I saw a guy die yesterday.........................

[RG5384]

While shooting pool at our "game room" up here at UNF, all of the sudden a guy who was playing ping-pong set his paddle down and fell over. He started to have major problems breathing, and then he started to pee himself. Next his pulse slowed way down and he was only breathing every thirty seconds or so. This was about the time the on campus PD showed up, and they hooked him up to an "automatic" shock paddle thing, and they used it twice to get his heart back going. They then tried to perform CPR unsuccessfully. By this time the real paramedics came and took off the temporary "shock paddles" and put on the heavy duty ones, I heard him flat line twice, and they had to breath for him. He was put on an IV immediately and had something else injected into him. When he was carried out on the stretcher they were breathing for him, and his heartbeat was very, very erratic. I asked an employee if he had made it or not when I was in there today, and the employee informed me that he had died but they did not know of what. I am not proud to say that I saw someone in the final moments of his life; in fact, I wish I never saw it, and I hope I never have to see it again. It kind of took the "invincibility" of my thinking away temporarily I think, and has made me think of a lot of issues. The guy was not a student, but certainly not old, he was probably in his 30s or so, and of Asian decent. I heard he had two kids and a wife as well. No one knew even as much as his name in the entire game room, not even the person he was playing. He had no keys or wallet on him or anything like that either. After the paramedics left they asked all witnesses (rather told) to stay and write out a detailed account of what we saw. That was my first inclination that he may die. I really hope I never have to see that again, and I feel so sorry for the man as no one was there that knew or really cared about him personally in the last moments of his conscious life. Thanks for reading,
Ryan

[Michael]

Life is precious-live every day like it's your last

My thoughts are with the family of the deceased - life's harsh sometimes

It kind of took the "invincibility" of my thinking away temporarily I think, and has made me think of a lot of issues.

When I was in my teens and early twenties, I used to think I was totally invincible also. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't an ego thing, just the way you think up until you see some things in life or something happens to you. I know how you feel now though RG5384. Don't let it scare you, just realize there is only one way out of this solar system for all of us. Turn it into something good though and take some time to perhaps renew of keep up with your faith. We should always try to be the best we can because we just never know when that day, although far off for most, will arrive.

[Snibble]

Sad stories... my grandfather also died of a heart attack. He was riding his bike, and according to witnesses, he was leaning over and then fell off. People thought he was drunk and ignored him. Later someone saw that he was suffering from a heart attack, but it was too late.

Also, there is a cafeteria here popular with geriatrics. I was there one time to see my friend who was working there and apparently an elderly lady passed away while sitting at her table. The ambulance and the works came in for her, but she was deceased by the time they got there.

RG5384, I lost my dad four years ago, so I know what its like to lose that feeling of invincibility. I'd offer you some advice of my own, but after reading what TANK wrote, I don't think I could have said anything different. Also keep in mind that time not only heals but gives wisdom. Don't let it shake you up too much. Maybe talk to some of the other people that were there that night to see what their thoughts are.

[Snibble]

Originally posted by blackmercedes


Call me old fashioned, but "croaked" is a disrespectful term. I hope that I don't have the misfortune of dying alone sitting in a cafeteria.

Sorry, I will use better and respectable words next time.

[AuctorEcclesiae]

Being involved in ministry, I have been with families and with many people when they have breathed their last. What amazes me time and time again is the faith that many of these people have. While I can't say that I've been with someone who
has died suddenly like this person did, I have visited with
heart attack victims, cancer patients, etc. and regardless of
their religious denomination, it's amazing to hear their
faith stories. Some are willing to talk -- others just want
you to hold their hand. It's a special ministry and a blessing for me to be present at every occasion. It never gets easier though. We hurt for ourselves and for those who are left behind.

Isn't it something how someone who is in top physical condition dies suddenly at 30 years of age, while a person who may be older, overweight, a smoker, etc. lives to be 90!!

