The Stress of losing a Patient

[Bullets]

I think that number is a little skewed. I would say maybe 5% of the calls that I respond to are decided before anyone called 911.

There are a lot of calls where EMS makes a huge difference.

IDK, i really tried to think about the calls that i have been on where i can say "If it wasnt for me/us, this person would be dead/crippled"

i can think of maybe a dozen, 4 of them were water rescues. 5 were ODs in the last year, one save in my career and arguably 2 field deliveries. i run like 3k jobs a year so we're talking about a fraction of a percent of the calls ive handled in my career.

 

[Akulahawk]

I don't lose my patients... they run away from me.

Seriously though, I have made peace with things and even though it's never fun when you're unsuccessful in your efforts (regardless of age) I do know that I've done my best and that patient's illness or injury was just simply greater than the nudge toward life that we provide. Then I might go grab a coffee and move onto the next one.

 

[VentMonkey]

Had a tough one last shift, just got off. Time for a run, a sandwich, and a nap.