Occasionally, we miss an alarm or a signal of importance. As the physicians in charge of this chaotic workplace, people are always asking us questions. Consultants and family doctors are constantly calling. When we want to finish a task or enter a note into the electronic record, we need to concentrate. We must focus to get it right and minimize distractions.
On one afternoon, the din of the emergency department was pierced by one plaintive sound: sobbing. The buzz abruptly ceased. Heads turned to that side of the room. What was going on? This was not an infant or toddler. Was a patient in need?
The heart-breaking wail came from an area away from the patient treatment area. Even the most cynical among us could not ignore that sound.