Accidental Experience

Last Wednesday morning, after my meeting with a colleague, I received a call from my aunt in Davao and told me my cousins got into an accident!

My cousins based in NY (whose mom is my dad's sister) are in their teenage years and together with their other cousin from NY decided to take a few weeks' adventure in our country all by themselves. It was their first time to travel without their parents. They stayed in their other relatives place many miles away in the metro. On the way to the airport to take a flight to our provincial hometown, they got into a vehicular accident.

I froze for a moment upon hearing the news. I was near the hospital where they were rushed. I got my bag, asked permission from my boss and told him of what happened. I told him that I might not be able to make it in succeeding meetings scheduled during the day as I would like to ensure first that my cousins are okay.

On the way to the hospital, I asked our medical coordinator to check out on my cousins in the emergency room and see what tests needs to be conducted to further evaluate their condition. Few minutes after, I got a call from her and she told me that they had a relative in the same hospital and that she might not be able to convince the ER team to do some further tests.

As I went to the ER, I noticed one of their cousin sitting in the waiting area holding Anne's bags. I asked him where my cousins were and he told me that they were ushered somewhere else. I asked for the resident doctor on their condition and also inquired if their relative working in the hospital was around. I was told that their relative was out of the country and that my cousins were sent to the Radiology area. He mentioned that Andrew had a cut in his nose while Anne had some bruises and traumatized lips.

I rushed to the radiology area and saw my cousins on wheelchairs patiently waiting for their turn. I asked them how they are feeling. They said they feel okay but upon judging on their initial looks, they were a bit traumatized. I asked them if they knew what type of xrays will be done for them and they said no. I asked those assisting in the radiology area of what tests are to be conducted. They mentioned that the boy was for nasal xray while the girl was for dental xray. I asked if there are any xrays to be done for skull as well as their backs and the nurse said none. I requested if they could take additional xrays and was advised to go back to ER to tell the resident my concerns for him to give orders on additional xrays.

I went as told. Good thing the doctor was cooperative when I relayed my concern. I requested their cousin in the waiting area be checked as well for basic xray. As we wait for the results and saw my cousins condition, I asked if they can be referred to neurologists and EENT specialist as well. I was told to wait for the skull xray result and if abnormalities occur, they will refer it to a neuro and EENT.

After the initial xray result, I was strongly advised that a neurologist is not needed since skull xray showed normal results. Our request for EENT however was granted. It was decided that Andrew needs some sutures in his nose. Their mom (my father's sister) called me up overseas and asked on how her kids were. I told her they were doing fine waiting for other tests. I omitted other details that might cause them to worry. I also asked her to get some sleep and that I will watch over her kids in the hospital. We waited for the EENT doctor we've requested for second opinion and true enough he found something from Anne that needs to be sutured as well.

While waiting for the various tests, second opinion consultation and other minor suturing procedure done with my cousins, I offered to their relatives in their dad's side that my cousins can stay in our place as it is accessible and convenient for them in case they decide to just stay home for the next day to rest. They immediately agreed and we also changed their flights to Davao for Friday.

As we went home from the hospital, I mentioned to them, that despite what happened, good thing they are still ok, was not confined to the hospital and that the incident will be counted as one of their Philippine adventure. We always see accidents in TVs but never had we imagined that we can be part of one.

I continue to pray that their bruises and wounds would heal immediately as well as take out the whatever trauma the accident brought them. I also hope that this incident will not happen especially to those visiting our country for the first time as it can be traumatizing, costly as well as lessen their time to explore our wonderful country.