Friday, October 15, 2010

Ooops

Since this is my first real post after my introduction I should explain something...I don't have a clue what I am doing. I have never been one for journal writing, my storytelling skills are, shall we say, lacking, and my use of the English language occasionally leave some wondering from what foreign country I originated. Nevertheless, here we go.
Today was a generally ordinary day at work. That is until right about the time I was getting ready to leave.  One of the residents whom I have grown to love is a rather heavyset but very sweet lady.  Her knees trouble her a great deal and as such she requires the use of a standing lift when transferring to her wheelchair. In the use of this mechanical lift, there is a strap that goes around the patients back and under her arms. It is then hooked to pegs on the lift located on either side of the patient. The patient then holds on to to hand grabs for support. I have used this lift numerous times with this lady with great success. Today, however, she lost her grip on the hand grabs and began to slide out of the harness. I attempted to put her wheelchair under her to prevent her total collapse but was not successful. All I could do was to slow her downward progress with the edge of the chair and very gently set her down on the floor.
I was petrified. I was devastated. I called immediately for the charge nurse to assist but the lift was in front of the door, being held in place by the resident now lying prone on the floor.  After a moment to collect my thoughts I was able to maneuver the lift so that we could open the door. Another male aide assisted me as we lifted the resident to her feet and set her down in her chair. To my astonishment, she was LAUGHING. I felt like the world was about to end and she was having a nice chuckle. The nurse asked her if she was okay and she answered, " I think he is more shook up than I am."  I laugh about it now but it was definitely an experience I do not wish to repeat.

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