medicine one can often get a distorted impression, not having sufficient knowledge to be able to fairly judge the situation. One occasion stands out in my memory. In Bristol, UK, a person had been brought in with severe head injury and concussion. There were so many other people busy around him, doing "their bit," that I had to stand back and wait for my chance to take an X-Ray. I stood there thinking, "What is the point? This is so vulgar. Why don't they just let him die in peace? I am sure there is no hope for this guy." However, everyone did what they thought was appropriate for him He recovered! Over the next few weeks I had plenty of opportunity to take further X-Rays of him and was able to eventually enter into very wonderful conversations with the guy. My opinion at the crucial moment was wrong, Fortunately no one would have asked me anyway, I was too low down the chain of command. Maybe others had similar opinions to mine but the opinions which mattered most were the professionals in charge, and they knew what was right to do. 12 months ago lesley archer registered nurse (retired) (logged in via email @bigpond.com) It must have been difficult for you at times Alan. You don't mention how old the patient was..... I'm assuming he was an elderly person. Don't reply if this was the case. The 'pecking order', is necessary of course, but can be hard to take