ER - Brisbane style

Many of you will have experienced Casualty/Emergency area's in the likes of Beaumont and the Mater. And of course on ER where its always snowing in Chicago for some reason. I have experienced these first hand/leg myself (not the Chicago sneachta). Paying a visit is usually a very last resort and means you've either broken an arm/leg in a football match, or you've fallen down drunk and woke the next day to find the wrist really is "quite sore". Nobody "likes" going - it usually means being prepared for a decent 5 or 6 hour stint of misery - longer if its Friday or Saturday and you're in with the self-inflicted injury drunks. Alissa particularly enjoyed being asked for money by some nice people as she waited (with her ticket) to be seen in the Rotunda - when she was 4 months pregnant.

So, it was armed with this experience that I contemplated bringing Aibhe into Emergency last night. Earlier, the doc had said to Alissa that if the temperature didn't calm down and/or the breathing didn't relax a bit - to take her into hospital. We reckoned we could handle it at home, but the poor "little" thing was pretty miserable and her temp stayed up. So it was with great trepidation (and a touch of curiosity on my part) that the decision to head to hospital at 9.30pm was taken.

Arriving at the Wesley Hospital - the first thing that hit me. Peace. Serenity. Total calm. A friendly lady at the (completely open, non glass-panelled) Emergency reception desk took our details immediately, and 2 minutes later a nurse arrived to bring us to a private area to take Aibhe's stats (vital signs is probably the word but ER hasn't been on for a while and I don't watch Gray's Anatomy or House so there's probably a more up to date expression now). An apology then followed (as all the "normal" waiting rooms/areas was busy) as she led us to another area to wait for a consultant. Looked fine to me. Still, serenity reigned all around. 5 minutes later, a consultant arrived. Asked his questions, checked Aibhe & immediately decided to put her on a nebuliser for a few minutes. Came back about 20 mins later once the ventalin had time to take effect - checked Aibhe again- noticed improvement. In this time he had called our Paediatrician and booked us in to see him the following morning. Another nurse then came around shortly thereafter with some stuff (panadol and steroids I think) which she gave Aibhe and then sat us down again for another few minutes on the nebuliser - see picture (I would like to say this was taken with Alissa's camera phone, but no, Alissa has the camera for all occasions). 10 minutes later, off ye go. Waves and goodbyes from the nurses and we were off home. Mind you the reception lady did mention that it tends to be a little busier on match nights. Not every Friday and Saturday, just match nights.

Anyway, think we were back home in bed by 11. For the best night's sleep of the week for all concerned.

Think I had a dream about Beaumont casualty dept.