We are blessed to have Lorraine as part of our team at CHH ED every day. Lorraine received a call from a person in distress. The patient was distraught and told Lorraine that she was in a hotel in Mesquite and planned to commit suicide. Lorraine kept the patient on the line and communicated with her clinical supervisor by handwritten notes. While the clinical supervisor contacted law enforcement in Mesquite, Lorraine remained on the phone as a calm, protective force and a surrogate mother for the young woman. Lorraine listened and reassured the young woman that her life had meaning.
The police arrived at the room while Lorraine was on the phone and were able to secure the safety of the patient before Lorraine hung up. While Lorraine was shaken by the experience, she only took a few minutes to gather herself, put a smile on her face, and return to the patients she was caring for in the ED.
Lorraine's willingness to stop what she was doing and give this young lady her undivided attention for a few minutes probably saved her life. The ED is a busy place and it can be hard to know when if we have made a difference because we see our patients for such a short time. But I know, Loraine made a difference that day. Without ever laying eyes on this person, Lorraine stood between her and death and said, "Not today."