25 March: Metallic Blood

We should gathered at Ward 28 a.k.a female surgical ward at 8 sharp, but due to the downpour and jammed traffic, I had to surrender to the fact that I was late by 15 minutes.

The team waited. Gracious.

As usual, we did our routine. Most of the patient there were those of pre-operation, patients with gastro-related probs and even breast cancer and excessive lumps. The ward was full; even the extension beds were fully occupied and the nurses had to rush upstairs for extra beds from Ward 29.

At 11, we moved to Ward 29 a.k.a male surgical ward. Most are guys with pre-operation preparations, urology probs [males tend to get problems with their excretory system once they age] and others.

Afterwards, Mahsuri Ward a.k.a female medical ward. A doctor briefed us; obviously a HO, but his name tag was on backwards and I couldn't get his name.

Medical. Means there's loads of patients with jumbled-up probs all under one roof. Name it; respiratory, nephron-related, gastro, we have it all.

Why did I sounded like a sales rep? Dude.

One that really caught my attention was a 27 y.o patient fitting. I stood up and went near her. Her mother was at loss of what to do. Doctor? Yo, we need help here!

She was already lied on her side and the doctor [HO] put his gloved hand between her teeth. She was clattering; bordering between consciousness. I smelt the metallic scent of blood.

Blood oozed from her mouth. Two conclusions came into; whether she bit her tongue or the blood came from her stomach. I recalled her being referred there from the gastro unit.

Two MOs soon came to the rescue. We students exited the procedure and let the docs do their job in peace.

She was soon stabilized. Her mother was still in silent tears. I can only smile empathetically at her.

Need to accumulate comforting skills. Currently, mine is non-existent. Actually, I hate it if I'm in distress and people come up to me, patting the small of my back and cite the same mantra, "Sabar ye." like a broken record.

Like I'm not. Duh.

p/s: MO stands for medical officer. I described blood as metallic-scented because blood is composed of ferum. True enough, go sniff some blood. You'll agree.