LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER

Most of the time, patients in the emergency department are alone, and without family or friends at the bedside to provide love and support. We usually appreciate this in the ER - it is widely known that any kind of family/friend showing up immediately creates a more dependent and whiny patient. Moderate pain becomes severe and debilitating, hunger turns into starvation, and a 5 minute wait develops into a month long lesson in patience that should be rewarded with a prize.

That being said, the interaction between patient and family can, at times, be a heartwarming experience. The job itself is very stressful - throw in the long hours, bland paint, no windows, constant complaining, and we need a little pick me up here and there. That's why this particular mother-daughter team lit up my heart. The young girl (16) came in after a sports injury, and was diagnosed with a rib injury.

Dr. Z: This is an incentive spirometer, sweetheart. I'm going to give this to you to go home with, but I want to make sure that you understand how to use it. Okay?
... I proceeded to explain to her the correct way to use an incentive spirometer, and even threw in my amazing acting skills to solidify the training...
Patient16: Like this? (she proceeds to prove to me she listened to absolutely nothing that I said)
Mom: No no, baby. Like this. (Mom, surprisingly, is a quick study, and demonstrates perfect form)
Patient16: How did you do that, mom?
Mom: You don't blow on it, baby. You inhale. Like a joint. Nice and deep.

Lit up my heart. And once they left, I'm sure they lit up something of their own.