Good Catch Saves Lives

By Belinda Lim

11/27/2024 10:43:00 AM | Stories from the Heart (NHCS)

The article is contributed/written by

During an early morning shift at the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU), an unusual sound coming from his patient alerted Senior Staff Nurse (SSN) Kimbell Tan. Upon closer look, he identified the sound as air leaking from the intubated patient’s mouth. Drawing from his background and experience in critical care, Kimbell recognised the urgency of the situation - the leaking air could lead to insufficient oxygen supply and consequently, hypoxia, a life-threatening condition.

Kimbell promptly informed the doctor-in-charge who swiftly deployed a medical team to attend to the patient. Using a video-assisted scope, the team discovered that the endotracheal tube cuff - an inflatable balloon used to seal the airway for effective ventilation and prevent air and fluids from entering - had been displaced. This displacement caused air leakage and produced the unusual sound that Kimbell heard. The team quickly adjusted the endotracheal tube cuff to the correct position, resolving the air leak and restoring the patient’s optimal oxygenation levels.

“Kimbell’s timely actions demonstrate the key qualities of an ICU nurse – attentiveness to details and placing patient safety at the centre of all we do. This incident serves as a good learning point for everyone, highlighting how a good catch can make a difference in preventing patient harm,” said Senior Nurse Manager (SNM) Yeoh Lee Shien from CTICU.

SNM Yeoh shared that besides ensuring patients receive the best possible care, Kimbell has worked on several quality improvement projects to enhance care standards and work efficiency for his colleagues. For instance, together with a team, Kimbell consolidated various consumable boxes containing items required during key CTICU procedures such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) insertion. These consumable boxes were designed to save time and improve efficiency during emergencies.

Kimbell has also collaborated with inter-departmental stakeholders to optimise bed utilisation in CTICU. The team successfully reduced the average length of stay and number of surgery cancellations due to insufficient beds. Additionally, they improved the workflow by increasing same day admissions instead of admitting patients a day before surgery, thereby improving bed availability. This initiative has brought about significant benefits for patients as they can undergo surgery on time and receive the care that they need.

In critical situations, every second counts. We are proud of Kimbell’s vigilance and dedication to patient care. His actions serve as an exemplary model for us all to emulate as we continue to advocate for patient safety.