Last Day at Emergency

Alright, I'm back from work. Read the news? There are 17 more new cases of H1N1 carriers in Singapore, bringing the total number of cases to 77. More than 6 of whom had came to the emergency area which i'm working at. At about 3.30pm, a slip of paper was passed down from the top asking us to be prepared for the arrival of a family of four, who had arrived from Jakarta the day before. Their little girl, age of about 8 years old, was tested positive during yesterday's visit to the emergency department. But the problem was, where is at all their responsibility? Yes, they did not take public transport, they drove. But not at all a protection - the infected girl wasn't wearing any mask, and even during the arrival at the emergency counter. She was coughing non-stop, not even at least covering with her hand, which had me and the other staff sanitising the area thoroughly for at least 10mins. I still had to use my gloved hands to help her put on a mask, so you see where has their social responsibility gone? I could have called them selfless, and ignorant if I could. Immediately we rolled down out PPE and quickly changed to a new one, after they were quarantined. The quartet did not just end there without yet another anti-triumphant action - making a fuss over which dinner to have tonight is definitely uncalled for.

"Children's Emergency NAME of IC NUMBER H1N1 Please put to Fever Facilities" (Censored for privacy reason and contracted 'non-disclosure clause')

There isn't any identity leakage, neither did I mention my place of work. Anyway there were over 300 number of emergency cases today, or at least during my time of duty. Patients and visitors walk in and out seeking entry to the clinic were denied dutifully and often we ended up getting reprimanded for that. I hope people just understand that it's getting rather serious out there, and limiting the number of people in contact is currently the way to go, which is in line with the MOH's strategy concurrently. There was simply no room for breathing, because every few minutes someone will rush into the premises seeking for urgent help. And literally, we were wrapped up with the PPE (personal protective equipment) and trust me, there's totally not a single pore could be found. If only the pores on my nose could be transferred there and help me perspire less, I'd love to have such PPE one day. My clothes are wet just after two hours from wearing one, so imagine having to wear till the 10pm from 3pm. We were literally wearing plastic. Yes plastic. You can imagine.

Here comes the real-life stories. There was a todler, perhaps just over 2 year-old, was rushed in by a van driven by his father. Upon reaching the ambulance bay, the driver sounded the honk repeatedly to gather our attention, who had successfully done so. Three staff, including me, dropped whatever we had on hand, and even skipped some patients in the queue, and ran to the bay and had the baby pushed into the Children's Emergency. The boy probably had either epilepsy or fits, who couldn't respond and move. I could see the anxiety and distress his parents were suffering while waiting for his treatment results. I could have easily teared, but hell no I knew I was there to work and serve. It was heartening.

Linking to the case of fits, I had successfully brought a persistent patient back to the hospital from a grass patch under a tree at the roadside. She actually ran away from the ambulance after it had reached the hospital - for fear of being jabbed. I did not witness what had happened before until someone actually came to my call because this old lady had suffered fits while at home. According to her brother, she had regained consciousness after awhile but was nonetheless sent onto an ambulance for her health sake. Unwillingly, she went with it but ended up dashing across the road for a good shelter under the tree. The plot sounded funny, but when present at reality it wasn't at all the case, and instead, the truth belies in the reality. The family, including the brothers, grandchildren, and while waiting for her son to arrive, looked uneasy in deciding whether to give her a tranquilizer jab, or simply to tie her to the stretcher and get her butt into the hospital. But none agreed to any suggestions because tying is indeed inhumane. The brother came in and seek for help, none was free so I went instead. I dashed across the road and surprisingly the taxis and cars halted their movement to what look like giving way to me. Perhaps being dressed in the bright-yellow PPE looks like a red light to them, given them the sense of urgency or whatever they had thought. So I found her, under the tree. It wasn't anywhere visible from the building. Their relatives squatted hopelessly were trying to give another shot to get her to the doctors. But she was afraid of me, probably due to my alien-like appearance, because only my eyes appeared. But fortunately I still have my hairs not covered. So I went ahead anyway despite her fear, and told her that her sister needs to be warded, 'could you please come with us to the clinic?' She agreed. That shows at least my level of hokkien is still good and can bring across simple messages almost effectively. Another plus! Luckily her sister was there, who was older than her, wheelchair-bound and always frustrated, and that I could use her in the name of, yea, help. Am I insane? At least she is now treated.

Another case happens to an eight-year-old boy whose mother had to speed his son to the resus room (a room with lots of curtains where urgent treatments are held with all sorts of complicated machines, like those seen on TV) because he has a heart problem, which he felt breathless. Even after I left work at 10, they were still waiting at the foyer. I really could feel for them.

So for today, I did almost all things not listed on my job scope - from cleaning, housekeeping, messenging, to bluffing, eating, and blogging, they completed my day with a sense of fulfilment which I will always love to have. A firm handshake from the satisfied relatives feels really good too, till the extend that skipping dinner is peanut to me.

For now, I'd self-isolate from tomorrow. I've brought N95 masks home, I don't want my family to get contracted with the deadly virus... If you consider yourself a friend of mine, simple text, call, msn, or whatever when needed but just don't meet me for a few days. I'll skip the Malaysia trip this sat if fever comes my way. If not, of course I'll still go... =) Anyway, a community spread is likely on its way very soon. So people, it will be good if you can stock up some face mask at home and prepare to wear them out of home should the health ministry declares a pandemic. Be responsible, be prepared. And, be serious about it.

Say 'I'm a cheese'! So, who's not serious here? lol

For that, it signifies the end of my stint at the emergency department. From tomorrow onwards, I'll be stationed at other parts of the hospital, which I hope is less easily to be in contact with the potential ultimate viral traffickers.