Oh, the humilation of it all....I am an ER tech, volunteer EMT and soon-to-be paramedic student. I have been in the health care field for over 10 years and have never once passed out during a procedure. Until now:uhoh21:...earlier this week I was observing a good arterial lac and everything was going fine. Next thing I knew, the staff was yelling my name, asking if I was ok. I remember feeling sooo comfortable-not hurt at all. They told me I'd passed out and hit the floor-hard!! I didn't even remember it...They checked my CBG: 90 mg/dl, and transfered me to a bed and put me in trendeleburg position-my BP was 79/40! I gradually improved my bp and they kept checking orthostatics. Neuro exam performed by the doc was negative. I am just left with some bad bruising and an even more bruised ego!! My two good friends on that evening said this is normal, that I probably locked my knees or was simply hypotensive. A couple others (who weren't so kind), kept taunting me saying "Are you sure you want be a Paramedic?" Followed by their laughter. This has NEVER happened to me, and I'm not sure why it did. I'm a healthy 31 y/o woman and have seen much more intense truama and drama from the level I ER where I'm from. Anyone have any good tips, or ideas to make me feel better about this and less ashamed?
