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I went for a ride today
Sep. 10th, 2010 09:01 pmOur five-year old neighbor was hit by a car this afternoon. Junior had run out to his father's truck to give him the cell phone he had left behind. As Junior rounded the truck, another neighbor was driving past and struck him. Junior rolled several times before coming to a stop and crying.
Dany's bedroom faces the street and she heard the screams. Nothing unusual there; Junior is a screamer. But then his mother screamed and Dany was up and moving. I heard Dany and just knew, so I was not far behind her. The family is hispanic and it quickly became obvious to me that the parents didn't speak well enough to be able to advocate for their son. So I offered to translate when emergency crews arrived. And then I offered to go with them to the hospital. There was no way he wasn't going for a ride and they needed the help. Junior's leg is clearly broken at the hip, and he has contusions on his arm and chin as well as a nasty scalp wound.
If I never have to try to hold a child's leg still while he screams in pain... I could feel the squishiness where there should be firm bone... Yeah.
But wow, what a tough little kid! He speaks some English and he was using it, "Aiy! Hey doctor! (pats the paramedic's leg) Hey! Help me! I need something for my leg!" "I can give you a shot..." "A shot? No, I don't want a shot! I'm fine! I'm fine" Two minutes later, rinse, repeat.
There was a translator at the hospital when we arrived, but she was actually social services and got called away within the first 15 minutes. So I stayed and translated every half hour or so when something new happened, and also helped calm Junior every time he fought past thew morphine and cried about pain, or itchiness, or just plain wanting to get up and leave. His mother was a wreck, understandably, and she told me repeatedly that she was very glad I was there.
Then the ED nurse assigned to Junior's case mentioned healthcare interpreter certification. I just might have to go there. If I'm gonna take the ride anyway...
Junior will be okay. He was due some staples in the noggin and a choice for pins or a cast from the orthopedist when I left. I gave his parents my number and havent' heard anything from them, so I have to believe they are being well-treated. Kudos to Children's Hospital in Oakland! I've seen more than my fair share of emergency rooms, and theirs was the nicest.
Now home cuz my family is awesome and totally supported my choice to just get in the ambulance and go. Troy came and got me after work. Having dinner, trying to relax, and drinking some serious whisky sours.
Salud!
Dany's bedroom faces the street and she heard the screams. Nothing unusual there; Junior is a screamer. But then his mother screamed and Dany was up and moving. I heard Dany and just knew, so I was not far behind her. The family is hispanic and it quickly became obvious to me that the parents didn't speak well enough to be able to advocate for their son. So I offered to translate when emergency crews arrived. And then I offered to go with them to the hospital. There was no way he wasn't going for a ride and they needed the help. Junior's leg is clearly broken at the hip, and he has contusions on his arm and chin as well as a nasty scalp wound.
If I never have to try to hold a child's leg still while he screams in pain... I could feel the squishiness where there should be firm bone... Yeah.
But wow, what a tough little kid! He speaks some English and he was using it, "Aiy! Hey doctor! (pats the paramedic's leg) Hey! Help me! I need something for my leg!" "I can give you a shot..." "A shot? No, I don't want a shot! I'm fine! I'm fine" Two minutes later, rinse, repeat.
There was a translator at the hospital when we arrived, but she was actually social services and got called away within the first 15 minutes. So I stayed and translated every half hour or so when something new happened, and also helped calm Junior every time he fought past thew morphine and cried about pain, or itchiness, or just plain wanting to get up and leave. His mother was a wreck, understandably, and she told me repeatedly that she was very glad I was there.
Then the ED nurse assigned to Junior's case mentioned healthcare interpreter certification. I just might have to go there. If I'm gonna take the ride anyway...
Junior will be okay. He was due some staples in the noggin and a choice for pins or a cast from the orthopedist when I left. I gave his parents my number and havent' heard anything from them, so I have to believe they are being well-treated. Kudos to Children's Hospital in Oakland! I've seen more than my fair share of emergency rooms, and theirs was the nicest.
Now home cuz my family is awesome and totally supported my choice to just get in the ambulance and go. Troy came and got me after work. Having dinner, trying to relax, and drinking some serious whisky sours.
Salud!
