Seeking
Solace
by GCS
Chapter One
DISCLAIMER: "Emergency!" and its characters © Mark VII Productions, Inc. and Universal Studios. All rights reserved. No infringement of any copyrights or trademarks is intended or should be inferred. This is a work of fiction, and any similarity to actual persons or events is purely coincidental. This story is only written for entertainment. No financial gain is being realized from it. The story, itself, is the property of the author.
The little red rescue squad passed through the streets of Carson, California seemingly unnoticed by the pedestrians going about their evening business. Inside the two firemen/paramedics sat tall and proud. Their turnouts crusted with dried mud, their once sweat covered hair now dried and stuck in various places to their foreheads beneath their helmets. Exhausted from the continuous rescue efforts needed to extract the victims of the mine cave in but exhilarated by the fact that they had just performed their first acts as officially licensed paramedics. The Wedsworth-Townsend Act had passed allowing the paramedic program to proceed. They had received word just in time to save their heart attack victim. They had been allowed to administer their first official field IV without a nurse or doctor present, shock their first heart back into rhythm. What a rush.
Dr. Brackett had finally come around and went before the committee to fight for the program, the result leading to the very first save for this new team of practicing paramedics. Now after stopping by Rampart General Hospital to check on their patient and refill their supplies the two men were returning to Station 51 to relinquish their responsibilities of offering immediate medical care to the citizens of Los Angeles, California to the next shift, the next pair of waiting paramedics now licensed to practice in the field.
Backing the squad into the bay Roy Desoto put the Squad in park and sat staring out the windshield into the darkened evening sky. John Gage sat beside him also staring out into the world beyond. "We did it Roy. We actually did it."
"We sure did Junior."
The two men smiled to each other and moved to exit the truck. Waiting in the day room the rest of the A-shift crew and the members of the next shift were joined by the chief who wanted to congratulate his men. The shift change had been scheduled for much earlier in the day, but the catastrophe at the mine had delayed the switch. Strolling into the room expecting to grab a quick cup of coffee before hitting the showers the two men were surprised by a standing ovation from their firefighting family. Captain Hammer and the chief approached the men with outstretched hands taking them both into a very proud hand shake. The others in the room followed closely behind.
That had been three years ago. Captain Hank Stanley was now the leader of the A-shift, but the rest of the guys: Mike, Marco, Chet, Johnny and Roy were all still part of the team. Hank Stanley was a good captain and more importantly a great friend. Looking across the table from where he sat with his partner beside him Johnny smiled. Why was he thinking about all of this today he wondered? Being a fireman had been his dream as a boy. He had wanted to be a tillerman, but as a boot he had found that he enjoyed the rush that performing rescues had given him. He had also discovered that he was good at it. So he became one of the best rescue men in the department. Then when the paramedic program training had started and the fire department had pushed for the rescue men to attend the training and become certified he had eventually decided to join the second class. That was when he first met Roy; now they were partners and best friends.
"Johnny?" Roy asked his partner after he had been still and quiet too long. "You okay?"
"Huh?"
"You've been sitting there for a long time just looking off into space. I asked you if you wanted a refill on your coffee. You didn't even act like you heard me. Are you feeling all right?"
"Yeah partner, just thinking." Johnny smiled up at his friend. "A refill would be great. Thanks."
Roy obliged, but was not convinced that everything was okay with his usually very animated and never still best friend. Hank looked up from the sports section of the newspaper to check on the appearance of his youngest crewman. "John if you're not feeling well you had better let me know. I don't want you keeping another illness or injury to yourself. Understood?"
"I'm fine Cap. Just got a lot on my mind today."
"You let Roy or I know if you find yourself in need of a replacement."
