Best Company Ever

Yesterday, I was paired with a big ol' Vietnam Veteran as my partner, who could probably bench press me with ease. He was really funny and a generally great guy to work with.

Then we got an End Stage Renal Disease patient who had an extensive list of previous history: CVA, HTN, DVT, acute chronic cholecystitus, possible asbestos, dyslipidemia, mental disability, etc. Nicest guy in the world, I love taking him. Only problem is that he's pretty big. The only other time I've taken him, I was riding as a third, so we were able to get him no problem.

Well, yesterday VVP and I had to do it alone, which is usually okay. He was surprisingly able to make it over to the stretcher without being sheeted over, but we obviously had to raise the stretcher back up. VVP sort of jumped the gun and started lifting before he said "three," so I had to catch up and strain to keep him from falling.

I didn't really think much of it until last night when I was going to bed. I couldn't get comfortable because of my right shoulder, but I thought it was just tired.

Today, I can't move my arm more than a few degrees up, while my other arm has complete range of motion. So, I call in to work and say, "Hey, it's Sam, I just wanted to let you know that I pulled or strained a muscle in my shoulder. I'm more than happy to come in, I just want to know if I can be put on as a third so I don't have to lift today."

I'm a little nervous, thinking about MedicMarch's experience with his company after hurting himself. But no, my company is fabulous.

His response is, "Don't come in today or tomorrow, we'll replace you both days. All you're going to do is irritate it if you keep working before it's healed. If you keep hurting yourself, then we'll never get you back! In fact, I know you're scheduled to work Wednesday, but I don't want you back here until Thursday at 6, okay? Now go lie down, put some heat on it, and we'll see you next week."

Then the dispatcher picked up the phone and asked if I had pulled a muscle during a "hot date." Oh boy, this company is fabulous.

Now to go find some moist heat to apply...

Take care out there,
Sam