My father just died in his sleep. He had passed by the time the paramedics arrived.
They still did their best, which I am very grateful for, but they even an entire trash bag full of used instruments that were stuffed under the bed for some reason
I’m glad that I found it sooner over later but it’s mildly infuriating that they just discarded their medical waste under his bed.
(NSFW some blood)
I’ve been taking care of him for over 5 years and it’s made things a lot harder for me, seeing all of that all over.
First off I’m terribly sorry for your loss. While I am by no means a paramedic I took first aid classes from one and this very subject came up (what to do with used PPE and such after an incident). We were told to just leave it pending hazmat-trained folks responding for cleanup. At a patient’s home it’s left and frankly not their responsibility - the patient alone is.
Sucks but they will indeed leave stuff behind - I wish it had been a better outcome for your family but I assure you they meant no offense or harm.
I understand and I know that they were focused elsewhere, but the trash bag was stuffed far under the bed with everything spilling out…
I reached for what I was and was, as I couldn’t see, and my hand got covered in blood and other fluids.
They were here waiting on the medical examiner for over an hour, so they must have forgotten about it somehow.
Ugh that sucks. I can only guess that it was an oversight but you’re absolutely right to be bothered. As you suggest, likely a moment of “get this bag out of the way”. Still upsetting for sure.
While it was thankfully brief I also was part of end of life care for my Dad and despite the anguish I took great comfort from knowing his last hours were with loved ones nearby and in his own bed. I wish that the knowledge you were there and helped brings you solace in your grief. You were there when it mattered most. hug I wish you and your family peace.
Thank you very much. I really appreciate your kind words.
In this world, I only had my dad and grandmother. I took care of them both for years. My grandmother passed in February, and dad’s mind just imploded. She was more “smother” over a mother, so he was in the process to learn how to adult despite having severe paranoid schizophrenia
He was doing so well too, I taught him how to buy clothing and how to use uber.
He was for sure happy when he passed as I kept him reassured that he was safe and “the government doesn’t know where you are”
Be proud of yourself, you’re a good kid to have his back like you did.