Life in the ER: The Reality behind Real and Movie Induced Medical Procedures
Introduction
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to walk into an emergency room (ER) and ask a medical professional to stop your heart for a short time, then restart it with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a defibrillator? While such a scenario might sound intriguing or even plausible from a movie, the reality of an ER is quite different. This article delves into the physiological and ethical aspects of this idea, emphasizing the professional and ethical standards of medical practitioners.
Reality vs. Fiction
When one thinks of an ER, immediate images of high-stress situations, critical patients, and life-saving conditions come to mind. However, the idea of intentionally stopping and restarting someone's heart is not only illogical but also contrary to the goals of medical professionals. As a medical technologist, I can assure you that the ethical guidelines and oath that doctors take are considered with utmost importance.
The Oath and Ethics
Doctors often recite the Hippocratic Oath, which includes the phrase 'Do no harm.' This principle is paramount in the medical field and is closely followed in emergency situations. If we were to intentionally perform a medical procedure that could result in harm to a patient, we would be violating this ethical obligation.
Cardiopulmonary Procedures in Real Life
It is true that there are situations where medical professionals can stop and restart a patient's heart, albeit under strict conditions and in a controlled environment. For instance, during certain arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib) or atrial flutter, doctors can use a defibrillator to restore normal heart rhythm without the need for CPR. The use of medications is another method to achieve the same effect.
Why They Refuse to Perform Such Procedures
Medical professionals would never perform an intentional procedure to stop and restart a patient's heart, especially if it is done for the purposes of a movie or documentary. This is because such acts would be under non-clinical conditions, where the patient's true condition and medical history are not known. Additionally, this would not only violate ethical standards but also detract from the actual emergencies and critical care that ER staff have to handle daily.
Alternatives and Ethical Considerations
While it might be tempting to imagine an ER staff performing such a procedure, reality is starkly different. Instead, professionals focus on real-life emergencies such as cardiac arrests, trauma cases, and critical illnesses. The ethical considerations and the possible harm to the patient make such an endeavor not only unethical but also illegal.
Conclusion
It is important to understand that while movies and fictional works can be entertaining and thought-provoking, they often depict scenarios that do not align with real-world medical ethics and practices. The ER is a place where life and death decisions are made daily, and the professionalism of medical practitioners ensures that such practices are not abused. Whether for a book, a movie, or a documentary, the ethical and professional standards that govern the ER should always be considered.
References
House of God. 1999. HarperCollins Publishers.