My PT called 911

Specialties Emergency

Published

Specializes in ER, PACU, ICU.

Ok this is really just more of a vent... and maybe to see if any others have had this happen or something similar.

I had a patient two nights ago who was status dramaticus and after giving her narcotics and valium she was still demanding more medication (i'm used to that part) but she called 911 on her cell phone from her stretcher in the ER to complain that we were not treating her. To which I then had to explain to the dispatcher that emergency services were not needed all while my co-workers were coding a patient in the room next door.

I mean I guess its not the worse thing I have had a patient do... that would possibly be the time a patient threw a basin of vomit at me when I told her she wasn't getting any more pain meds...

Its been a rough two nights.

I love the ER.

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status dramaticus

So stealing this!

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I had a patient on a 5150 who threatened to call the news because we were holding her against her will. Luckily her husband was able to take her phone away from her. I always wondered what the news would do in a situation like that- would they report the 'story'? Or would they protect a vulnerable person?

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Specializes in ER, PACU, ICU.

I hope they would protect a vulnerable person but in reality probably not.

I had a patient on a 5150 who threatened to call the news because we were holding her against her will. Luckily her husband was able to take her phone away from her. I always wondered what the news would do in a situation like that- would they report the 'story'? Or would they protect a vulnerable person?
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This only makes me want to be a nurse even more. But probably not ER.

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There have been many a 911 calls placed by patients. If you are lucky, they call from a hospital phone and it will be routed to in-hospital security. I've had patients call 911 from their cell phones also, which triggers security to track me down and inform me. Mostly, 911 is called because more pain meds are requested. I've even had a patient call 911 because she lost her call light…true story.

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Specializes in Cardiac Step down/ LTC.

Had a patient call 911 because we wouldn't give him ice cream! He called from the hospital phone, so the dispatcher called to let us know.

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Specializes in kids.

Status dramaticus!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YOU win the internet today!!! That is my new favorite term!!!!!

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2 more status enebriatus for etohers

Status tweakalotus for the meth heads

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Specializes in ER, PACU, ICU.

Hahaha love it!

QUOTE=lacusc93-1;8140990]2 more status enebriatus for etohers

Status tweakalotus for the meth heads

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To which I then had to explain to the dispatcher that emergency services were not needed all while my co-workers were coding a patient in the room next door.

Why on earth would you do this? There was too much going on in the ED for you to get pulled into this.

Abuse of the emergency response system is illegal in many jurisdictions. Let the patient call 911, and let them dispatch whatever resources they feel are appropriate.

I am so sorry that you had to deal with this.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

LTC pts freq call 911 from the NH. Dispatchers then call us to check things out while they wait to see if we really need them. Nothing new to us.

I'm amazed that even in their confusion, they still remember 911.

I like when pts call the local leos who then call the State Troopers who come out. Had to walk one big trooper responding to check out a LOL with chronic severe confusion. Pts call in - law enforcement has to check it out.

Also love those new diagnoses!!!

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