"Yes sir." Johnny ducked his head in embarrassment. He knew that he had kept things from his shift and captain before. He was truly just deep in thought today remembering how much he had benefited from his relationship with the guys and his opportunities with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. "Uh I'll be out back if anyone needs me," he said as he rose from his seat and took his coffee cup. Walking slowly through the apparatus bay taking in the squad and engine's beauty as he did Johnny went outside and climbed up on the hood of his Land Rover. He loved to relax on the hood of his beloved truck enjoying the warmth of the sun on his face and the sounds of the city around him. He loved to escape those sounds often going hiking or camping, but something about the noises at the station reminded him of his responsibility to the citizens that called for the help of Station 51. Johnny thought about how he felt the sense of family that he had lost when his parents had been killed in a head on car crash ten years ago. Sure he had gone to live with his aunt who loved him dearly, but he had felt more a burden to her than a son. Now somehow his captain seemed more like a father to him than he ever thought possible, and Roy had taken up residence in his heart as more than a friend he was his brother. Roy's wife Joanne and two children, Chris and Jenny, had become his family. His shift mates and the staff at Rampart completed his group of new found family. Johnny finally felt like he belonged again and it felt good. That was it. Today was the anniversary of his graduation from the academy. That's why his mind was clouded with all of these memories and mushy feelings. The sudden ringing of the klaxons brought Johnny back to reality. Jumping from the hood of the Rover he sprinted into the bay and slid up next to the squad. Grabbing his turnout coat as he listened intently to the call from the radio as dispatch announced a fire at a clothing factory, he slipped into his seat on the passenger side of the squad. "Sounds like a big one."
"Yeah that's four stations and an extra squad on the first response. I sure hope there is no one inside that factory right now," Roy said as he shifted the squad into drive. Pulling from the bay before the door was even all the way up. Johnny directed their path from the station to the scene and the engine followed closely behind. When they approached the factory they could see the smoke rising high in the air.
"Man Roy will you look at that!"
Listening to the instructions given the arriving companies coming across the radios Roy knew that 51's was sent to the rear of the facility. Pulling up along side the hydrant so Johnny could get out to grab the feeder hose from big red, he then proceeded to a safe position for the squad. With quick precise movements Johnny wrapped the hose around the hydrant and waited for the engine to pull forward laying hose as it went. When Mike found the best spot for the rig Chet and Marco jumped down from either side of the engine and secured the wheel chocks. Then with great skill Johnny attached the valve to the hydrant on the side facing the fire. Once he had the hose attached to the hydrant, he checked to be sure Mike was ready for the water, using the hydrant wrench he turned it on and came running up beside the squad to get his SCBA. Donning their breathing apparatus the two paramedics joined their Captain as the Battalion Chief explained their assignment. "There are at least three workers missing. This place is full of solvents, fabric dyes, and other combustible agents. Hank we'll need your paramedics to assist squad 16 in the search and rescue. Your linemen will have to back them up. It is extremely hot in there. It's all one story except over the main office area there is some storage. The stairs are on the north corner of the rear of the office area. There are also several catwalks that stretch over the machinery. The plant supervisor is one of the missing. He could be anywhere. He was reported as trying to evacuate everyone from the building. The other two missing are possibly in the sewing room at the rear of the plant. Good luck men."
The three men nodded to the chief and returned to join the engine crew. "Chet and Marco we need two lines. I'll back you both up. We need to follow Roy and John to give them as much cover as possible. Keep in mind this place is full of combustible agents and flammables. Keep your eyes open for dangers. Mike keep that pressure steady. We'll need it. Okay men let's do this."
Johnny grabbed a pick head axe and Roy a halligan bar as they passed the squad on the way to enter the burning structure. Craig Brice and Bob Bellingham the paramedic team from Station 16 joined the group as they prepared to enter the building. Captain Stanley radioed Mike to open the pressure to the hoses. Chet and Marco stood ready for the surge and then opened the nozzles releasing water onto the entrance. Johnny moved to the head of the group felt the door for heat and broke it open with the head of the axe. All of the men braced for the expected fireball they knew would rush out as oxygen rushed into the building. Ducking away from the reaching grasp of the flames hungry for anything that would burn, the group of men hesitated for the seconds needed for Marco and Chet to squelch the fire around the door. The group made its way inside. Flames shot up in every direction and rolled along the floors and ceiling. The smell of burning wood and fabric permeated their clothing and hair. The thick smoke made it almost impossible to determine one part of the factory from another.
