Just done CPR on neighbour's wife

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Orthopaedics, ITU and Critical Care Outr.

Not sure where I'm going with this thread. CPR was inevitably unsuccessful, the lady had had a huge GI bleed. I stayed with husband until ambulance crew had delivered bad news and there was no more I could do. It feels unfinished, compared to the debrief one would get in hospital.

Anyone else been in this situation?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well, you tried. When someone's heart stops, it means that the patient is in really bad shape at that point. The statistics for ultimate survival after cardiac arrest in the field are pretty dismal.

Sorry this happened, but I'm sure the neighbor's husband appreciates you giving it your all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Orthopaedics, ITU and Critical Care Outr.

Thanks Horseshoe.

I really hope so. It was just so futile and undignified, especially as we had to leave her body on the floor until the police arrived. I am choosing to believe that by coming to ask me for help, the neighbour was effectively consenting to CPR. He didn't object... It is a sad day in our road.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've done that once at the scene of a car accident. Internal injuries obviously killed him but I didn't have an X-ray machine on me.

You did what you could - CPR is not pretty nor is it always successful.

((((mmsparkle))))

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I've done that once at the scene of a car accident. Internal injuries obviously killed him but I didn't have an X-ray machine on me.

You did what you could - CPR is not pretty nor is it always successful.

((((mmsparkle))))

"Not always" .... try almost never

Up Vote Up Vote ×
"Not always" .... try almost never

I was trying to be diplomatic. ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Orthopaedics, ITU and Critical Care Outr.

Oh I know, I was dreading bringing her back in a hypoxic brain damaged condition. For the best really. Thanks all. We will try to organise meals for her family for the next couple of days.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So sad. About how old was she? I know he is so heartbroken. But you did all you could do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology.

I'm sure it will give him comfort in the coming months that everything possible to do was done for his wife. It will likely save him from many "what ifs." Kudos to you, OP.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospital medicine; NP precepting; staff education.

My condolences. That has to be so difficult to operate on that level with someone you know.

Blessings to you, her family, and all of the acquaintances.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

You were there. ..you did your best and the husband will never forget that you cared.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment