Christopher Thomas
February 2019
Christopher
Thomas
,
RN
Emergency Department
Baptist Memorial Hospital - Desoto
Southaven
,
MS
United States

 

 

 

I presented to the ED with classic symptoms of a spinal hematoma. I had a c-collar on, placed by the EMTs. I had numbness and tingling and pain to all extremities, as well as leg muscle spasms. I quickly progressed to total paralysis from the neck down. The resident didn't catch the bleed on the MRI and I was told by the ED doctor I was being discharged. He removed the c-collar. Chris questioned this, but the doctor told him that now that I was moving, I didn't need it. The neurosurgeon had read the MRI from home and came in to tell me that I needed immediate surgery. Chris again asked about the c-collar, the neuro doctor said yes, to put it back on. Chris knew that something serious was going on with me. He has common sense as well as good instinct. I felt comfortable in his capable hands.
Chris also came to visit me on the floor the day after surgery!
From the time he did my admission until the visit on the floor, Chris was always professional and courteous. He is a wonderful patient advocate!
Thank you, Chris!