"Chet you follow Roy and John to the right up on those catwalks. Marco you go with Craig and Bob up top above the offices. John you lead while Roy backs Chet up on the hose. Marco I'll back you. Now let's move." The group dispersed to the assigned search areas. Half way up the stairs to the catwalk Johnny noticed a vat below that looked to be filled with fabric dye. He motioned to Roy and Chet to make them aware of it as well. They reached the top with no real trouble. Moving down the walk Johnny surveyed the area below for victims. As he backed up Chet on the hose Roy also looked over the area. Noticing a row of 55 gallon drums he presumed were filled with solvents he yelled to get Johnny's attention. Before he could get Johnny to hear him the drums began exploding causing them to fly up and knock against the bottom of the walkway. One drum burst through the walk mere feet in front of his partner. Johnny was thrown from his feet and off the walk. Somehow miraculously he managed to grab a one hand hold on the broken end of the walk. Chet immediately shut of the hose and he and Roy ran over to assist their fallen man. Roy reached him first grasping him by the wrist.
"Roy!" Johnny yelled as he saw his friends running towards where he hung on for dear life.
"Johnny hold on!" Roy dove for the open gap in the walk and grabbed on. "Chet grab my legs before we both go over." Chet slammed down on top of Roy's legs. "Hang on Junior we're going to get you out of here."
"Hurry Roy I think I cut my side. I'm bleeding. Bad." Roy knew if Johnny was telling him about an injury it had to be bad.
"Can you reach your other hand up?" Johnny raised his other hand and grabbed a handful of Roy's turnout coat.
"Awww man." Johnny gasped at the movement.
"Okay can you pull yourself up?"
"Don't think I can."
"Come on Johnny you have to."
Chet rose up and sat on Roy's legs while reaching for Johnny's arm ready to help him pull up. "Come on Gage I'll help ya."
Johnny's eyes met Chet's and he nodded his assent to try. Together the two men were able to help Johnny back up onto the damaged walk. When he lay back Roy could see the amount of blood already soaking through Johnny's turnouts. "Chet we have to get him out of here." Reaching into his coat pocket and pulling out the HT Roy called to his Captain. Dispensing with radio protocol he called out to Hank. "Cap this is Roy. John's down. We need to evacuate him immediately. There are 55 gallon drums of solvent below us and the area is unsafe. The catwalk is impassible from here." As he spoke in the radio he opened Johnny's turnout coat to see the damage. Johnny had a very deep tear along his right side and was bleeding profusely. As soon as he finished with his radio transmission and even before Captain Stanley had time to respond Chet had grabbed the hose to provide protection on the way out and Roy had Johnny in a fireman's carry. They were on the move as Stanley gave them the go ahead to evacuate.
"10-4 HT 51. We're right behind you. We found the two workers and their supervisor. Evacuate now." Captain Stanley knew that Roy was rattled by Johnny's injury so in his heart he too knew it had to be bad.
Roy practically ran down the stairs from the catwalk. Back on level ground again he laid Johnny on the floor. He had to try to control the bleeding. Chet continued to keep the fire from reaching his crew mates. Captain Stanley came running up beside his fallen man. Marco, Craig, and Bob all passed carrying the three other victims from the burning building. "Roy how is he?"
"Not good Cap we need a stokes. Now!"
Captain Stanley radioed Mike to shut off the engine's pumps and bring in a stokes and pressure bandages right away. Before he could get the pumps shut off Marco had grabbed the needed gear. Mike and Marco ran into the building. Johnny looked up at his superior, "Sorry Cap."
"Don't worry about it John. It wasn't your fault. You just hang in there."
"Yeah," he breathed out with a gasp of pain.
"Stay with me Johnny." Roy talked calmly to his partner. "Mike's on his way with the stokes."
Suddenly Mike and Marco had arrived with the needed equipment. Roy immediately applied the pressure bandages to Johnny's side asking Chet to keep pressure on them as they lifted Johnny into the stokes he reached out a hand seeking solace from his Captain. Hank grabbed the outstretched hand and gripped it strongly. "Okay John I'm right here. Roy are we ready to move?"
