the blinds

The blinds are open on the glass door to the exam room in the ER. But what is visible is not something the chaplain really wants to see.

A man is in cardiac arrest and lying on his back in a hospital bed. A battery-operated mechanical device delivers CPR. His chest, shoulders, neck and arms jolt violently up and down with each compression.

The intent is a wonderful thing to contemplate: restart a heart. Get a pulse.

But for the chaplain it is a sight best unseen, so he turns away. Both out of respect for the patient and his own mental health.

Meanwhile, several clinicians are busy in the cramped room, each diligently doing their jobs. The goal is to save the life of a human being made in the image of God.

A few minutes later the chaplain witnesses something else: a conversation between the doctor and the patient’s family.

The doctor does most of the talking while the family mostly listens.

·        Paramedics said the man was purple and gurgling when they arrived, so CPR was started immediately.

·        Compressions have been done ever since, nonstop. Even as we speak.

·        Medicines have been administered.

·        But he hasn’t had a pulse for over an hour.

·        Even if he lives, there will probably be brain damage.

Despite the grave update, the doctor’s bedside manner is something to behold. He is informative, calm and kind. All three in just the right doses. He is a living example on how best to communicate hard truths in life and death situations.

He is taking them on a verbal journey of sorts, one which is necessary and delivered compassionately.

The family is hanging on his every word.

But when the likely end of the journey is verbalized, it is not good news.

The doctor lowers his voice to something just above a whisper.

“I’m afraid he’s going to die in the ER today.”

#

That evening the chaplain showers, eats dinner and watches a movie. Then he takes a Xanax and tries to go to sleep.

The next morning he wakes up, still tired from a restless night. He sips a cup of coffee, thanks God for the gift of another day and opens the blinds.