at least that's *someone* with some medical training staying with the patient to try and provide a little reassurance. Occasionally members of the general public call an ambulance for me if I collapse. And invariably they stay with me until it arrives, or at least make sure someone else can stay with me. And they say things like "it's alright" or "you'll be fine" or "the ambulance is on its way, don't you worry" and "is there anyone you want me to call?" That's from people who aren't in "caring professions", who didn't choose a career that involves looking after people. How can a trained and experienced GP manage to be *less* considerate and empathic?