I was in the PACU making a routine call back of a surgery patient when I felt the rumble. We do call packs to make sure everything is ok with the patient while at home by answering any questions, connecting them to the appropriate clinic, or urging them to call 911/go to the emergency room.
Anywho, I was about to end the conversation on the telephone when I feel the rumbling of my desk and see my computer monitor sway back and forth. It stopped momentarily then started up again. My monitor kept swaying and the rumbling became stronger below my feet. I looked at my co-worker next to me and we were in denial. "Was that an earthquake?" Then my patient still on the phone starts saying "OMG the house is shaking!" I thought I was just imagining things, but it did really happen.
The rumbling stopped after what felt like 30 seconds. I asked if my patient was ok and if anyone was hurt. Everyone at the patient's home was fine. I ended our conversation and proceeded to go outside to check the hospital surroundings. Mostly everyone was going about doing their own thing. I asked a couple of people if they felt the quake. Most of them said they didn't feel anything. It was an eerie feeling.
The rest of the day was spent taking care of the last several patients who were going home from the OR and lightly bringing the earthquake up in conversation. No one was hurt, no MASCAL called.
Prayers out to those who got hurt from the quake. Hope everyone is ok.
Also, it's hurricane prep time. Irene is supposed to hit hard this weekend along the Atlantic coast. For more tips on how to prepare for this upcoming storm go here: http://www.ncdhhs.gov/hurricanes/
Stay safe everyone.
