This week: Triage
At the end of a busy day, the clinic often looks like the aftermath of a war zone. But instead of shrapnel, there is blood splattered on the cupboard doors and towels strewn all over the soiled tiled floors. Most of the desktop surfaces are covered with equipment and drugs that need to be cleaned and placed back in their rightful containers. There is an atmosphere of tangible relief among the staff that all went well. In fact, after 10 years on the job, I still find it amazing when everything works out the way I had planned.
There is nothing worse than a surprise in my line of work. It has usually been a difficult day if I tell my loved ones at home I had a surprising day. Following is an account of just one day that was full of surprises.
Tuesdays at most veterinary clinics where I have worked is usually a day of respite. There are usually fewer clients then normal and it is a good time to catch up on paperwork or just have a good, old-fashioned gossip session with fellow staff.
That line from the movie Forest Gump, 'Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get', certainly applies to being a vet. I know I am going to face people presenting sick animals, but I never know what problems I am going to face.
One Tuesday last year was most unforgettable. No appointments were scheduled and I was planning to treat the crew to an impromptu breakfast when the front door of the clinic slammed, making a loud noise that startled the clinic cat. I knew immediately that some kind of emergency was waiting. In fact, there were not one but three stressed families outside with their beloved animals. I realised then that the quiet morning had been the calm before a storm.