Communication with the patient and their family members or close ones has an essential role in patient care. In order to create a feeling of safety, it is important that the patient can speak their native language.
Emergency medical services arrive at a location where a 50-year-old man has called an ambulance. He is suffering from a severe headache, dizziness and sensitivity to light.
Pm1: When did these symptoms begin?
P: Just a while ago when I was lifting that heavy couch. They began suddenly.
Pm1: On a scale of 1-10, with 0 being no pain at all, and 10 being the worst possible pain that you’ve ever felt, how
would you describe your pain now?
P: 11 at least. This is outright terrible. My head is killing me.
Pm1: Have you had migraines, or similar headache ever before?
P: No, never. This is the first time.
Pm1: Let’s then check a few things. Can you smile at me? Good. Can you squeeze my hands really hard? Can you raise your legs straight in turns, one after the other? Can you hold your arms straight in front of you? Can you touch the tip of your nose with your
fingers, one by one? Can you slide your heel down the shin of the opposite leg? Could you open your eyes now?
P: I feel sick.
Pm1: Here’s a vomit bag for you. My colleague will take the rest of the measurements while I consult the doctor.
During the phone call the other paramedic examines the man further.
Pm1: Now we’ll help you into the ambulance – you’ll come to the hospital with us for more examinations.
P: Alright.
Pm1: I’ll insert a cannula in the back of your hand. It may pinch a little. We can then administer fluids and medicines intravenously to you.
P: Can I have a pain killer for this horrible headache?
Pm1: We’ll give you pain relieving medication intravenously, as well as medicine to prevent nausea. Do you have any allergies?
P: I’m allergic to penicillin.
Pm1: I’ll document that.
P: What should I take with me to hospital?
Pm2: We’ll get your jacket, phone, and shoes, but nothing else really. We need to rush to the hospital now.
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