Sometimes I wonder if all of these healthy eating fads, these exercise gimmicks are really worth it. When it's our time, it's our time, and there's not a thing we can do about it!

Not only the loss of my mother, but watching someone transformed from living to dead, has robbed me of sleep and hits me like a bolt of lightening several times a day.

blackmercedes, my mom died died in 1994. She was only 53. We had some very special moments and I am glad I was with her to the end. It shows a lot of character that you stayed with her, good for you. I have a brother and sister that did not stay with my mom or visit her. I will NEVER understand this. I even went to visit her when she was unconscous and sat by her bed. I know exactly what you feel with that "bolt" of lightening. I had this in the middle of the night as well as in the day for a long time. I have many good memories now. Your mom is in a much better place. Just remember for those of us who have to hang around here for a while longer, time does heal. Although you will never lose your feelings for that person - ever, your wound will heal, trust me!

Ryan, hope you are feeling better.

Here I was tonight feeling sorry for myself. Because of my lack of stability all things I "probably could have changed" besides the fire...... And browsing the forum threads to find yours.... I feel for his family & friends.
Death is only hard on the Living....
In my short life of 33yrs. I've witnessed more than I ever care to. In 1982 my brother who was only 25 passed away suddenly at the hand of another. In February of 1991 My father went "Home" due to a Massive Heart Attack. Its still so hard for me to talk about ... Three months before my daughter Jessica who was 26 months old was diagnosed with PNET a malignant brain cancer. That alone would have killed him, He lived for her. Every night no matter what rain, snow, whatever.. He and my mother would take her for a ride until she fell asleep. Jessica is now 14 and in remission, Thanks to the Lord. In August of 1998 my sister who was 42 was in a fatal auto accident. Then March of 1999 my mom went "HOME" too. We found out a week earlier she had Pancreatic cancer, when originally doctors were saying it was Lupus, Gallstones , etc... She was in sooo much pain... I along with my other 3 sisters and my Aunt all stayed with her the last two days we had. We laughed and talked until she couldnt say anything or even realize we were there.. Even though death is the HARDEST thing in life you have do go threw I wouldnt have missed those wonderful moments of laughter and even though she may not have been able to see us she knows now we held her until it was time. I still remember being at the foot of her bed at home and hear her last breathe...

My mom always told me "No matter how hard you think you have it , There is ALWAYS someone who is worse off than you"

Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family of the young man at the game room. Lots of Love jewels.

I understand where everyone is coming from and it is sad thing, but i just wanted to know does anybody here NOT feel anything when someone else dies or sees a dead body?

let me give you an example: i am proabably going to med school to become an ER physician, or go into orthopedics or family physican, but i deflintly want to work in ER for a while just for fun.

From the ER docs i have talked to and other people in the medical field (i.e. ER nurses, autopsy techs, etc.). watching people die is nothing, they see it everyday and sometimes few times a day.

Some of these people been doing this kind of work for years and years and it just doesnt bother them and they move on to the next patient.

People tell me if i go into ER that i will turn into a "cold hearted" person so to speak, does this apply to anyone here or think its true?

[AuctorEcclesiae]

Hi Johnson:

I know exactly what you mean. Being in ministry, I have seen my fair share of people die. It's not ever an easy thing to deal with, but I realize that I need to stay focused and to be there for the grieving family members.

I would not say that doctors are "cold-hearted." It's true when you work in health care that you will see death -- it's inevitable. I think that doctors and health care professionals deal with it on a more personal level though. They don't let it show so much while they are working because I think that they know what a detriment that might be to the care of their other patients. But believe me, when their shift is over and they have time to just think back on the day, it hits them -- especially if it was more of a tragic death. I've had first-hand experience.

We ALL have to deal with death, regardless of what our profession is. But it's how we do it that makes the difference. Hang in there, and don't ever feel bad about talking when there is something that bothered you in your shift. It's important to get those things out and to grow from those experiences.

I hope that is kinda helpful. Best wishes in your medical pursuits.

-Michael.