Brett Lannen
June 2019
Brett
Lannen
,
RN
ICU
Ascension Saint Thomas Health - Rutherford
Murfreesboro
,
TN
United States

 

 

 

I am a critical care Paramedic and last night I was dispatched to the scene of an overdose at a store. As we pulled on the scene we were informed by an employee that there were actually two unresponsive patients. Obviously, that was not good news since there was only me and my partner and our closest help was about 10 minutes away. So, my partner and I grabbed supplies, split up, and went to the two patients. Me to the bathroom in the store, and my partner to the parking lot where a man was passed out in a car. As I'm walking back to the bathroom I realize that in my 7-year career, I don't think I've ever treated a patient completely on my own in this manner. There is just always someone with us whether it's police, fire, or another EMS provider. So I have no shame in telling you that I was nervous for probably the first time in several years walking into a scene. Well, as I walked into the bathroom I realized I wasn't alone. One of your critical care nurses was with the patient. I can't tell you how much I appreciate him being there and also him being willing to help. He didn't have to stop and help this guy and he didn't have to stay once I got there. But he did and I can't tell you how much I appreciate him and his assistance. He was in the right place at the right time and he was exactly what the patient and I needed.