As I sat in the emergency room, I couldn’t help but notice the woman glaring at me from the corner of my eye. Her expression was one of pure frustration, and I felt my stomach tighten at the thought of a confrontation. I knew I was in no mood to engage in a verbal battle, especially after witnessing the chaos that can ensue when someone feels their needs are being overlooked.
Years ago, I witnessed a male nurse being verbally assaulted while trying to de-escalate a situation with an upset parent who believed their needs were more pressing than those of my ill child. In the emergency room, emotions can run high, and it’s intimidating to be the focus of that anger.
I want to make it clear that I don’t feel any joy in the priority status we receive when we enter the ER. As I walk past you in the waiting room, I see your struggles. I saw you bent over a bucket, and I noticed you comforting your child with a broken arm. I know that every moment you wait feels unbearable. It’s uncomfortable to think that the reason I’m being seen sooner is because my child’s situation is more critical.
I see the discomfort on your faces, the anxiety and pain etched into the lines of your brows and shoulders. You’re holding your breath, hoping that the next name called will be yours or your child’s. But I know that my son’s name will be called first, and as I rise to take his hand, I feel the weight of your stares. I hear the murmurs, the whispers meant for my ears, and I can’t help but feel a deep sense of guilt.
I wish I could ignore the judgment and walk past with my head held high. But the truth is, I don’t relish our urgent access to medical care. I would much rather be waiting with you, dealing with a common ailment rather than the life-threatening reality we face. For us, each tick of the clock can mean the difference between severe brain damage or no damage at all for my son.
Unlike the man who arrives with visible injuries, my son’s crisis isn’t immediately apparent. He might appear fine on the outside, laughing or playing, but inside, a dangerous toxin is wreaking havoc in his body. This toxin, ammonia, can lead to severe consequences if not treated swiftly.
My son has a rare condition called citrullinemia, caused by a missing enzyme that disrupts his metabolism. Because of this, we often have to react quickly when he shows symptoms. The emergency department is our only option for testing, as there’s no other facility nearby that can do it. Each visit comes with the understanding that we must protect him from viruses and bacteria, which makes the waiting room a daunting place for us.
I understand your frustration; I really do. But please know that my son doesn’t have the luxury of waiting for hours. He requires immediate attention, and I carry a protocol letter from his doctor that outlines the urgency of his condition. This letter ensures that the ER staff recognizes the critical nature of our situation.
When the nurses call his name with a smile and guide us away from the crowded waiting area, it’s not favoritism; it’s a matter of life and death. Just like a patient with chest pain is prioritized over someone with a mild stomach ache, my son’s needs dictate that he be seen first.
I know it may seem unfair, and I empathize with the pain of waiting longer than you expected. We didn’t choose this path, but we are grateful for the medical professionals who act swiftly and for those who choose to understand rather than judge.
So, while I’m sorry for your suffering, please know my child needs this urgency. I wish things were different, but this is our reality.
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Summary
Navigating the emergency room can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to prioritization. This article highlights the intense emotions involved when families with urgent medical needs must navigate the perceptions of others in the waiting room. It emphasizes that not all emergencies are visible and underscores the importance of understanding the complexities of each individual case.