This week I have seen two films, Cars and Superman Returns. The first was extremely good (look out for cameo by Jeremy Clarkson) and may be one for the collection. The second was ok, but lacking in action scenes.
Otherwise I have been in a state of suspended boredom. Trying not to get too excited before I go away, and therefore being even more bored waiting for it.
So going to oxfam today would seem to be a good idea, talking to customers and staff and generally relaxing for 5 hours.
Small problem.. We were dead today, takings were lousy, and even then the usual people to come in and mill around didn't appear.
So when one of our volunteers (who shall remain anonymous) came in, and she is not known for being quiet, I thought at last something to do, even if it is put the kettle on and have a chat.
So she potters around, sorting out her shoe displays ( we all have our own little areas), an she walks out to the back room to find some more supplies.
A minute later I hear her call my name to find her looking at a fire extinguisher lying on the floor; not a problem I think, she just wants me to pick it up. Did I mention she is nearly 80 years old?
It was then that I saw the cloth on her leg, and seconds later I saw the blood... Lots of it. It was on the floor, her leg and shoe were covered and it seemed like she had a lot more to give out.
Seeing that I was the only one there with any degree of First Aid training, I grabbed the first aid box. Now as the unofficial H&S Manager of the place ( well I seem to end up with all the H&S adverts anyway) I have to check the box to ensure it was all there, this helped me in just being able to grab exactly what I wanted. Antiseptic wipes and a sterile bandage.
It was once I was on my knees that I saw the wound, a 1 inch by 1/4 inch gash that was gushing with blood. Realising that my little antiseptic wipe would do sod all, I reached for the bandage, and remembering all that my scout training had taught me tied it off just above the wound.
My patient was now in shock, and looked a wee bit pale, so sitting her on a low stool I raised the leg to help. My first thought was get it higher, but the only way to do that was to sit her on the floor, but she would never get up from there. So I grabbed a duvet and thought that would have to do.
Next thing was to call her daughter, only 2 shops down, to get her here and arrange for hospitalisation. She was going to need stitches. Her daughter arrived and quickly told me that she didn't have a car, so an ambulance was called. I'm quite pleased and smug to be able to say that the checklist that they read off to me (things I must do etc...), wasn't needed as the bases were all covered.
As it was a non life threatening call, they would be with us within an hour, this was fine, although the tea that was being brewed wasn't allowed to be given.
Two very nice ambulance ladies turned up 20 minutes later, and inspected the wound. It had luckily stopped bleeding, although my bandage was a very deep red. No wonder she felt a wee light headed. She even managed to walk out to the ambulance.
*****(SMUG BIT APPROACHING)*****
The ambulance people turned to me and asked me who had did the first aid, I replied it was me and they said I couldn't have done a thing better. Not bad for someone who hasn't had any training in over 10 years, and then that was cubs stuff. :D
*****(SMUG BIT OVER)*****
I have noticed a pattern at the shop, whenever I have time off, the shift before I have a medical incident to worry about. Last time a lady caught her hand in the door and broke a finger. Ah well more paperwork for the boss to worry about when she gets back from her hols.
***UPDATE***
She is at home and still as head strong as ever.
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