Angel...

I have to admit, that most of my absolute favorite patients ever, are from the older generation. "Blue hairs" I like to call them, or you medical buffs, geriatrics. Funny, funny people. They live the simplest lives, although they have so many ailments as time goes on, its heart breaking. They have the frailest, fragile bodies, and I love to be able to come and help them take care of whatever they need. Some of my most rewarding calls, come from the sweet little lady who has fallen out of bed. Of course, as the call is coming in at 5am, I am groggy and bothered that I have to get out of my warm bed, but then realize what a blessing it is to get in and out of bed on my own. We get to her, place her back in bed, pull up the covers and depart. I sometimes have to catch myself, from a kiss on the forehead, as I feel for these poor souls who are awakened by hitting the floor! Now, on the other hand, come the old timers with the funny attitudes and potty mouths. Love them. I know that any call with this type, I typically leave smiling, after the slew of profanity for hurting them, bothering them, or telling them what to do.

One lovely day, a few years back, I was working for a specific city ambulance. In this department, for some reason I was not required to wear a uniform at all times. Jeans, cowboy boots, whatever. I had always worn my EMT pants, for the many useful pockets and the somewhat professional appearance they had, but on this particular day I had a red zip up hoodie on. My captain at this establishment, couldn't get my size figured out for whatever reason, and my jackets were always about 6 inches too long on the sleeves. Nothing like an extra long sleeve to drag around in someones blood, or attempt an IV in, please...
On the front of this hoodie, was the word "ANGEL" in cursive writing. We were called to transport an older gentleman, from his home to a dialysis lab in another city.  The trip would take around 20 minutes. We got him in the back, and I sat next to him on the bench. My partner that day, who was also female, sat on the other side and was filling out our paperwork. Our patient laid there and we talked the entire way down. He wouldn't answer my partners questions, only mine. I continued to monitor him and we conversed the whole trip, and I could tell he was comfortable with me. As we pulled in to the lab, I told him we were going to get ready to take him in. To my surprise, up came his arm, and it went right at my chest level, from one side to the other!! He said, "What's this say? ANGEL?...I've been touched by an ANGEL!!" as he um, brushed his hand across my goods. I grabbed his hand, and put it down, and we dropped him off. At that moment, yes I was a bit stunned, and laughed it off... But I know now, he WAS comfortable with me. Too comfortable...Needless to say, I will never own another piece of clothing with 'ANGEL' written on it.