“I
can’t handle that in a hotel room,” I explained. “She probably needs an
ultrasound.”
After
consulting his superior, the dispatcher came back on the line to
explain that he would like me to evaluate the guest, a flight attendant with
abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, and deliver a recommendation.
If the
guest had called directly, I would have sent her to an emergency room or,
during the day, to an obstetrician, but this request came from an agency that
serves airline crew. It was paying the bill, and I had done my duty by warning
that a housecall wasn’t appropriate. I was happy to make the visit. Once I
confirmed her symptoms. I would simply call and report, and then send my bill.
A
young man opened the door. I entered, expecting to see a girl friend or wife,
but he was alone, and he identified himself as the patient. He had a sore
throat.
I
checked the name and date of birth on my invoice. It was identical. He spoke
excellent English, so there was no chance of a misunderstanding.
After
dealing with his problem, I phoned the agency. Was there another flight
attendant with vaginal bleeding waiting for me? After a long consultation, he
assured me that no one knew. It was probably a mistake.
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