A few days ago we, the medical and nursing staff of the CSH, were called upon to respond to a MASCAL. It was in the middle of the afternoon and I was asleep. A fellow staff member came and knocked on all our doors simply stating "MASCAL". We all quickly grabbed our gear and ran over to the hospital. We were assigned beds that we would be responsible for if a patient were placed in it. The ICU beds were at the front of the Unit giving us easy access to our ICU supplies. Once we all finished our prep we stood around and waited to hear the helicopters arrive.
When we heard the incoming MedEvac helicopters arriving we all got ready.
Not long after the helicopters took off from our helipad our Deputy Chief of Clinical Services came by and told us to stand down as the three soldiers that would be coming to us had been killed in action. By the nature of the attack they did not have a fighting chance.
The sinking feeling we all had when we heard the news was like none I had had before. And one that do not want to have again.
Not everything we do here is fun and games. While we hear gunfire daily, this event was the reality check that we are in a war zone.
Whatever you are doing today, remember that it is September 11. Remember the troops who are away from home and may never get to come home again.
1 comment:
I don't know how you do it. I is heartbreaking anytime a patient is lost and you may unfortunately face this more times than I. My heart goes out to the friends and family of all people killed in war.
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