A Night of Worry: Did I Overreact at the Concert?
The story
Last Saturday evening was supposed to be a vibrant outing with my wife, Sarah, and our close friend, who recently relocated to our town. Eager for some fun after recuperating from a cold, Sarah was particularly excited about the concert. I took up the responsibility of driving, which restricted me to just one beer, while Sarah and our friend didn't hold back on their drinking as the night progressed.
Throughout the evening, I noticed Sarah increasingly enjoying her drinks, though she seemed to become excessively intoxicated. I hesitated to intervene, seeing how much fun she was having. As the concert wound down, Sarah excused herself to the restroom. The show ended, and our friend and I waited outside for her. After about 20 minutes, with no sign of her return and her phone going unanswered, panic set in.
Seeking help, we asked people coming from the restrooms if they had seen Sarah, sharing her photo for identification. A concerned individual reported seeing her passed out in one of the stalls, convulsed in vomit. My anxiety skyrocketed at this shocking news. Venue staff were notified and suggested the immediate need for an ambulance. Without a second thought, I consented, worried about potential alcohol poisoning or other dangers like a spiked drink.
Emergency services arrived swiftly and transported Sarah to the hospital. I followed and was relieved when, after a few hours, she regained consciousness. The doctors assured us she was overtly intoxicated but otherwise okay. Reflecting on the incident the following day, Sarah seemed to find humor in the situation but believed my decision to call the ambulance was an overreaction, describing the ordeal as traumatic and embarrassing.
I tried explaining my actions were out of sheer concern, prompted by the advice from the venue staff, and the fear of her potentially choking in her condition. Several days have passed, and she still contends that the ambulance call was unnecessary. With our health insurance covering the cost, the decision wasn't financially burdening, yet I'm left wondering if my response was indeed excessive.
Considering this scenario, imagine the intrigue if this ordeal unfolded on a reality TV show. Cameras rolling as the drama and subsequent emergency unfold could drastically magnify the reactions of the audience and participants alike. Would viewers perceive my actions as a deeply concerned husband or an over-reactive partner? The boundaries of privacy and empathy are surely tested in the glare of public scrutiny on reality television.
Was calling an ambulance for my unconscious wife excessive?
I called an ambulance for my drunk wife; did I overdo it?
Points of view
VibrantTealFireJournalInNiceWithAnticipation
2mo agoIt's honestly tough to see things the same way you did in the moment... I get that you were super worried for Sarah … seen something bad, maybe freaked out a bit?
"Better safe than sorry" rings true here, but was an ambulance the best call? In my own experience, I've been in sorta similar situations, just asked a medic at the venue to check things out.
You could say "hindsight is 20/20", and heck, everyone reacts differently? Sarah might’ve just needed some time. Overthinking can sometimes play tricks on us…but your heart was in the right place. Maybe next time, assess the scene before dialing 911?
Cheers, from a fellow husband who gets it.
RoyalLimeLightFantodsInDubrovnikWithConfusion
2mo agoI mostly agree with your decision.
It's crucial to err on the side of caution with alcohol intoxication; as you never know how serious it might be. I've been in a similar scenario before, and calling an ambulance isn’t always overreaction when faced with potential alcohol poisoning.
It's better to be safe than sorry. That said, I understand where Sarah's coming from too. It can be embarrassing and seem excessive after the fact. However, your primary concern was her well-being, and that's commendable. When I handled a similar case, I had paramedics on standby just in case, and I don’t regret it.
Safety first, always.