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A room that feels unsafe

Illustrated Story B14, with a text transcript.

Read story B14: A room that feels unsafe (image and text)
Eight-panel illustrated story, A room that feels unsafe. Fiona, a middle-aged white woman in intensive care, hears an unfamiliar pump and fears someone is trying to hurt her. Her partner listens and acknowledges that she is frightened. The nurse explains the pump. They reduce avoidable noise and stay with her. No threatening figures are shown as real. Fiona remains unwell but can tell them about her fear. Footer: Delirium can make ordinary care feel frightening.

During delirium, a person may feel threatened by care that is intended to help them. The fear can feel completely real.

Listen to what they are experiencing and tell staff about their distress. A calm explanation and reassurance may help, while staff check for causes and provide treatment. Arguing is often unhelpful. At the same time, a concern about actual harm must still be taken seriously; having delirium does not mean that every report should be dismissed.

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Story text

  1. Panel 1. After the breathing tube is removed.

  2. Panel 2. An unfamiliar sound.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Fiona: They’re trying to hurt me.

  4. Panel 4. Owen pauses.

  5. Panel 5.

    • Owen: That sounds frightening. I’m here with you.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Nurse: This pump is giving your medicine. I’ll explain it.

  7. Panel 7. Less noise. A calm explanation.

  8. Panel 8.

    • Owen: You can tell us when you feel frightened.

Bottom band. Delirium can make ordinary care feel frightening.

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