“But I need my inhaler now, Ma’am or else I wouldn’t be able to breathe,” complained a middle-aged male inmate in front of me. I had discovered that he was just given an inhaler only a few days ago and he was complaining that it was already out. I put my stethoscope over his lung fields. No wheezing. I checked his oxygen saturation:98% which was great! I knew he was using the inhaler to give him the “fix” that he needed. He liked the “high” that came from it that mimicked the drugs he used outside the prison.
I gave him 2 puffs. But he didn’t expect that I was going to take away the inhaler from him.
“I’m sorry, Sir. You’re not allowed to keep this at this time as you have been over-using the inhaler they gave you a few days ago. Nurses have to bring this to your unit. If you’re having trouble breathing, you can always alert your unit’s deputy so we can evaluate you every time.
He didn’t say anything. He accepted what was told. He thanked me for seeing him and giving him 2 puffs of the same inhaler for his asthma.
One minute later, the medical secretary advised me that one inmate wanted to come down to the Infirmary for complaints of asthma, too.
“Just send him down.”
“You’re too nice, Rcubes. I didn’t know, he’s here already. He’s that one waiting. He looks okay.”
“That’s okay. I’d rather see them in person and treat them depending on what I'll find out than to deny their requests without first seeing them,” I replied with a smile.
This other inmate was not having any shortness of breath. But I heard audible expiratory wheezes. He definitely could use one inhaler. So, I gave him one to keep. He didn't have any prior record of being given one. He was grateful to have it.
That's how it is at my work. You don't know what to expect. Some inmates are lying or faking their emergencies. Yet, some asymptomatic ones truly need help.
And that’s my prayer. That I will not miss that chance of being His instrument. That I will not be idle and fall asleep while working on duty. Under Him. I [We are] am serving an active God, so I must not lag in doing things for Him...[Glory be to You, Oh Lord!]
"Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." ~ John 6:27
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." ~ Romans 12:11
"But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." ~ 2 Timothy 4:5
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