Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Nurse AP, At Your Service! Let Me Just Dust These Here Hat Off...


So there I am, fresh from Joann Fabrics with a trunk full of goodies for C's Baptism this weekend, sitting at an intersection, passing Lil' Crunchies back to The Hungry Monster who suddenly replaced my Happy Child. That's when I hear it. The toe-curling screech of tires and the blood-curtling crack of metal-on-metal and breaking glass.  I look up to see two SUV's entwined in what looks to be a kind of T-bone collision. SUV number one apparently tried to run a stale yellow light (read: already turned red) while SUV number two was actually mid-left-hand turn on a supposedly fresh green light. Regardless, there were two drivers and two deployed airbags just a few yards in front of me. Crushed taillights and scraps of plastic car parts littered the road.

Within seconds my light turns green and I proceed to pull into the development across the street. I throw on my hazards, roll down the windows for Carter, grab a pair of Nitrile gloves from my glovebox and rush over to the first banged up vehicle. In my previous life, these gloves were used for hanging chemo. Now? They typically sit dormant in my glove box. Until today, anyways. 

After making sure that each of the drivers was conscious, I dial 911 and place the emergency call as I head back to my car and grab my First Aid Kit. My Little Sidekick is hanging out in the backseat chowing down on the pile of Crunchies I practically threw into his lap, all while my adrenaline is rushing and it feels kind of good to be "back in the saddle" as they say. 

The first driver, a young-ish male, has a broken nose and seat belt burn across his chest. His shirtless chest. I mean, doesn't everyone drive shirtless these days? Idiot. The second driver, an older male, is a bit more shaken up and after whacking his head on the driver's side window, hard enough to crack it (the window AND his head), might I add, made out with a pretty decent forehead laceration that most definitely could use a few stitches. 

I throw some gauze at the boy, telling him to keep pressure on his gushing nose. This is around the time when I notice that I must've gotten a little bit of his... umm... blood on my brand new JCrew T. Okay, so my adrenaline is still pumping, however that sudden realization does have me feeling a bit vommy.

I head back over to the second driver and make sure he's coherent, knows where he is, knows the president, etc. after whacking his head on the window. He's clearly with it enough to crack jokes and even refer to me as his "attractive accident angel." Okay, buddy. Let's not make this awkward. I hand him wad after wad of folded gauze and instruct him to keep it held tightly to the laceration on his head.  

While all this is happening, another witness steps forward and states that she'll hang around for the police to arrive and offer her version of the accident up for the police report. 

Fabulous. This basically means that my work here is done. I hear the police sirens rapidly approaching and take that as my cue to depart. 

As much as I loved the opportunity to throw my Nurse Hat back on for a bit, I don't think it's something I'd like to get back to wearing anytime soon. Sorry, Husband. There's just too many parties to plan, beaches to sit on, blog posts to write and Baby C's to raise. And to think, I almost thought I wouldn't have any good ol' fodder for the blog for today's post.

Now, if you'll excuse me while I take off this here Nurse Hat, there's a trunk full of vases and table decor that needs to be unpacked. And a brand new JCrew T that needs a little soaking. Vom.

What a day. Never a dull moment around these parts, Loyals! Happy Tuesday!

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25 comments :

  1. Your selflessness and compassion for others never ceases to amaze me... I'm so proud to be your Dad... LYMTC!!!...

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  2. Good for you! I recently started reading your blog and didn't know you were a nurse! I'm a nurse too :)

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  3. Your dads comment is too cute. I think its fun to take out the old skills :) Good job! My daddy is a life long firefighter/EMS guy--meaning? we can't pass anything without him helping. Was my life growing up. It's truly a gift!

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  4. Wow way to step in there to help! They were so lucky you around to do that. Way to go momma!

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  5. This post was amazing! "attractive accident angel" - love it!

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  6. AP to save the day! So proud of you and glad C cooperated in the car!!

    That's funny that the old dude was mackin on you... you SURE you dont want to get back in the biz because of him!?!

    and your dad's comment? amazing.

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  7. You go girl! I'm glad you liked the "rush" of being able to put your skills to use - doesn't mean you have to (or have to want to) go back to work yet! Consider it a "refresher" seminar of sorts to keep your skills fresh so that when something like this happens, you can handle it! did the blood come out of your shirt? I'd be feeling a little ill myself!

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  8. why is it nurses who have turned in the hospital ID always just seem to be in the right place at teh right time... I have been in hubs patrol car, while he is off duty a handful of times when he passes by a fresh accident that medical is not on the scene of yet, and had to hop out and check out the extent of injuries.

    You go.... The whole time reading I was wondering what I would have done if in your situation.. was it a busy intersection maybe I would freak about leaving E in the car by herself???? maybe not

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  9. Attractive accident angel? ;) Love it. Way to go!

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  10. My mom was a lifeguard growing up so like Katie, we were always safe. I remember a time we were at a red light and an accident happened, you better beleive she got out and got to work (sounds like your story!) Those guys are lucky you were there!

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  11. Your dad's comment is tear worthy :) Way to be AP!

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  12. Look at you! I bet it did feel good to be "back in the saddle"... I cant wait to see the dets of C's baptism!! so exciting!! :)

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  13. What an eventful day! I'm sure those guys were so thankful you stopped to help.

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  14. Way to go, mama!! And your dad's comment - so sweet. :)

    Never a dull moment, eh?!

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  15. Omg, I love that your dad commented. How sweet is that? Love!

    You seriously got my adrenaline pumping reading this post. Although I have no business trying to help out at an accident scene. Victims would end up with vomit all over them immediately. Not good.

    Wonderful work AP!!!

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  16. Wow - look at you jumping right in during a time of need!!

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  17. How cute is your dad!

    And glad you were able to get back in the saddle again, even if for only a moment. Those are skills you'll have for a lifetime!

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  18. Wow! How fortunate you were there!

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  19. Your the most amazing "attractive accident angel" EVER! How wonderful are you?! I just love LOVE this story. You are selfless and brave and I could only wish there were more people like you in this world. Even if your not working like you used to, you can tell that your heart is there no matter what! :)

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  20. Aside from the fact that I almost upchucked reading this, I have to say hats off to you AP! Very cool of you to step up and help out!

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  21. Good for you! I am CPR certified and always wonder if I'd hold it together if the situation ever arose where I needed to use it.

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  22. whoa! nice work lady :)...and btw I am also heading to JoAnns today to buy a giant cake pan for a baptism cake that i am making this weekend for Ashlyn. Weird! hopefully the ride home will be less eventful. Unless of course i run into someone that needs emergency marketing help???? :)

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  23. You go girl! You are amazing, so many people wouldn't stop. You rock!

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  24. You go girl! You are amazing, so many people wouldn't stop. You rock!

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