“I ate raw chicken” was written on the triage sheet. No other complaints. No abdominal pain, no nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. No fever. No nuthin’. Just “I ate raw Chicken”. I was going to just walk in and say, “I don’t recommend eating raw chicken, good bye.” Unfortunately it was not that simple. First, I was showed the offending uncooked fowl produced out of a fast food chain’s wrapper. Second I had to listen to a long story about how she was driving through the area when her 11 year old son nearly threw a tantrum unless they stopped to eat fast food. I then had to hear about what each family member ordered. The patient then told me she was eating a grilled chicken (since she was trying to be “healthy” I guess) when she noticed it was a little “gooey”. Umm. Not good. She immediately thought she was poisoned with Ecoli 0157:H7 and rushed full speed into the ER. No complaints except for a panic attack. I reassured her that there was nothing she could do now except wait for symptoms (that would probably take at least a day to develop, not an hour). I also said it was probably wise to report the incident to the restaurant – they might give her a free coupon for some more yummy food! I wish I had a Geiger counter in the ER – I could have had a ball with it she was so impressionable!
I’m a long time lurker, but this one’s going to make me finally comment.
Shockingly as a triage nurse for a number of local pediatricians, this is quite a common call. “I fed my kid raw meat” happens at least once every other month. No not a single one of the patients has ever been sick when the parent called!
“The American people don’t read.” -Allen Dulles
It extends to all facets of life I suppose-
She had to stop for fast food because “her 11 year old son nearly threw a tantrum.” Good thing she took decisive action to prevent a tantrum. Wouldn’t want the kid growing up thinking he only has to throw a tantrum to get what he wants.
That is a suggestible person. You might not have even needed the Geiger counter.
It’s also possible (although relatively unlikely) that her son may be autistic or have some other mental health condition where saying no to him is not an option.
Saying NO is always an option. It’s amazing how quick children stop throwing tantrums when parents say no and really mean it. I used to work in ED, and now in substance abuse, and the same thing applies to patients and the mentally ill. You have to say what you mean, and follow through consistantly, or you’re being an enabler for their behaviors.
I also suffer from panic attacks and i can manage it by deep and slow breathing. i also practice meditation.. ,
What is the best way to recover from Substance Abuse ?.,”