This narrative is submitted after responding to a fellow employee who had collapsed on the job. We work as fire fighters and EMT's.
The Employee whose name is "T" had collapse unwitnessed and was down for approx. 5 minutes before discovery. Response time of BLS level care was 1 minute. Patient was found supine on an elevated work platform. Teeth were clenched and eyes squinted shut. Patient was unresponsive to any stimuli. Patient was breathing and drooling. Left pupil was fixed and unresponsive. Due to unwitnessed collapse C-spine precautions were initiated. Approximately 5 minutes after BLS arrival Patient began vomiting. Patient was rolled over to protect airway. Patient had eaten within the last 20 minutes and produced a very large amount of vomitus. Patient regained consciousness a few minutes later and continued with the nausea even though stomach was empty. Patient stated he had a real bad headache. Patient was awake but confused. Patient transported by ambulance approximately 30 minutes after collapse. Diagnosed with Sub-subarachanoid Hemorrhage (SAH). Surgery was performed in under 24 hours to repair aneurysm.
I submitted this to give an account of what had occurred with this patient who is a good friend and fellow employee. I was the first person to respond after discovery by another fellow employee.
Addendum
My friend is doing okay. he is resting at the hospital and shall be there 8 to 10 days. Prognosis is for a complete recovery. Doctors said that the surgery went very well. They also commended us on our rapid response to the situation and getting him into the hospital right away. I expect that this is the key in surviving SAH. I will be able to see him in about a week. His wife is limiting visitors to family only.