Today was better.
In the morning my group went to the Fire Station where they simulated a big Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA). The scenario was that we, a group of med students on our way to some school-related event, are first on the scene of a big road accident out in the country. They had real cars, passengers (actors) with cuts, (fake) blood, and varying degrees of injury, glass and debris everywhere, and a random drunk spectator (actor) causing trouble. Actual firefighters and ambulance officers came along about ten minutes later (after we "called" for help) and they were completely in character, the firefighters taking the roof off the cars in the end to get our patients out.
It was actually pretty scary. When we first arrived I think the seven of us just stood there for half a minute completely unsure of what to do or how to proceed; we all just froze. And then got into it because we had no other choice. I definitely (a.) freaked out, (b.) made plenty of mistakes and (c.) had no idea what I was doing the entire time, but the whole experience was just too cool because I learnt so much. Even though it was simulated, it was amazing how realistic the whole thing felt and how real my response was -- I was, at times, overwhelmingly scared! And the whole experience highlighted the importance of STAYING CALM -- and just how hard it is to do. But going through that in a semi-controlled, simulated environment was incredibly helpful and now I feel like if I do come across a situation like that in real life I might be able to actually think things through and respond.
Another full-on 9+hour day, with the MVA Simulation in the morning, non-stop ophthalmology clinic all afternoon, then DSAS Committee Meeting from 5.30 - 6.30pm, but... today was better... in general. I might even be up for some ophthalmology study tonight.
But first, some tea.
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