More ramblings

How totally weird is that?

During the course of a patient run, we introduce ourselves to so many people – ambulance crews, other nurses, doctors, patients, patient families. The list grows. So, I worked with Ruth again the other day. When Ruth and I are working, our usual introduction run: “Hi, I’m Ruthie and this is my partner Ruth.” We get the usual, ‘oh, how cool!’ smiles.

We went to a small little town in the northern tip of California a couple of days ago. While loading our gear onto the ambulance gurney, the EMTs introduced themselves and, what do you know. One of them is Ruthie. Going up to the patient’s room, we introduce ourselves and, imagine, the amusement on everyone’s faces. Then the unit manager came in to say hi and her name is Ruth. So, now, in the tiny little room, there were two Ruths and two Ruthies. How totally weird is that?

Our patient, who was pregnant, suddenly felt obligated to name her baby Ruth.

Sheesh! Just when I was feeling so unique to the world . . .

A quiet airport?

We were in a tiny airport one morning. On our way in, I noticed that there were houses along the sides of the runway. The pilot and I sort of joked about the values of real estate these days. On our way out, I noticed a sign on the side of the runway. It said: Please fly quietly. Fly quietly? I looked at the pilot and asked if that was possible. He said, ‘Sure. Would you like to go outside and push the aircraft? Point taken. Well, what’s up with the sign then?

Calling the kettle black

We went to pick up a 2-year old this morning (like at 1 am, when I had just fallen asleep). I was told that someone wanted to ride along with us down to the receiving hospital. I thought it would be mom. As I approach the door to the patient’s room, someone comes out and I cheerfully asked if she was mom and if she was the one who will be riding in the airplane with us. Whoever this person was, she venomously said, ‘No. Mom’s at home passed out drunk.’ Whoa! Oh-kay! As I go in the room, I am met by another person and, undaunted, I ask her if she was the one who will be riding in the aircraft with the patient. When she said, yes, I asked how she was related. I found out she’s grandma. So, I got that settled.

I found out that my angry greeter was the aunt. I mulled over that because her tone suggested she did not approve of the patient’s mother and it was certainly full of judgment and resentment. It was perplexing to me because the mixed toxic fumes of alcohol and cigarettes on her breath and skin made me nauseous. It made me wonder why she was so angry. Maybe she was having a bad hair day. I know I was. The stupid headsets we have to wear really craps out one’s hair style.

Pilot joke

I was at the bookstore one day and, while I was browsing, some guy comes over and tries to make small talk. (Okay, he was trying to make a move). It wasn’t working out for him, so for his final run, he tells me he’s a pilot and he’d like to take me flying one day. Yeah, ok. Thaaat’s nice. I work with pilots so it’s not like I’ve never seen one. I went out with a guy who piloted his own airplane. So, what makes you special???

Anyway, not to be a b*tch or anything, I said a polite ‘No, thanks’ and continued looking at the book I was holding: “The bullsh*t men say to get you on a date” (Okay, I made that one up, but, well, there should be a book like that. Maybe I’ll write one.)

So, here’s the joke: How do you know there’s a pilot in the room? Answer: No worries. He’ll tell you.

Okay, one of the nurses and I laughed at it, but at the risk of hurting the feelings of our pilots at work. We didn’t want to do that, so we just giggled to ourselves. I like all our pilots. They’re so calm and laid back. And they’re fun to work with. The thing I admire about them is that they are on such even keel in any situation. I love even-tempered, positive people.

Comments

[izma]

Hi Ruthie. How are ya? Miss reading your blogs, hope everything's ok.

[Ruthie]

Hey there. I'm doing well. Thanks. I've been very busy working. Getting back to writing again, though. Thanks for stopping by.