Posted by KarenT (209.215.1.179) on July 24, 2001 at 12:59:49:
In Reply to: More on how to get treated quickly at ER posted by Dave Emond on July 23, 2001 at 13:39:09:
For the most part,I usually read posts and learn from you guys. As some of ya'll know,my hubby,William,is a CH sufferer and I am his ever faithful supporter and ER nurse. I have been studying to take the CEN exam (Certified Emergency Nurse)-a little something I'm gonna do before I start graduate school-and was horrified when I read the chapter on neurological emergencies. The book devoted only one paragraph to CH while allowing 3 pages for "M"s." The statement was made that "M" should not be allowed to go back to the waiting room after triage,but taken immediately to a treament room for evaluation by the ER doc. Nothing was mentioned about abortives for CH-only symptoms. Not all ER nurses know what a CH is,none I work with knew until I bombarded them with information.
The CEN is supported by the ENA(Emergency Nurse's Association). This would be a good group to approach with stories and information about CH to better educate ER nurses in identifying sufferers for more prompt treatment.
Dave,there's nothing I like better than someone who can hand me a sheet of paper with all the info you list on yours. I can just xerox it instead of you waiting on me to write it all down. Plus,if it lists CH I know what to do and how quick I need to move (LOL).But for the ER nurse who does not know, a brief description of the signs/symptoms and emergent status of CH would help too. Not trying to be bossy,just trying to help you get faster treatment.
KarenT