Anybody familiar with medical terminology who can help with a story I'm writing?

Question

I'm writing a story, and I'm stuck on a scene in which a couple of paramedics are attempting to save someone. As it stands, it's not very believable because I'm not all that familiar with medical terminology. So, I'm looking for the assistance of any nurses, medics, etc..

The scene is this: A man is bleeding to death as a result of slicing both of his arms from elbow to wrist. He's lost consciousness and his pulse is fading fast. Two medics arrive and do their thing. What would the paramedics do in this situation? What would the conversation be like?

Anyone with more knowledge about this stuff than me, feel free to toss in your two cents. Any tips are appreciated.

In the meantime, I'm off to see what I can dig up on the internet.

Answer 1

Well, they would assess the patient and attempt to slow the bleeding by applying pressure on the wounds. They would monitor vitals and give the pt oxygen if necessary, prob strap him or her down. Is this happening in the ambulance or on scene somewhere? If it's happening in a house or wherever, then they'd get him/her into the ambulance pronto and wheel the pt out on a stretcher. Secretly these guys love riding with lights and sirens (no kidding, that's one of the first things they ask when they get a call--do they need the lights and sirens on). One would stay in the back and take care of the pt, and the other would be driving.

If the pt goes into cardiac arrest they can always get out the defibrillator, of course. Mostly people you see with a lot of blood loss go into shock, so that means the pt's blood temperature would probably drop, pulse would be weak and thready.

Paramedics really just try to get the pt stabilized and get them to the hospital as quickly as possible.

Answer 2

You should go to your local hospital or fire station and ask to talk with an EMT. Ask him/her out for coffee and have your ideas and questions ready (you pay).

Second thought would be to take a CPR course or first aid course.

OR ... ride along in an ambulance for a day--this might take cookies for the EMT to get permission.

Also, do your research by checking out journals, EMT books, and other novels that have a similar scene.

Answer 3

The IV ought to in all likelihood be all started in the neck or groin with a very great gauge intercath in an attempt to push fluids immediately and in anticipation of infusing blood on the hospital. this may also be mandatory because his smaller vessels should be collapsing from blood loss.