Talking to Mary Jo this morning, we brought up the topic of family. That's what it's like where we work...we are a family. She said, "You never truly realize it until something awful happens and then you think - 'this many people care about me'?"
A few weeks ago, we lost one of our own, on the job. He had a brain aneurysm. A medical emergency was called in the institution and Medical worked with him until EMS arrived, and he was airlifted to a university hospital for treatment. Sadly, he didn't survive...
The day before the funeral, something amazing happened. Officers from nearby units VOLUNTEERED to come in and work in the place of those who wanted to attend the the services. I cannot tell you how that felt - walking out and seeing all those men and women on posts where they didn't have to be so their counterparts could be where they wanted to be. It's times like that when you know you're a part of something larger and better, and it makes you want to be there for your extended family.
Today, on my out of the prison, I saw one of my favorite officers at Tower 1. Something was terribly wrong - he was gripping the fence and screaming. I didn't know what the heck was going on, and then he fell. And then his head bounced on the sidewalk. I could not move. I heard the tower guard call for 911. I heard them call a code 900. And all I could think was - Oh my God, what if he's not breathing, but thank GOD he was breathing. Someone said it was a seizure and all I could think was - we have to get him on his side. But nobody moved. I was useless.
You know - if a person is going to be a part of something larger and better, they should take some courses in first aid and know how to handle a co-worker with a health problem. So that's what I'm going to do - LEARN - that, and recertify in CPR.
And when I see the officer who had the seizure again, I'm gonna hug his neck and tell him how glad I am to see him. And the next time something like this happens, I ain't gonna be so useless.
5 comments:
My sympathy for you and your extended family and the real family in the loss of this person you have posted about. Good thinking to refresh your skills in first aid etc. Paula
I am so very sorry about your co-worker. This is a wonderful story of friendship and love, though. How nice of those officers to volunteer their time so their colleagues could go to the funeral. I'm also so glad the other man is okay.
Lori
Sorry to hear about what happened to both coworkers. I hope the man who had the seizure will be ok. I've been in that situation and also stood by uselessly. I just froze and so did everyone else who was around. I don't know if I would have been able to react even if I were trained. It's so scary!
Martha
Glad you're going to learn how to "not be so useless." Glad he was watched by the tower guard and 911 was called, and that this man is okay.
Sorry about your other coworker. Brain aneuryms's are difficult things to survive, and if survive, w/out brain damage. My father died of a brain aneurysm. I'm so sorry for your coworker, and ALL of his real family.
Inspiring post, thank you.
Gem
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