Sassafras
Forum Captain
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First time I felt like I made a difference or was there to witness it in any case since it was an ALS call. Got there patient on continuous O2 and he has his condenser cranked to 5 (the highest level on it). Tripoding pursing lips, using entire body to try and breathe. Classic barrel chesting. Pulse ox a whopping 68%. Pulse 108. Dude got a NR at the full 15 liters. Usher to litter and ALS arrived as we were securing to litter. Saturation up to 97% but still diaphoretic and working hard to breathe. Medic student takes two passes to start a line after giving a breathing treatment then they determine it's not working. Pt says he's getting tired they switch to CPAP. Finally he started to calm. Still labored at hospital but not sweating and BP 149/98 as opposed to 180/108 when we started. It was cool to watch the body work to stay alive and watch the medics work their magic. Pt is still very sick but we were able to make a difference and it feels pretty good.