Paramedic Responds to Seriously Ill Grave Digger | Ambulance BBC

Patient Assessment and Initial Concerns

• 🚑 A 65-year-old male, Keith, presents with severe abdominal pain and vomiting, indicating a potentially serious condition.
• 💡 Paramedics suspect sepsis due to the severity of his symptoms and his diabetic condition, which is not well-controlled.
• 🩺 An ECG is performed to monitor his heart activity, and his vital signs are closely monitored.

Patient History and Occupation

• 🪦 Keith reveals he has worked as a grave digger since he was 15 years old, having started immediately after leaving school.
• 💬 He expresses feelings of stress and worry, particularly about his health and the possibility of his condition worsening.

Medical Complications and Treatment

• ⚠️ Keith's condition deteriorates, showing signs of a rapid heart rate (SVT) and periods of bradycardia (slow heart rate), with concerns about potential VF (Ventricular Fibrillation).
• 🏥 The patient is transported to Royal Blackburn Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

Paramedic Reflections

• 🧠 The paramedics reflect on the emotional challenges of their job, including the difficulty of disconnecting from intense situations.
• ✨ They express gratitude for the privilege of helping people and finding their purpose in emergency medical services.