When Kindness Becomes an Unexpected Shield: An Ambulance Driver's Touching Experience

Being an ambulance driver is a high-stress profession, yet it is also one of the most rewarding. I've had many moving stories, but this one stands out in my memory for all the wrong reasons. It is the story of an elderly patient who was moved from her bedroom to the living room on a Mega Mover, which is not a comfortable experience for anyone, especially someone with dementia. But it’s the patient's reaction to my kindness that truly moved me.

Unexpected Challenges at the Foster Home

During our routine training, we were dispatched to an adult foster home for an elderly resident who had fallen out of bed. The facility had extremely narrow hallways, making transport very challenging. Since we could not use our typical stretcher, we were forced to use a Mega Mover, a large, strong tarp with handles sewn into the edges. Moving someone on a Mega Mover can be a daunting task; imagine being dangled between EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters, with your vision limited to the backsides of those maneuvering it. The 'nuts and butts' were an unflattering way for an elderly patient to view the world, and we certainly could not add any dignity to her already distressing experience.

Empathy and Therapeutic Communication

Once we managed to get her to the living room and secured her on the stretcher, she was still upset. She honestly seemed to be in pain, both physical and emotional. As a paramedic, I had received extensive training in therapeutic communication. Recognizing this as the opportune moment, I knelt down beside her, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, and apologized for her experience, trying to connect with her and express genuine concern. Empathy can often be a gateway to healing, and she started to calm down as she understood that I truly cared.

The Ride and Beyond

With the monitor hooked up, we began our journey to the hospital. My first-time operator (FTO) started charting the patient's stable condition. This stability provided me with a small opportunity to hold her hand, something I had read about in an article. The author of the article suggested that this gesture could seem awkward initially, but most patients would hold on tightly. True to the article's claim, she didn't let go, even for the entire ride. Holding her hand through the tense moments of transport sparked something: a bond and a sense of safety that neither of us had expected.

The Hospital Journey and Beyond

Upon arrival at the hospital, I handed over the patient to the ER and ensured that the report was given to the RN while she remained holding my hand. When I told her it was time for me to go, her eyes locked on mine in panic. That moment was emotionally draining for me. I reassured her about her safety and the quality of care she would receive. With a gentle farewell, I left the scene, knowing full well that I did not want to leave either.

A few months later, we were dispatched back to the same foster home. This time, she was visibly relieved to see me. We immediately held hands like old friends, and despite the intervening months, she didn't want me to leave. Realizing she was comfortable with me, I introduced a medic from another crew that she had worked with. I reassured her that although I was leaving, a colleague she trusted would continue to provide excellent care.

Takeaway

This experience taught me that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can have profound effects. A simple touch of the hand, a word of reassurance, and a moment of empathy can be the lifeline that a patient needs during their darkest hour. This story is a testament to the power of human connection and the impact we can have on each other's lives, no matter the profession or the setting.