because every second counts
We got our Epi-pens last night. Youngest and I practiced and then trained the other boys.
I only noticed that line on the box after we were done...as if I hadn't realized that every second counts!
It's all well and good to practice with the fake, needle-free Epi-pen -
to jab each other in the thigh, to ask questions (how hard? how fast? what if I miss?) but, as Middle pointed out, the practice pen is weightless (the real pens have heft to them) and probably doesn't "fire" the same way as the real pen. Then again, as brother B (the paramedic) pointed out in a video chat: if we need the real pen? we won't have time to consider the heft and firing of the medication.
He's right. As each of us practiced stabbing someone in the thigh I reminded them that we would be nervous and, undoubtedly, would jab away with little thought as to how hard or fast.
Uncle B also pointed out that there would be enough time (presupposing our location) to grab a pair of scissors and cut a small hole in Youngest's pant leg and then shoot him in his bare flesh even though the instructions clearly (though not in my photo) show a man injecting himself through his khakis.
If we ever need this medication (chances are we won't and we still have to be formerly trained by the doctor) I'm pretty sure I'll be a wreck. I am confident that I would be able to inject Youngest but it would have to be through his pants...once we add the additional hazard of me having to use scissors I'm pretty sure I'd sever an artery.
It's always exciting around here, isn't it?
I only noticed that line on the box after we were done...as if I hadn't realized that every second counts!
It's all well and good to practice with the fake, needle-free Epi-pen -
to jab each other in the thigh, to ask questions (how hard? how fast? what if I miss?) but, as Middle pointed out, the practice pen is weightless (the real pens have heft to them) and probably doesn't "fire" the same way as the real pen. Then again, as brother B (the paramedic) pointed out in a video chat: if we need the real pen? we won't have time to consider the heft and firing of the medication.
He's right. As each of us practiced stabbing someone in the thigh I reminded them that we would be nervous and, undoubtedly, would jab away with little thought as to how hard or fast.
Uncle B also pointed out that there would be enough time (presupposing our location) to grab a pair of scissors and cut a small hole in Youngest's pant leg and then shoot him in his bare flesh even though the instructions clearly (though not in my photo) show a man injecting himself through his khakis.
If we ever need this medication (chances are we won't and we still have to be formerly trained by the doctor) I'm pretty sure I'll be a wreck. I am confident that I would be able to inject Youngest but it would have to be through his pants...once we add the additional hazard of me having to use scissors I'm pretty sure I'd sever an artery.
It's always exciting around here, isn't it?
Comments
First, you will probably only sever an artery if his pants are around his neck at the time. but that's neither here nor there.
Yes, the needle (which I have seen and is plenty big enough to get through the pants) will go through his jeans. the process is going to slow you down on purpose. it's going to make you focus on something, and then when you get to the actual point of doing the injection you will do it correctly and wait ten seconds while it's injecting.
and response to the next question which is 'but dont I have to do it quickly?' yes. But keep in mind when I push epi in the field I am removing a syringe from packaging, retrieving and confirming I have retrieved the correct vial of medication, drawing up the correct amount. sterilizing the injection site, and then giving the injection. I am not very fast. I can give an injection of epi in about a minute. (I don't give the injection in the thigh so I don't have to cut pants.)
Uncle B
EMT-P
I loathe needles.
Sorry, gotta go.
Paola
(yeah, I am a chicken, mkay?)
jbhat
How lucky are you guys to have Uncle B?! A SurvivorMan!
Yikes! Now I'm freaking out!
That's just how you roll, bb.
ErinH