why I'm asking here.