Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Ron

We very sadly lost a colleague today. I hope he knew how many people respected him and how well-liked he really was. He will be greatly missed by many people. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Hoax

The fire trucks were already in the street. They were climbing back into their trucks when we arrived. We are told it is another hoax. There's no house fire, no people in flames. Just a bewildered occupant who answered the door - and left wondering who would bother ringing and sending the fire brigade to his house for no reason. While we chatted with the boys from the local fire station, a taxi also arrived and eventually went up to the same front door. The owner came out and I saw him talk to the driver before he shook his head and swore. We told the dispatcher it was another hoax, we were now clear. We drove off joking about waiting for the pizza delivery guy who would surely be next... What a waste of time.

Friday, February 10, 2012

The watcher

The watcher was on shift again today.

I met her at a car accident. Her partner was doing all the work.
It doesn't matter how sick the patient is - she just stands there and watches everybody else work.
The watcher will do only what she is asked. No more. She just likes to watch.

When she was a student - I thought she was just overwhelmed.
Now she is qualified. Maybe she is still overwhelmed. But she doesn't look it.
She just looks disinterested. It frustrated me at first. Now, when I see patient care suffering because of it - it makes me angry.

I am ready to say something to the watcher. I want to remind her she is part of a team. I want to tell her that I believe patient care is very important. But you can hardly say boo to somebody now (no matter how nice you are) without being accused of bullying.

Suggestions?