"Thoughtful Care by EMS and Staff at RGH"

I began experiencing sudden onset, chest pain with pressure during work this past week. The pain was unfamiliar to me and as the morning went on I began sweating and losing focus due to the magnitude of the pain.

While in a meeting I realized I had to call 911. Once I called the realization that I would not hear well due to being hard of hearing crossed my mind. The operator seemed patient from what I could make out and did  stay on the line with me.

EMS arrived quickly with 4 firefighters accompanying the 3 paramedics. 

I felt they triaged the situation and took excellent care of me. They even locked my apartment door for me.

Arriving at the hospital I felt I was not left for a moment. EMS continued to monitor me until I was turned over to the ER staff. 

In the ER I was again triaged and felt the staff quickly began monitoring me, running ECG's, drawing blood, and starting IV drips. 

It was a short time before I saw my first ER physician Dr. Elizabeth Cook. As a hard of hearing person I feel I have to constantly advocate for understanding Dr. Cook was a shining example of inclusivity. She adopted the use of my assistive device and was patient with both myself and my fiancée during my exams by her. This meant the world to me as I feel I am often denied access to care by being excluded from the conversation as a deaf/HOH person. 

The doctor was careful with me and ruled out many of the big scary diagnosis. 

When Dr. Cook's shift ended I was nervous about a new doctor needing to be introduced to my needs for communication. 

I need not have worried. Dr. Leigh Morris was as adept with the use of my assistive devices and I felt he engaged without hesitation. He gave me lots of room to dialogue with him and together we came up with a plan for discharge.

The thoughtful care I received extended to the next day when Dr. Cook called to check on me. Again, I do not really hear well on the telephone, but I felt she was patient and kind.

Thank you to all for the warmth you showed me during what was a scary, vulnerable time for me.