"Please focus on the standard of care"

Attended with a friend who had collapsed twice following bleeding and recent surgery , and the delay and diverted ambulance meant she was driven to A&E by us. Explained to reception she had collapsed twice, symptomatic when seated and this had lasted for more than an hour. She was asked to be seated. We asked on two occasions could we have her observations taken as she was unable to remain upright in the seat, eventually when the nurse called her she collapsed and instead of basic life support measures of asking her to lie down this nurse stood to the side and instructed us to put her on the chair; another friend and I are both doctors were appalled at the lack of expertise but were not in a position to instruct of basic life support. 

The nurse then proceeded to defend themselves seeing our dismay that “we called you twice”. This comment seems only to have the intention to pass the blame despite repetitive warnings there was a sick patient and what was incredible was three adults and the patient had not heard her being called so this was completely untrue. Even if this was the case if a patient who is unwell and not responded to calls would common sense not ensue to look for the patient that me be collapsed in the waiting room or a toilet. 

The problem with having medical experience is it is very clear that staff may behave confidently but not competently and we fear for the general public that may not realise the standard of care that should occur can not give objective feedback of their care. This experience echoed past significant events where patients have arrested in waiting rooms from poor triage and arrogant and disinterested staff. 

Whatever their preconceptions of how unwell a patient in the emergency waiting room is it is their job to work out of protocol and triage - post operative, bleeding, two collapses unable to sit..... please focus on the standard of care and maybe peer to peer feedback is needed on review of cases and follow up of your cases. Please do not wait for an arrest, please triage. Could the nurse triaging this patient please receive this feedback directly. There was no professionalism or basic empathy both paramount to the nursing profession.