Cockroach Guy

I will be jotting notes about calls I ran at EMS from time to time. They are more for me than you, so if they don't make sense, or you don't understand them, that's ok. You really aren't supposed to.

The fire squad was already there when we pulled up in the ambulance. The fire crew came walking out of the dilapidated old house, slowly, their packs swung over their shoulders.

The Lieutenant said, "He's code yellow" (triage meaning dead & beyond viable).

My partner and I entered the house and saw him sitting up on the couch as if still watching television, dead indeed, ashen, bloated, mottled. An elderly man, in his 70's, I suppose. I guessed he'd been there about 3 or 4 days. The house was trashed... newspapers, grocery bags, letters, years worth, cluttering the floor, chairs, tables. Pizza boxes, clutter of every size and shape.

Cockroaches were swarming in and out of holes they'd eaten in his neck. I remember just marveling at that. They were literally living inside this man's skin. Coming and going with great purpose. I watched them for several seconds and then started to worry about my fascination.

Paramedics often turn to what seems like grim and calloused humor to ease the tension. Just to be funny, I came outside as the firemen were getting back in their squad and with a deadpan face said, "Guys... we've decided to code him just in case." I've never seen such a look of disgust and disbelief on a fireman's face as I did that day. The Lieutenant paused and said, "You've got to be kidding me?"

I said, "Yes... I am." And smiled...

Posted by Cranky at August 12, 2002 06:38 PM