In most cases of "waiting an eternity", I recognize that 'eternity' can be as short as 20 minutes. That said, when one is in pain; agonizing PAIN', 5 minutes can be an eternity.
Sadly, I honestly can see someone waiting upwards of 15 hours to be evaluated; forget about treated. My dear friend got to TVH-ED after experiencing what he thought were heart attack symptoms. He complained of chest pains upon his arrival there at 10:45PM. He sat in chairs till 11:25PM and was taken back to a room. Clutching at his chest continued and he yelled out for help. He said a Dr????" stuck his head in and said he was sending help.
At 1:45AM, he was visited by a CNA and vitals were done. Pain level at that point was a 7-8. Improved but he was tachy (tachycardia- fast heart rate) and sweating. No IV line. CHEST PAINS, DIAPHORESIS (excessive sweating).
NO O2 was placed. No LABS!!!
At 3:30AM, he got to his feet and headed for the exit. He collapsed in the lobby; passed out.
He was brought back to the room, had a CXR and WAITED till 4:15AM for labs and a room. His temp at that point was 103.8 and climbing. He was taken to the OR at 1PM and had his abscessed gallbladder (never had a symptom before) removed. Shocker here, infection followed. So, to wonder if someone really waited that long' it pains me to say yes, I can believe it. It is terrifying.
I, typically, give time estimates a pass. My time is different from your time in urgent situations sometimes. Horrific care is just that.
I use Santa Barbara United Healthcare and I have been thrilled. Yes, I am very observant and I ask questions. Some folks, especially elders, are trusting of the people who hold their life in their hands. Respect. Tough to change an entire lifes behavior that readily.
I just hope that the care there improves. It will never be a Level 1. It NEEDS improvement. NOMESAYIN??
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