In an emergency department (ED), the presence of the mind takes priority to increase patient survival.

“Patients coming to an ED are in dire strait. ED doctors should remain level-headed to enhance patient survival.”

The Emergency Department is the frontline vigilant guardian of patient lives at hospitals. Operating around the clock, this pivotal department remains ever-ready to confront the unexpected, ensuring swift response and care in any crisis.

In this installment of MedPark Stories, we venture into the world of Dr. Lertrit, "Tong," Wannaeiampikul, an emergency medicine doctor at MedPark Hospital. With a career marked by countless encounters with life-or-death situations, Dr. Tong reveals the gripping tales behind the role of an emergency physician. From the chaotic confines of the emergency department to the harrowing scenes of accidents, he paints a vivid picture of the relentless duties and unwavering dedication demanded of those who answer the call of duty in an emergency.

The dearth of emergency doctors: Past problem that beckoned him to be one.

Dr. Tong's journey into emergency medicine began with a perplexing dilemma he faced fresh out of medical school. In those early days, it was customary for inexperienced doctors to run the emergency department, a stark contrast to the demanding requirements for managing patients with critical trauma. This incongruity spurred Dr. Tong to embark on a path of discovery, determined to bridge the gap between the urgent needs of the emergency room and the expertise required for effective patient care.

“In times of old, opportunities for postgraduate training in emergency medicine in Thailand were as rare as a unicorn sighting. Not until the past decade before residency programs in emergency medicine became more prevalent, and I was fortunate enough to be among the pioneering few in these inaugural classes. Dealing predominantly with patients in critical conditions, it was often a guessing game to discern the nature of their ailments and which disease category they fell into. That was when the epiphany struck - wouldn't it be superb to have specialized emergency physicians on the front lines, guiding care in real-time? Such expertise could enhance treatment effectiveness and bolster survival in unforeseen medical crises.”

Be level-headed, compress the heart, pinpoint diagnosis, and a gratitude that reverberates to this day.

The role of an emergency department doctor is fraught with uncertainty, as they navigate through a maze of unforeseen cases. In the frantic environment of the ED, patients arrive in distress, their loved ones are fraught with anxiety. It falls upon the frontline responders, the emergency physicians, to maintain composure amidst the storm, offering solace and expertise in equal measure. With a steady hand and a sharp mind, they make split-second diagnoses and provide care with unwavering calmness, orchestrating a seamless treatment process amid the tumultuous backdrop of the emergency department.

“During my tenure as an emergency medicine resident, I confronted many daunting cases. One fateful night, a patient stumbled into the ER, his face etched with exhaustion. As I unraveled his medical history, fate intervened abruptly—his heart faltered, ceasing its rhythmic cadence right before my eyes.

Swiftly, we sprang into action, initiating CPR to coax life back into his still form. Through grit and determination, we managed to rekindle the flickering embers of his pulse. Further investigations unveiled the sinister presence of a pulmonary embolism lurking within.

With urgency, we whisked him away to the ICU, where he battled on the precipice between life and death. And then, the day arrived when he was fit to return home—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the dedication of those who fight to preserve it. His kinfolk sought me out, their eyes brimming with gratitude as they recounted the harrowing ordeal. They whispered tales of his consciousness amidst the silence of his halted heart, of his awareness as we toiled tirelessly to snatch him from the clutches of death.
It is a narrative etched indelibly in my memory—a reminder of the delicate dance between life and death that plays out within the hallowed halls of the emergency department.”

The roles of an emergency department doctor stretched far beyond the ED.

Emergency department physicians must possess knowledge of a myriad of urgent medical conditions, spanning from trauma-induced emergencies to unforeseen medical crises. Their expertise extends beyond mere diagnosis and treatment; they must also be able to administer care across the entire spectrum of age demographics. 

As frontline responders tasked with administering critical first aid at the very locus of an incident, they often navigate through chaotic scenes with poise and precision. Their duties extend beyond the confines of the hospital walls as they orchestrate the intricate ballet of patient transport, whether by land, air, or sea, ensuring that every individual in need receives the timely and specialized care they deserve.

“Peering ahead, I envision a future where cutting-edge technology revolutionizes how we diagnose and treat patients, elevating safety standards to unprecedented heights. However, this transformation is not just limited to the confines of hospital walls; it extends to the very inception of an emergency, where the swift and efficient administration of first aid can make all the difference.

Take, for instance, the emergence of telemedicine, which has emerged as a beacon of hope amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its seamless integration into the emergency department holds immense promise, allowing for remote diagnosis and triage, even in dire circumstances.

Furthermore, the process of patient transportation is ripe for innovation. Whether ferrying patients from the scene of an incident to the hospital or orchestrating complex international evacuations, there is ample opportunity to streamline and enhance the efficiency of these critical processes. In this future scenario, we seamlessly integrate every aspect of emergency care to ensure the swift and effective delivery of life-saving interventions.”

Everyone at MedPark's Emergency Department strives for the best outcome for the patients.

Dr. Tong joins the rank of emergency medicine doctor at MedPark Hospital because of a deep-seated conviction. He saw in this hospital a beacon of hope, a bastion of cutting-edge technology and unwavering dedication to patient care. With every resource at their disposal, he believed they could unleash their full potential and deliver nothing short of excellence to every patient who walked through their doors.

“As an emergency doctor, I recognize we are never alone in our efforts. We are part of a dynamic team of healthcare professionals, each playing a crucial role in delivering exceptional care to our patients. From our fellow emergency medicine specialists to the specialist health professional teams standing by, we are all united in our mission to provide top-notch treatment, whether within the hospital confines or across borders if needed. But what truly inspires me are my colleagues—they are a force to be reckoned with, unwavering in their commitment to our patient wellbeing.

Off duty, I try to squeeze in some time for exercise. Before parenthood, jogging and football were my go-to activities, but now, with a little one in the picture, I have had to dial it down a notch.”