Thread by @CEO_Violet

I'm so saddened by a story shared with me today.
Just this week, a paramedic was called to administer CPR to a 100yr old woman, as requested by the RN in the aged care home, on the family's instructions. There was no advance care plan in place. (1/7)

Fortunately, the paramedic that attended the aged care home was a courageous young woman who managed to get the resident's family on the phone, explain the trauma that CPR would cause, and with their consent, the lady was allowed to die in peace. (2/7)

There are so many things deeply wrong with this scenario.
First - the family. Unaware that this woman was in the last stages of her life. Unsupported & unprepared for the decisions they needed to make on her behalf.
Family dynamics = key drivers of non-beneficial treatment (3/7)

Secondly - sadly, the aged care staff. Ill-equipped for these situations. Insufficiently trained to have open & honest conversations with the family. Unsupported in their incredibly difficult roles.
> 90% of aged care staff have experienced moral distress r/to EOL issues. (4/7)

Who do we hold accountable here?
Despite the best intentions of so many clinicians, healthcare & aged care staff, we are failing many Australians in the last stage of life: what they hope for, what they expect, what they deserve. (5/7)

Heartfelt appreciation for the role that the courageous young paramedic played. Anna, you should be very proud (I know your father is) (6/7)

Friends, colleagues - what are your thoughts?
Surely, we have to do better. (7/7)

@drkathrynmannix @k_eagar @drleeroyw @jowoodSW @PallMedEd @Violet_org_au #agedcare #eol #regret