Stomach Pumping - OD

One of the first times I heard about and saw stomach pumping was when a GI overdosed. When he was brought in they had him sit on a litter (stretcher)that was on a stand in the ER. They then inserted a tube through his nose into the stomach. Then they would push in saline solution via a large syringe, ultimately pulling out the contents from his stomach. He would sit with a plastic container or bag that they'd empty the contents into. I remember this being done to a number of GI's during my time in Nam and, at times, helping get the patient seated, etc. It seemed so strange seeing this and I wondered what happens if they didn't get everything out of the stomach? What happened if this procedure was started too late?, etc. Being thrown into my tour as part of the hospital was mind boggling for me. I didn't have any medical type training and didn't understand so many things that were being done although I did learn as the year went on. I did have the utmost respect the the Doc's, Nurses, Corpsmen, X-ray Techs, those in my position -- just everyone at the hospital. And I have always wondered by God would have that plan in my life to put me there and I always wish I knew more, had training, etc. Did I help? Did I do enough? Did I make a difference? I'm not sure I'll ever really feel I did but at least coming to some terms with the help of the Nut Dr. Regardless, I'll never forget.