Georgia

When we admit patients whose names we don't know, we give them names of States in order to identify them.  This afternoon, we received four trauamas; Utah, Hawaii, Iowa (?) and Georgia.  These people came from a sporting event and were the victims of a suicide bomber.  I went to the ER to help them and documented on Utah.  When I returned to the unit, I found I was getting one of the patients, Georgia.

When I got report on Georgia, he was a young boy of eight who received two broken knees, peppering to his face, arms, and abdomen.  A hole in his left shoulder and some other injuries.  I quickly assessed him and we got him settled.  I had learned that Georgia was a boy who did not have a guardian and did not speak Pashtu or Dari but Uzebekestanian.  Of course we don't have an Uzbekestan translator!  I felt immediately protective of this boy.  All I could see when I looked at him was Kodi.  How fearful he must have been opening his eyes to a bunch of strangers poking at him when all he remembered was attending Buzkashi (a Central Asian sporting event where use the carcass of a headless goat...don't ask).

When he opened his eyes and looked at me, I could see the fear in his eyes and I just wanted to console him.  How was I supposed to tell him he was going to go to surgery or not to worry, he was safe?  I just let my motherly instincts take over.  When night shift came, I asked Lynn if she minded that I stay with him until he went to the OR and thankfully she said it was ok.  I just didn't think it was fair for him to endure more trauma and for him to be able to see a somewhat familiar face that he could associate with during this mess. 

After he went to OR, I cried a little because I just feel this overwhelming urge to protect him.  I said a prayer for him and although I am off tomorrow, I will go and check on him.  I had two thoughts going through my mind...1) I hope his surgery is successful and they find a guardian for him and 2) God forbid my sons ever find themselves in a situation like Georgia, I pray someone will show them the kindness I felt toward this boy.