Two weeks ago I was the unfortunate subject of a medical emergency.
It was a scary, traumatizing experience, but one that would have been much worse without the doctors, nurses and paramedics of Alberta who took me into their care.
On Feb 20, troubling scan results from Jasper hospital got me a one-way flight to Edmonton.
I was prepped for surgery in Jasper then taken by ambulance, air ambulance, and ambulance again to the Misericordia Community Hospital.
Thank you, Jasper doctors and nurses for being so kind and reassuring. I had never been admitted to hospital before but you kept the process calm and positive and helped me keep a cool head.
Thank you, paramedics (Tom, Kat, Cam, Alex, I’m sorry I don’t remember all of your names), for the safe and comfortable journey. Your friendliness, professionalism and camaraderie really put me at ease and I felt like if my situation had gotten worse enroute, I was in the right hands.
Before that day I didn’t know about Alberta Health Services’ fleet of fixed-wing planes used to transport rural patients to the big city. They have 11 airplanes, their own hangar at Edmonton International and transport about 7,000 patients a year. It was a smooth, efficient, safe service - one I hope is always protected.
At Misericordia, the specialist decided against operating on me that night. He wanted me to stay in for a couple of days to monitor my blood levels, then he would decide how to proceed.
Everything was explained to us with patience and comfort. The specialist and nurses wanted us to understand everything, answered all our questions and relieved our concerns.
It was a couple of days of waiting, occasional pricks for blood, regular made-to-order nutritious meals (no, really! I thought hospital food was supposed to be terrible).
Thank you nurses Coel, Shaela, Connie and the night nurses, for making my stay so comfortable. You were friendly, funny and attentive and I appreciate everything you did for me.
Thank you to my husband, Josh, for being by my side at every possible moment, bringing me flowers and cookies, and holding my hand through everything.
Eventually, the specialist decided against surgery and I was treated with drugs and released. I couldn’t wait to get home.
Thank you to the Fitzhugh team for rallying together so quickly to get emergency editor Jake Courtepatte to Jasper to cover for me.
It was a whirlwind, stressful and surreal few days, but in a way I feel grateful to have peeked behind the curtain and experienced the great Albertan health care system. I have run out of adjectives to describe the wonderful people who took care of me, but appreciate those at every step of my journey.
I hope we, as a province, always take care of those who take such good care of us. Our health service really is something precious.
Fuchsia Dragon
