Beyond the Clinic: Doctors Experience the Intense Reality of Emergency Medical Services
A dermatologist steps out of his comfort zone into the high-stakes world of emergency medical response, encountering life-saving efforts and profound emotional challenges.
The early morning sun cast long shadows as Dr. Willi Balandies, a dermatologist, found himself stepping into a world far removed from his usual clinical setting. Alongside paramedics Madlen Münger and Manfred Geissbühler, his day began with the urgent pulse of blue lights and deployment radios, a stark contrast to the predictable rhythm of a consultation room.This deviation from routine marked his foray into the critical domain of emergency medical services.
A Day Unlike Any Other
For Balandies, the experience was a notable departure. “I once worked in an emergency in the Riggisberg hospital, but that was a long time ago,” he admitted, a hint of nervousness in his voice. “And I never had to carry out a resuscitation there either.” His partner for the day, Dr. Afeed Ashraf,joined emergency doctor Tobias Fehr in the advanced response vehicle. Ashraf, accustomed to the controlled chaos of an emergency room, found himself pondering the unique demands of pre-hospital care: “How is the emergency medicine dealt with on site? What is different than in the hospital?”
The initial hours for Balandies involved less critical cases, offering a gentler introduction to the field. His first patient experienced severe dizziness, suspected to be an inner ear issue, leading to a hospital transfer for further assessment. Soon after, an emergency call reported someone fainting at work, found in a restroom. Fortunately, the individual had regained consciousness and declined a hospital transport, a right they are entitled to exercise.
As the day progressed, Balandies found himself increasingly drawn to the dynamic nature of emergency medical work, a sentiment he shared: “We never know what to expect. And I somehow celebrate it. Even as a dermatologist, I feel a little curiosity for this profession.” He actively assisted his paramedic colleagues, contributing to tasks like EKG monitoring and patient transport.
From Pulmonary Embolism to Tunnel Tragedy
Simultaneously occurring, Ashraf and Fehr responded to a critical case of pulmonary embolism in a nursing home. The patient, suffering from chronic illness and dementia, presented a complex scenario.”We do not know how to proceed here and what the patient’s wish is,” Ashraf noted, highlighting the tough decisions medical teams face in such situations. They ultimately decided, in consultation with staff and the patient, to transport the individual to the hospital.
The day took a dramatic turn with a severe frontal collision in a tunnel, involving multiple injuries and a person in critical condition. Arriving as the first medical responders, ashraf and Fehr were confronted with a scene of devastation.Amidst shattered glass and twisted metal, Ashraf joined Fehr in a prolonged resuscitation effort. Despite their best efforts for over 30 minutes, the patient could not be revived, leading to the difficult decision to cease resuscitation.
“If you have tried everything, the moment you see comes: there is no point.That is very close to me.”
The emotional toll was immense for Ashraf: “I’ve never seen such a situation. We reanimated over half an hour or more.If you have tried everything, the moment you see comes: there is no point.That is very close to me.”
Balandies and his team also arrived at the tunnel incident, assisting another injured individual. Witnessing the aftermath left a profound impact: “I am close to seeing that. then you suddenly notice how precious life is – and how quickly an accident can turn everything upside down.”
Debriefing in the whole team with exchange of experiences
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Processing Trauma and Maintaining Professionalism
Following the tunnel accident, a team debriefing provided a crucial space to process the intense experiences and emotions. Emergency doctor Tobias Fehr, reflecting on the emotional challenges, stated, “It shouldn’t come close to you, it must not follow you. But I think it can still touch you. Fate strikes – and suddenly peopel’s life is fully different. That doesn’t leave you cold.” This constant negotiation between empathy and professional detachment is a hallmark of emergency service work.
Ashraf echoed this sentiment: “You can tell how many people are involved in such an accident. We did our best. But the pictures – they stay. You take that with you.”
The demanding twelve-hour shifts left both Balandies and Ashraf physically and emotionally drained. The relentless pace meant that even brief moments between calls were dedicated to equipment preparation. Balandies,called to another emergency during a debrief,expressed his overwhelming state: “I am exhausted by the many impressions. I can’t put it into words. I think I am above all overwhelmed.”
“Respect for all people who do it! You have to be born for that.”
As the day concluded,both doctors were irrevocably changed by their experiences. Balandies shared his profound respect: “Hey, respect for everyone who does it! You have to be born for that.” The day provided not only a deep thankfulness for the vital work of emergency responders but also a renewed outlook on their own professions and life itself.
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Evergreen Insights: The Emotional Resilience of First Responders
The experiences of Drs. Balandies and Ashraf highlight the critical importance of psychological support and debriefing for emergency medical personnel.Continuous training and robust mental health resources are essential to help these professionals cope with the emotional toll of their demanding work.Understanding the distinction between emergency physicians and paramedics,as detailed in our comparison table,is also key to appreciating the collaborative effort involved in saving lives.
The ability to maintain focus and perform complex medical interventions under extreme pressure, while also processing the certain losses, is a testament to the mental fortitude of these individuals. It underscores that effective emergency response is not only about medical skill but also about profound emotional resilience and a strong support system.
Frequently Asked Questions About emergency Medical services
Q: What is the primary role of an emergency doctor in the field?
An emergency doctor is consulted for life-threatening situations and is medically responsible on-site, capable of performing advanced medical interventions and making critical treatment decisions.
Q: How does a paramedic’s role differ from an emergency doctor’s?
Paramedics are frequently enough the first on the scene,providing initial stabilization and support. They work closely with emergency doctors,and independently manage situations where a physician’s presence isn’t immediately required.
Q: What are the educational requirements for an emergency doctor?
Emergency doctors must complete medical studies and undergo additional specialization in emergency medicine, often including further qualification in preclinical emergency medicine.
Q: How do emergency medical professionals cope with traumatic experiences?
They utilize debriefing sessions, peer support, and maintain a professional distance while acknowledging that emotional impact is unavoidable.Access to mental health resources is crucial.
Q: What is the typical response time for emergency services in high-risk areas?
In many regions, emergency services aim to be on-site for life-threatening situations within 15 minutes, with average response times frequently enough under 11 minutes for critical medical needs. (Based on provided data for Bern emergency services).
Q: Is it true that emergency medical teams can refuse hospital transport?
Yes, patients have the right to refuse transport to a hospital if they are conscious, not in immediate pain, and deem it unnecessary, provided they are informed of the risks.
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