Rule 2 is an extension of Murphy’s Law with the “and probably will” part. Murphy makes no notice of a patient just crashing on you randomly and at the worst moment.
As an example:
I once had a patient that was complaining of “not feeling good” with a general malaise. After a short triage and a look at the heart with my trusty 12 lead, (which showed no issues at the moment). We determined a quick scoop and injection of diesel was the best treatment path. As my partner and I lifted the patient out of the recliner, and were about to turn and set her down on the cot, her heart stopped. She went limp in our hands and was unresponsive. No pulse was detected either by hand and the monitor, (not unusual after a move). The patient went from responsive and oriented to literally dead in less than 30 seconds.
We did get her going again after a frantic effort. But it’s a classic demonstration of both rules in just one call.
Rule 2 is an extension of Murphy’s Law with the “and probably will” part. Murphy makes no notice of a patient just crashing on you randomly and at the worst moment.
As an example:
I once had a patient that was complaining of “not feeling good” with a general malaise. After a short triage and a look at the heart with my trusty 12 lead, (which showed no issues at the moment). We determined a quick scoop and injection of diesel was the best treatment path. As my partner and I lifted the patient out of the recliner, and were about to turn and set her down on the cot, her heart stopped. She went limp in our hands and was unresponsive. No pulse was detected either by hand and the monitor, (not unusual after a move). The patient went from responsive and oriented to literally dead in less than 30 seconds.
We did get her going again after a frantic effort. But it’s a classic demonstration of both rules in just one call.