Sick co-worker

So this afternoon I was doing my usual video conference setup.  A co-worker walked in she was limping, crying and struggling to breathe.  I offered help but she just wanted to pickup someone's lunch, which I gave her.  She was in obvious distress and while everyone else offered help, as did I she wouldn’t take anything from anyone.  Everyone else just went about their business, but me I followed her back to her desk.  She got lots of attention by now and I just kind of stood back and listened & watched.  She was drowning in her own fluid. 

She hadn’t eaten anything all day long and she was offered free food but turned it down.  Someone even offered to visit a local chocolate store and she turned that down.  I didn’t even know we had one of those around here.  So then she decided she needed to go to the bathroom, that was kind of the straw that broke the camels back.  So to speak.  I knew that she would be leaving in an ambulance but it was a question of when.  So another female co-worker helped her to the bathroom and I stood by outside to wait for them.  I went with another co-worker to the First Aid Cabinet and I missed her coming out of the bathroom.  She collapsed 1/2 down the hall.  I came back and got her a chair and said that it was time to get an ambulance.

I stood by as we waited for help to arrive.  She was conscious and breathing, but was struggling to get her breathe.  I think she was sick, scared and embarrassed as well as in some pain.  When the paramedics arrived I learned that she was slightly younger than me and she had a cardiac history.  That right there confirmed to me that I was probably spot on when I said it was CHF (Congestive Heart Failure).  Fluid backs up and is retained in your limbs, primarily your legs.  While there was no diagnosis made on-site I figured that my persistent probably helped her a great deal.  I don’t want to say I am a hero or I saved a life.  I was simply in the right place at the right time. 

My next worry was that she wouldn’t agree to go to the hospital, but the cute paramedic kept talking to her and eventually convinced her to go, so they got her all packaged up and she was off.  Looking at her brought back so many memories for me and all I wanted to do is collapse and cry myself.  I held it all in and eventually those feelings passed.  I put the chair back where it belonged and updated all of the people who needed to be updated.  Then it was time to wash my hands and eat lunch. 

I was hot and the adrenaline was flowing full force.  Suddenly I realized no more back pain.  Well as I type the pain has returned.  I wish someone here had a tennis ball, I know I could make my back feel better.  Take it and wedge it between me and my back, then move around on the wall.  The ball acts like a masseuse.  It’s not as good as the real thing but you can certainly use it in a pinch.  Right now I really could use it – either that or a hot shower and a nap. 

The one thing I observed is that most of the women here who were involved in helping, were overly dramatic – whereas I remained calm even though inside I was freaking out.  I was really thinking she was going to stop breathing because she kept complaining of swelling not just limited to her feet  I was watching a new show last night on A&E about nightshift EMS, Police and Fire – aptly named Night watch.  I realized that being in EMS would be quite rewarding and something that I would probably enjoy.  I’m not switching careers because it would take too much out of me and trying to juggle school with work and life mixed in, that just isn’t an option.  If it was easy to make the switch then I would certainly entertain it.  I just really love helping people, anyway that I can – makes me feel really good. 

I received many thanks for what I did but I was just grateful that I was able to help.  I honestly don’t think I did that much.  I am just glad that she was hopefully able to get the medical attention she needed and that everything is better for her.  Hopefully, she will be back on Monday.  Just another subtle reminder that were all going to pass away.  I hate to be morbid but it is true – we often loose sight of this and just go about our daily lives, not wanting to think about the inevitable.  So important that you express your love to those you care about, one day you won’t be able to.

Okay back to work for this guy.