As I was drinving home on the interstate, traffic started slowing down and a police care shot past me. In a few minutes I came up to the accident. I saw that they were doing chect compressions so I pulled over to help. They were pumping chest so I announced that I was a doctor and apnd new CPR and ALS and leaned the patients head over to start mouth to mouth since they were not ventilating. One of the people there, I think a road ranger pushed me in the chest away from the victim and askem me who I was. I told him again that I was a doctor. He wanted to now where I worked. I told him again but said you need to ventilate him . Pumping the chest doesnt do anything if the patient is not ventilating. I showed the police officer my medical licence and he said that didnt mind if I helped but I cant take over. I explained to him that if they dont ventilate the victim he will die. About this time an ambulate came. The gut was feeling for a radial pulse. I reached over and checked the carotid, too late.
I know the guy was trying to do what was right and his intentions were the best. A good thing to do though is when you dont know what you are doing and someone does, it might be good to listen to them. I dont know if the victim could have been saved, I do know though that he had no chance when you dont ventilate.
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Once showing your credentials, I am surprised they did not accept aid. Granted the officer would still be in command of the scene at this point, but now there would be medical personnel on the scene.
It's my understanding, that the physician, if willing to step in and follow with transport(thus assuming medical command), would be a welcomed help.
Once the EMS crew arrives on the scene, they would have to go through their EMS command about your joining them on the call, as you would be the highest ranked. Regardless of that though, they would still need to follow their licensing protocols. Just as you have licensing protocols that govern you.
I think it is great that you stopped to help. How frustrating for you to know what should be done and be unable to aid.
Oh Throckmorton! I am so sorry that happened. For the person and family ..and for you. That must've been so frustrating and angering for you.
You'd think they would welcome the help.
The ranger is probably feeling bad too.
I think it is commendable that you stopped given how concerned physicians are about law suits.
I know what you mean regarding listening. It's weird how sometimes you can have such well meaning people see things so differently ..but in your profession ..I would think deferring to the MD with all the expertise would be a no brainer and a welcomed relief!
I found myself taking deep breaths when reading this post. It must be so frightening not to be able to breathe.
Well, "newer" BLS/CPR guidelines for lay-people state that ventilation is not necessary. I think the new catch phrase is "push hard, push fast". I think that was because people were hesitant to do it anyway, what with the risk of transmission of illness. Unless they had a BVM and oxygen, "mouth-to-mouth" is not going to deliver much oxygen anyway (less than 21% on the exhale).
I know, ACLS/TNCC (of course) includes ventilation, but in the heat of the moment, those first responders likely reverted to the only training they felt comfortable with.
New method of CPR at Mayo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5huVSebZpM
Comment?
You're missed Throckmorton - come out, come out wherever you are! ;)
Hi TM - Being a Jersey girl ..I say good for him and I hope he succeeds. He is refreshing and like a John Wayne goes to the state capital kind of guy.
http://thehill.com/opinion/columnists/ab-stoddard/97603-nj-gov-sets-tone-for-us
Truly refreshing to see a politician actually try to do what is right and not care about his reelection.
@ Supremacy Clause:
That type of CPR is for those who are alone or are non-professionals. It's only good for about 10 minutes.
The author is right.
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