My favorite drunks
Working as a Unit Coordinator in a medium size city without adequate jail space, I see a number of intoxicated people without real medical problems come in to the emergency department. Tonight I would like to write about two of my favorites.
The first is a recent patient who is not a regular but still stands out as memorable. Normally, drunk patients come in stinking of old booze and that sweet smell of, I haven't showered for a week. This person was different though. His breath was heavenly, almost as if he had decided to take the time to brush his teeth before passing out on the street, where the medics found him. Needless to say I found out why he smelled so refreshing. His drink of choice happened to be Listerine, which to my surprise, is ~60% alcohol. Unfortunately for him, his decision to drink 3/4 of a big bottle, bought him intubation and a stay in the ICU. Fortunately for us, the room he was in stayed minty fresh for a couple hours.
The second is a frequent flyer of ours that amazes many that she is still alive. She has come in after: being hit by a car, being pushed out of a moving car, having the shit kicked out of her while fighting for money, walking around for hours on the freeway soaking wet in 40 degree rain, etc. Inevitably, one of the first things we do is get her to blow through the breathalizer. The great part is she likes to guess her level and is often within .02 of her alcohol level, which is normally in the .3-.4 range. While she is in the department her medical needs are met, she is allowed to sober up enough, but not too much, lest she start to seize. Then she is offered detox, which some days she takes, most she doesn't.
It may be kind of morbid, but when I read the paper I do keep an eye out for her name in the obits especially when it has been a week since her last visit.
The first is a recent patient who is not a regular but still stands out as memorable. Normally, drunk patients come in stinking of old booze and that sweet smell of, I haven't showered for a week. This person was different though. His breath was heavenly, almost as if he had decided to take the time to brush his teeth before passing out on the street, where the medics found him. Needless to say I found out why he smelled so refreshing. His drink of choice happened to be Listerine, which to my surprise, is ~60% alcohol. Unfortunately for him, his decision to drink 3/4 of a big bottle, bought him intubation and a stay in the ICU. Fortunately for us, the room he was in stayed minty fresh for a couple hours.
The second is a frequent flyer of ours that amazes many that she is still alive. She has come in after: being hit by a car, being pushed out of a moving car, having the shit kicked out of her while fighting for money, walking around for hours on the freeway soaking wet in 40 degree rain, etc. Inevitably, one of the first things we do is get her to blow through the breathalizer. The great part is she likes to guess her level and is often within .02 of her alcohol level, which is normally in the .3-.4 range. While she is in the department her medical needs are met, she is allowed to sober up enough, but not too much, lest she start to seize. Then she is offered detox, which some days she takes, most she doesn't.
It may be kind of morbid, but when I read the paper I do keep an eye out for her name in the obits especially when it has been a week since her last visit.
posted by Trained Monkey at 4:08 AM
1 Comments:
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Post a Comment
<< Home