Kazuyo and Jean L. live in the middle of books, family photos, paintings that clutter their two-room apartment in Levallois-Perret (Hauts-de-Seine). Struck down by cancer, Jean L. has been bedridden for several months. On January 31, in the night, the old man is suffocated. Called on site, the SAMU alleviates the symptoms. But his condition is serious enough to warrant hospitalization. “If possible, I would like to keep him here at home”, Kazuyo L., his wife, then asked the team at 15. The emergency doctors contacted an on-call doctor at the Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP). The practitioner replies that a team will come in the early morning.
Jean L. was not taken to the emergency room. Kazuyo L.’s wish has been granted. He died the night of February 3, at his home. “He went out like a candle”, says Danielle P., Jean L.’s daughter, who came to watch over her father. “My father was a loner. He would have endured the hospital very badly. But if his sufferings had not been relieved at home, we would have had no choice but to go there. »
The story seems simple. It would not have been without a unique device in France: an emergency service called Pallidom, devoted to palliative care, a medicine that relieves the physical pain and the psychological suffering of patients, most often at the end of life. Created in September 2021, Pallidom is deployed in Paris and Hauts-de-Seine. SAMU, Ehpad, general practitioners, all can call on Pallidom to intervene in the event of an acute crisis. If the patient expresses the wish to stay at home – if it is established that hospitalization would be of no benefit to him – these palliative care “firefighters” take over and provide treatment and visits.
“It’s great that he is at home”
On February 2, Clément Leclaire, doctor in charge of Pallidom, and Lucile Koudou, nurse, rang the doorbell of Jean and Kazuyo L. with a 12 kg bag containing the therapeutic arsenal and the equipment to deal with all situations. Like every visit.
Jean L. has his eyes closed and does not react to the few words of the doctor who examines him. With the nurse, Doctor Leclaire renews the dosage of antibiotics and morphine in the infusion. Then he addresses Kazuyo L. and Danielle P. “It will go out slowly. We can clearly see that he is peaceful, serene, he insists. His face shows no trace of pain. »
” It is not easy ! »blurts out Kazuyo L. ” I know, answers the doctor. But it’s great that he’s home. He needs you more than us now. » The pair leaves. “If you have any questions, even at night, don’t hesitate to call us”slips Dr. Leclaire. ” It’s reassuring ! We really feel supported”, sighs Danielle P. on the doorstep. The visit lasted over an hour.
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