Had my first 3 call outs 2 weeks ago while co-responding! Happy days, can now respond solo.
Call one, just been asked if I wanted to join the guy I share kit with on call, to which I obviously ripped his arm off! So thought I'd quickly nip to get something to eat before St John's that night. Just about to pull up to the collection window when my phone went off,
"Hiya mate, I've got a cardiac arrest at XX ********** road." So after getting my food and throwing it in the passenger footwell I made my way to the scene arriving within 1 or 2 mins of the call. I got out, made my way to the address and started knocking on the door. No answer. Quick look through the front window, no one there. Her neighbour came out and stared at me for a few secs before informing me, "She wont answer the door mate, She never does." I wasnt particularly expecting her to answer in all honesty...for obvious reasons but i simply thanked her and made my way out of the garden to await the ambulance and other responder to arrive. I could hear the sirens so knew they were close. It was at this point I realised I didnt have anything on me to designate me as a responder. I hadnt had chance to get home and change, hence the staring earlier I guess!
With this a paramedic and my fellow responder turned up. Straight away the Para did as I did and, not surprisingly, came to the same conclusion. He then moved round to the rear of the propety to see if he could find an open door...which he did.
"Guys...ive found her." Followed by the code for Dead...unconfirmed. We made our way round the back, with our kit just in case he decided there was a chance of bringing her round, but as we got to the corner of the building I had to take a step back...There she was, laid on the floor, her arms close to her chest, a deep blue tinge on her skin, it was obvious this wasn't recent, she'd been there at least 6-7 hours at a guess.
Now we all think to ourselves, on that first medical course we did how ever many years agoit may have been, what we would do when we first come across a body. I always thought I'd want to get out as soon as I knew they were confirmed ROLE. But I didnt...I found myself looking around, trying to work out what had happened, why she was wearing so little clothing when it was so cold. I was gibbering in my t shirt and hoody, she had a thin blouse and a cardigan on. These questions will never be answered in my head but they still intrigue me. At least I know now, I can deal with death, it doesnt phase me.
One thing I have learnt from this call...always ensure you have some form of uniform on! Apparently I'd been reported to CID during their investigation as 'suspicious'.
The 2nd call of the night I lead, Severe pain and minor bleeding following a histerectomy. (Never was good at spelling). As First Response there wasnt much we could do unfortunately but take obs and find as much info as we could before the crew arrived to aid them as much as possible. It allowed me to show who I am, the way I work.
What did I learn from this job? Always check the PRF pad is set up properly. My crew mate ended up having to rewrite his prf after not putting the duplicate page behind the main copy!
Final call of the night I didnt get to do anything with, responder, paramedic and crew arrived before me...lesson from that one? Dont follow satnav blindly...
Thats all for now, on call 3 nights this week so standbye for a few more stories hopefully!
And last but by no way least. RIP sweet
