VSingh

We have concluded that I’m not a doctor, despite the fact that I’m a tall handsome man who wears white gown and works in the hospital. So what is it that I actually do?

Well the most obvious thing is – if a medical device breaks down – we (me and my “mentor”) check what’s wrong with it – what to do to fix it – what spare parts are needed. Apart from that we assist in operations (widening of the arteries when they have been clogged and/or patient has had a heart attack -  implantation of stents), interventions and implantations of pacemakers etc.

Basically we supervise and check that the machines are working – and in the case something stops working – we have to act immediately. We also have to help out regulating the operation table that’s being used by the surgeon.

First time I attended a pacemaker implantation I was fine standing a few meters away. But since I’m new the physician instructed me to come closer and see as the match-box size device is implanted. Yes I witnessed how he incised the skin, “dug” into the patients inner tissue to make space for the pacemaker.

Now all of that was fine, even the blood sipping out was fine. Until the wound suddenly started vomiting out blood. It was pouring all over the place. The sterilized cloth covering the patient was not sterilized any more. It was full of blood and other inner body matter. Not nice. Now I know why I chose not to become a nurse/doctor. I don’t fear blood and stuff – but this was just another level – with the inner tissue/meat being dug into and blood pouring out. The pictures in my head are enough –so I didn’t take any with my camera.

Meet Doctor Singh Ji. The stethoscope was added just to pose the photo.

On a serious note, sometime I also have to explain the patient’s condition, diagnosis, and suggested treatment to his/her family when they only speak Hindi/Urdu. This is essential when the family is consulted on what treatment should be given.

More else do I do? Well, apart from the above, I’ve been preparing an inventory list of all of the machines – to be able to have an idea about what machines we have, what condition they’re in and thus start making a prevention maintenance schedule (bla bla bla). And I’m making a website for the hospital! I’m also helping out in the purchase of medical devises: evaluating products, their specifications and prices etc etc.

I also explain how to use some of the medical equipment that we have. For example, some nurses are very familiar using the ECG equipment, but not as familiar using the ventilators – in which case I explain what each button/function does and when it is to be used. I love doing that since it means interacting more with the nurses/humans than interacting with the machines alone

It’s extremely important that the nurses are comfortable using the machines so that they’re confident while using them, and don’t use them incorrectly

But mostly, I sit with the nurses and doctors in the emergency (ICCU) unit and drink tea. Do it the Asian way. Chai.

My lovely colleagues from the ICCU.