we were assigned to intensive care unit today. We’re supposed to clerk all patients and do write-up on the managements. after a short introduction with our first patient, the conversation was halted, as the patient claimed that he doesn't feel fit to continue the talk. So, i told him i’ll get back to him afterwards so he would rest a bit more.
We proceed to clerk another patient and the nurse alerted us that someone in the ICU just crashed. So we rushed over and find the male patient we just talked to 2 mins ago was under VF. The doctor started the CPR followed by intubation, Central Venous Catheterization, 2 defibrillation, then infused adrenalin. Then, they got back the sinus rythm on the monitor, but they did not get a pulse.
Immediately, they did an Echo and found that patient had EMD. Further CPR and adrenalin ends with a fixated pupils. Patient was declared dead.
Frankly speaking, i’ve been in such situation many times. Perhaps this particular one leave an impression on me because i did not foresee the outcome and realizing that I was the last person he had spoken to before he blew his last breath.
It must has been very grimm to die alone. It must be very sad that u did not get to say what u wish to tell before u go. It must be regretful that the last person u spoken to at ur last moment is just a random med student.
I hope he would rest in peace.
Sometimes it struck me that doctors are powerless at times. Life is more about chances. U’re done anyway when ur time is up.
