Volume 3 Issue 8 August, 2013
Presence of Mind
I was called to attend an emergency in the ward one evening with regard to a patient affected with Bipolar Disorder in mania. On entering the ward the patient was seen standing on a chair meddling with an electric switchboard. All other patients & staff were and watching him with fear. I did not know what was happening; but realizing that I need to intervene, I went near. The patient, an electrician by occupation, was trying to do something with rapt attention. I asked him what he was doing. He gave me a look and said “Hello doctor, I am repairing this plug point. The patients here don’t get hot water for bath and your hospital does not seem bothered about it. It is just five minutes’ job and I can fix it in a moment.” I with a quick reflex reached for his free hand saying “No, you don’t need to do it. I shall see that it is done today itself.” With a startle the patient left the job, looked at me with anger and said “Hey, don’t you know that one should not touch a person while he is doing electrical work? Do you also want to die along with me if there is a mishap? How stupid are you doctor!” I was stunned at his gesture as it was least expected from him under such circumstances. I held on to his arm and said, “I am not going to leave you to do the job.” With a smirk he came down the chair saying “You are smart. At last you have won.” Subsequently, I expressed my appreciation of his concern for his fellow patients and convinced him about the need for an injection as he still appeared emotionally volatile. Memory of this incident leaves me with admiration for his presence of mind even in such an emotional state.
Professor at KMC, Manipal.
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