"The care I received was exemplary and seamless"

I am a retired gent who is in good health who lives in a rural location.

When using an angle grinder power tool, at home, with a diamond tipped cutting disc, I removed my gloved left hand from the side handle on the tool when the disc was in the vertical and still cutting a light steel item. Shouldn't have, don't know why I did ! The tool kicked back and unfortunately cut through my clothing and into my LHS lower left arm skin & muscle. Luckily only 1 tendon was damaged, not cut through with no damage to nerves or artery, a vein was cut.

Realising that I was in trouble I called 999 to ask for an ambulance to attend, as I was home alone and I followed the call handlers instructions to hold my arm high and bind tightly with a cloth/towel to try to restrict the bleeding.

The weather was cold so I tried to keep as warm as possible as I realised I was in shock.

From the arrival of the Paramedics and through all the various departments of our A&E Hospital, the care I received was exemplary and seamless.

Triage in the ambulance, IV & gas pain relief, admission to hospital, Triage in A&E, Tetanus vaccinations, oral antibiotics & anti-sickness tablets, X-Rays to determine the damage, admission to Plastic Surgery Minor Injuries Ward, 1/2hourly blood pressure checks & oral anti-biotics & pain relief provision.

Next day, first thing consultation by anaesthetist, preparations for surgery, including putting on Compression Stockings, Pre-Op consultation by Surgeon. Post-Op, after 3 hours surgery where debris was removed, damage tendon was dealt with, wound stitched up and a Plaster-of-Paris cast was generated to restrict my finger flexing, outwards, to prevent unnecessary tension on the damaged tendon. Back to the ward for recuperation. Same organised 1/2hourly attention as previous night.

Rest for remainder of the day.

Next day, get organised first thing as aware likely going to be discharged.

Discharged, with copy of the detailed Discharge Letter that has been sent to my Doctor, a weeks supply of various pain relief & anti-biotics tablets and appointment details to attend the Dressings Clinic in 1 weeks time.       

Entire course of anti-biotics taken as instructed with pain relief reduced as the week progressed as no point in taking if not required.

Attended the Dressings Clinic where the cast was removed, arm examined, no signs of infection, looks good, arm gently washed, new tape applied to support the stiches & dressings and a removable, shaped to suit my arm, plastic splint was generated. Next appointment organised for 1 weeks time in the same clinic when the stitches might be removed if all is in order. 

Realise this is an extended tale but without the detail the number of staff, departments and procedures involved could not be highlighted.

Scottish Ambulance Service Call Centre & Paramedics

NHS Grampian Aberdeen Royal Infirmary ( ARI )   

A&E - Reception & Triage & X-Ray

Plastic Surgery Ward 214

Plastic Surgery Operating Theatre & Pre-Op & Post-Op

ARI Pharmacy

Plastic Surgery Dressings Clinic

Thank You to all who worked hard in an obviously well trained, most professional & organised manner with care and attention to help me.