Warning: This article contains discussion of child loss which some readers may find distressing.
An emergency room nurse has shared insights about things she would avoid, based on what she has learned from her patients.
Karlie Tooley, a seasoned medical assistant with over eight years of experience on the front lines of California hospitals, has cared for thousands of individuals.
The ER nurse has turned to social media to advise her followers to be mindful and cautious as they go about their daily activities.
Her video, lasting one minute and 29 seconds, was shared on TikTok with the caption: “Some of my nursing non negotiables.”
In the video, Tooley starts by saying: “After working in the emergency room for eight years here’s the list of things you will never catch me or my family doing.”
First on her list is riding a motorcycle, which she firmly opposes.
“I don’t care how many classes you’ve taken, how good of a motorcycle driver, how aware you are,” she stated.
“Motorcycle versus vehicle, high-speed collision – never good.”
https://www.tiktok.com/@username/video/7448437637095984414
Next, she explained why she would never put her feet up on the dashboard while sitting in the front seat of a car.
Tooley described: “Imagine your feet are up on the dashboard, the front of the vehicle impacts [using her fingers she demonstrated that your legs would bend all the way back behind you]. Your hips and your pelvis, [makes an explosion noise with her mouth] disaster.”
Perhaps the most unexpected advice was her warning not to drive with a full bladder.
She elaborated on this point.
“Getting in [the car] to drive anywhere with a full bladder, if you have to pee before you get in your car to go anywhere, go pee. If you get in a car accident with a full bladder, and you perforate your bladder, no thank you.”
A perforated bladder is a frequent occurrence and can lead to complications.
According to the Urology Care Foundation: “You can prevent bladder trauma from a car crash by wearing a seat belt properly. The seat belt should be worn as a lap belt, and not across the belly.”
“During a car crash, passengers with a full bladder wearing a seat belt around the belly may have the force of the crash focus on the full bladder.”
She also emphasized the importance of installing a gate around swimming pools, stating: “I quite literally cannot put into words the sound a mother makes when she has lost a child from drowning.”
Tooley advised parents to ensure their children wear helmets while riding bikes, scooters, or rollerblades and cautioned against using a chainsaw on a ladder.
If you have experienced a bereavement and wish to speak with someone confidentially, contact The Compassionate Friends at (877) 969-0010.