Bad day at the dump today.
I just returned from the dump. While I was there, an older gentleman slipped and went down hard. Smashed his forehead hard and it was bleeding profusely. He was unresponsive, but breathing and good pulse. I was in my MIL’s Van, so had no first-aid supplies at all (soon to be rectified). I had my wife get me some pads out of her purse and used them as everyone standing around did not really know what to do. His wife got on the phone to 911 and was very calm and collected throughout. I kept pressure on the wound and kept his neck steady. He remained unresponsive, but breathing and good pulse. Blood slowed, but never did really stop. Seemed to take the ambulance an eternity to get there. Paramedics kind of laughed about the pads, but said they are seeing them more and more, plus they work. I kept his neck steadied, helped with the c-collar, and we got him on the backboard. After that, they had him and I stepped away. I told the paramedic that I was going to step away, throw-up, and then pass out, but that I would be fine. I walked away, sat against a dumpster, and proceeded to just that. My Wife (who knows me very well) had to keep the bystanders from freaking-out over me. I can’t stand the sight of blood, and after an event I just go where I won’t be a bother and get it out of my system. Still kind of shaken, but I will be fine. Thank God for all of my training. I can go into the zone and get the job at hand done, After the adrenaline goes and the situation is over, then I can fall apart. No way could I do it as a job anymore. I am still shaking a half hour later.
