I just did CPR on a homeless vet who wandered into my job. We just closed for lunch/dinner switch and all of a sudden I heard the hostess was screaming. The elderly guy asked for some water and she was getting him a drink and he just started collapsing. I ran out when I heard her yelling. He was having a stroke I think.
He started breathing again after I did chest compressions. FD was there in less than five minutes. I memorized his name from his ID so I could send him some clean clothes and stuff to the hospital. I don't know what else I can do. I'm so shaken up. There's no reason for me to be this shaken up.
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Guys. Thanks. I don't feel awesome. I feel awful. I didn't ask what hospital he was going to, j didn't ask if he'd be okay. I just looked at my boss and was like "I don't want to be an audience." And went back in the kitchen.
You did an awesome thing. You acted when it was vital, so don't beat yourself up about not asking how he was doing or where he was being transported. I'm sure those are details you can find out later. The fact that you are planning on getting clean clothes to him is also wonderful.
Please don't feel awful...you are anything BUT awful.
EMTs don't need an audience, and I'm sure they had one anyway. You did the right thing by letting them do their job so they could care for him in the best way possible.
You are sweet and kind to want to help him after that, and if you can find him and help him personally, fantastic. If not, you saved his life...that's fantastic! If you still want to donate something, unfortunately, there are LOTS of other homeless vets who could use some assistance.
Holy moly! That sounds terrifying. I'm so glad you were able to do that. I would be shaken up too, it's not everyday you have to use your CPR skills (when you're not a medical professional!).
Post by amberlyrose on Aug 1, 2016 17:26:00 GMT -5
You did the right thing from start to finish and are an amazing person. The little what-ifs will creep in, you'll be shocked for awhile, but don't doubt that you are wonderful for what you did for him!
Post by mrsukyankee on Aug 1, 2016 17:26:47 GMT -5
Well done. It's very normal to be shaken up in a first responder roll. Some people can't even do what you did - they run. So good on you for taking charge!
I am close to tears just thinking about this. You are AMAZING and you are the sweetest.
A coworker fainted a few weeks ago and I was there to witness the whole thing/ had to go in the ambulance with her and wait for her family. I was completely shaken up. It is totally normal for you to feel that way. Just keep reminding yourself that you saved that mans life. He will forever be grateful.