On Thursday I'll be having Cardioversion done again. It will be the third time I have had it done. My heart is beating really irregular and they will attempt to shock it back into rhythm. From what I found out by going to the Vet Center, heart problems are typical of veterans with PTSD.
During the prep time prior to the procedure, they will get everything ready including the Ambu bag should I stop breathing. The Ambu bag is the only thing I notice.
I had not been at my assignment at the 24th very long when several NVA soldiers were sent to our hospital. One of them was shot in the forehead. Because of the number of wounded in the ER, one of the staff took me over to him, showed me how to use the Ambu bag and then left me with him so they could tend to the other NVA and wounded GI's. At that time, this was very new to me. I had no medical training, and was just trained to be a Communications Center Specialist. This was totally alien.
I began to pump the bag as directed. After a short time I felt that I really needed to look at this person, the enemy, to prepare me for the time I may be needed for an American GI. I did not want to freak should I be needed to assist my fellow brothers. I looked at him and could see the wound which wasn't' that large and his eyes were half open and glassy. There was no movement. He was young. I kept pumping the bag and followed him into X-ray, etc. I was with him for quite some time before the staff was able to return to him. At that time I realized just how much blood I now had on my hands, fatigues, boots, etc. They took him to the ward for critical patients. I was informed a couple days later by my best friend Tom, an OR Tech, that he was dead.
As each day went by I realized that this would be my normal day from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. - seven days a week (a minimum of 12 hours a day). The only difference is that the above doesn't come near the horror I would see and the duties I would perform.
It's late and time to get ready for another joy and pray for all by Brothers. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
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1 comment:
That must have been tough but I gotta tell you that I can't feel sorry for him. I was in the field and saw how these guys treated our wounded.
I hope your procedure comes out OK. My Mother-in- Law had the same thing done to her and she is doing great. Take care my Brother
charles "Doc" Nordan
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