I forgot to share some excitement during training! I got to be a PA on the road!
Early in training we were preparing a fire. A fellow CEO was chopping wood when a piece flew at his face. He really didn’t know what him, but he soon realized he was bleeding!
When I took a look I found a three centimeter laceration to his right forehead. I encouraged him to head to the local urgent care. Although he didn’t want to go he followed my advice.
He headed off for a quick three hours at the ER. I stayed behind, but part of me wanted to go just to check out the UC/ER! Call me a nerd!
He came back to camp with six sutures. Five days later I had the honor of taking the sutures out. The physician provided him with a suture removal kit so I could take them out!
We were at the Grand Canyon the night I took them out. It was wet and raining. It was freezing cold, only about 35F (2C). I took them out right under the starry night sky with just the light of my headlamp and my cold trembling hands! True camping style suture removal!
He was so appreciative of my help! I got the biggest hug as a thank you! It’s moments like these that remind me why I became a physician assistant!
It’s been about one week since suture removal. The laceration is healing well! I’ve encouraged keeping the area protected from the sun to minimize scarring. He isn’t doing the best with that advice, but it is a bit difficult when living the outdoor life!
#PAlife #CEOlife #medicineontheroad
