It is a parent's bad dream: watching helplessly as their young child struggles to breathe. It is as if time stands still as they consider everything in their power to assist in opening up those delicate airways on their miniature human. Certainly great amounts of stress overcome those parents found in this type of situation, but for a minute put yourself in our shoes;
A father comes running into the waiting room with a limp body that is obviously struggling to breath. Those crowding the waiting room observe the pair almost baffled and confused as they recognize an "emergency" but have little idea of what is happening. It is you they all turn to. You are the one who has the training, the license, and that coveted identification badge that suddenly feels much like an anvil dangling from your chest.
The situation is bad. Children compensate well then crash fast. This child is already having mental status changes, is covered in sweat, and his oxygenation reads 75% instead of the comfortable 95-100%. Your heart is in your throat as you gather information and do your best to prioritize the most important questions. Airway obstruction, underlying medical problems, allergies...nursing school doesn't prepare you for these things. Your mind attempts treason as it melts into a confusing state of figuring out what to do next. "A, B, C's" you were always taught. Give that kid some oxygen...but if the airways are constricted what good will it do?

I have experienced scenarios very similar to this and they have gone many different ways. My most recent was excellent. As the patient was placed in the room, my team descended on him and worked together to correct the problem. The outcome was positive and the little guy recovered well.
When finding out I work in the ER, people frequently react in a combined horror/awe with the obvious "what is the craziest thing you have seen?" It certainly is a crazy place to work and the perfect place for an adrenaline junkie. There is constant stimulation and challenges and you must learn to work with others, be sharp with details, and think on your toes. To me it is a constant reminder of how precious life is and how briefly it lasts. Some shifts make me want to run to the airport and jump on a flight to Missouri in order to give my family one more hug. We all do it. We disagree or get annoyed with those we love. Just remember the next time you get impatient with them-some people don't get that chance anymore. Love those you are blessed to share this journey of life with, especially those whom you
can call family. I believe love is stronger than anything else in life and although you may never know how important your love is to someone else, I think it is important to love so selflessly that it is undeniable. Jesus gave us the capability and the ultimate example of love-so why hold back?