A Medical Emergency
There is some confusion regarding dialling 111 or 999.
If you need medical advice dial 111. If you need an ambulance dial 999; speed is
of the essence and can make the difference between life and death.
In the latter circumstance when there is more than one person
present, try to make sure the person on the phone has good hearing and that
another person stays with the patient calmly reassuring them and ready to follow any instructions
dictated to the person on the phone. All
other persons should remain calm and silent so that the advice can be heard and
passed on to the person with the patient.
Then someone should stand by the road to guide the ambulance.
When medical help arrives just one person should relay to
them what has happened and everybody else should retreat and allow them to do
their job.
Yesterday was the Christmas lunch of our Bereavement Group. There were 13 of us and we held it at The Bistro
where Kym and Robin served us either turkey or one of the four alternatives we
had ordered. All the regulars had made
way for our long table – I think some of them even shared a table with each
other which was a happy sight to see.
It was all very relaxed and pleasant – Veronica gave us all delicious
handmade edible goodies and cards were exchanged but not from me. After my little card fiasco I had used every
Christmas card in the house and resolved not to do any more local Christmas
cards- which I think is a bit daft. As
Veronica said - that allowed the ones who had done them to feel smug
In recompense I invited them back for coffee, chocolate cake
and mince pies. Only seven could make it
– such gadabouts!
I set off up the hill the second time that day to make sure the
house was toasty and the kettle on the hob.
To my surprise cars were left at the bottom of the hill and everybody
walked. Soon we were all sitting comfortably
– relaxed and idly chatting when we noticed Joy seemed to be dozing. I asked her if she felt like nodding off – as
one often does after lunch but then we noticed her pallor and expression and
all became concerned. We rang the
emergency services explained what had happened and then – as best we could followed
their instructions.
They told us to lie her down on her side - in the recovery
position, and slowly she came to. By the
time the medics arrived she was fully conscious and asking to go to the bathroom. They stayed with her for about 20 minutes -
asking questions and explaining what had happened.
She had had a Vasovagal experience – what we used to call a
faint and the old remedy of ‘put your head between your knees’ is not far from
good advice.
In these circumstances, after exertion or a hearty meal the blood
goes to the stomach from the head and the patient can lose consciousness.
If Joy had been too heavy for us to manoeuvre
onto the floor we could have held her head down.
The important thing is to prevent them from falling
and injuring themselves.
We were relieved to hear this as at one time we weren’t sure
if she was breathing and Chris and I (her husband died in the street in Spain
within a few days of MTL’s death)
were reliving painful memories.
When the medics were finished they pronounced Joy fit to
walk home - quite a bit further up the hill but we decided otherwise and James
went to get his car and then he and Chris took her home and waited until she was
settled in and comfortable.
If one is going to have an episode it does help to have it amongst
good caring folk like my new friends.
I spoke to Joy’s daughter and son – as I had promised to do if
ever I was worried and the consensus of opinion is that she should inform her doctor
and see him when things settle down. She phoned me this morning and is feeling
back to normal.
My car has been collected – no tears no fuss – as Chef kindly pointed out 'Many lives have been saved.' I’ve only
once cried over a car when my beautiful little white Spitfire was stolen and then dumped in a field –
topless - rendering it useless.
Onwards
and upwards!