Roy moved to the other side of the stokes replacing Chet in putting pressure to stop the bleeding, Mike took the feet and Marco the head. Chet grabbed the halligan Roy had dropped and they moved for the door. The linemen from another station had come to clear the way for their exit. They could feel the water spray as they came back into daylight.
"Chet get the bio-phone, drug box and oxygen." Captain Stanley directed. "Roy let's get him on that chopper. You can treat him in the air."
"Cap," Johnny whispered.
"Yes John?"
"Don't leave me Cap."
"John I'll be at Rampart as soon as I can."
"No Cap. Need….need…hold….on." Johnny was afraid. He knew he had lost a lot of blood and the cut was deep and long. Johnny sought the comfort that only a father could give a son during a traumatic situation.
Captain Stanley had a duty to the department, but he also knew that right now one of his men was fighting not only for his life, but also his ability to continue his career.
"Go Cap I'll take over as crew leader," Mike assured Hank.
Captain Stanley reached into his pocket and pulled out his HT. "HT 51 to Battalion 14."
"Go ahead HT 51."
"Requesting permission to accompany code I on helicopter to Rampart and leaving second in command as leader of my crew."
The chief knew Hank Stanley's devotion to his job as commander of his crew, but he also knew of Stanley's dedication to his men. Knowing how his crew looked to him for direction and often comfort he could only imagine the severity of his man's injury. "HT 51 permission granted to accompany code I to Rampart. Please advise on identity of injured man."
"Code I is John Gage."
The chief knew that Johnny was the youngest member of Stanley's crew. He also knew that Hank had taken on a special role for the orphaned man. "10-4 keep us posted. Have your lead man report to command for instructions after your departure."
"10-4 HT 51 out."
The group of men loaded Johnny onto the chopper. Chet raced over with the equipment. Roy climbed in along with Hank. Chet and Marco stood back as Mike shut the chopper door and gave the pilot the thumbs up to take off. The chopper lifted up and quickly disappeared above the cloud of smoke that covered the area. Mike, Chet and Marco went back to assist with the battle that raged to gain control of the dragon that consumed the factory.
On the chopper Johnny struggled to stay conscious while Roy worked to administer care. Hank held John's hand and talked calmly to his as they raced toward the hospital.
Chapter Two
"Cap," Johnny whispered. "It's my anniversary."
"What do you mean John?"
"Graduated…academy…s…six years ago," Johnny was barely able to get the words out. He was having some trouble breathing. His pulse was racing as his heart tried to compensate for the blood loss.
"That's wonderful John. Six years is quite an accomplishment. I'm proud of you." Captain Stanley smiled down at his friend. He gave his best attempt at a smile but he didn't quite pull it off.
Roy worked feverishly to try to stabilize his best friend's condition. He started IV's in both arms. "Johnny you need to keep that oxygen on okay. Cap can you help me with the MAST suit?"
"Sure Roy." Captain Stanley let go of Johnny's hand only long enough to help Roy with the anti-shock suit that would help to control Johnny's blood pressure. Johnny tensed as his Captain let go. He began to hyperventilate and became somewhat combative. "Hang on John. I'm right here." As soon as he could he resumed his position beside Johnny and grabbed his flailing hand. Johnny immediately calmed.
Roy also moved up near Johnny's head and brushed the sweat streaked hair from his forehead. "Hey Junior we're almost there."
"R r ro roy…hu hurt sss." Johnny's blood pressure was dropping and the dizziness made it hard for him to focus.
"I know." Roy continued to rub his hand across Johnny's head trying to offer some comfort to his hurting friend.
As soon as the chopper touched down the doors were flung open, and Dr. Brackett began pulling the stokes out onto a gurney. "What are his vitals now Roy?" The team of medical professionals whisked Johnny away with Roy and Captain Stanley running along side. Roy updated Brackett on Johnny's condition, and Hank kept a firm grip on his hand. Johnny squeezed his eyes shut to try to keep from losing his battle against the nausea that had set in. "We're taking him directly to OR8. You can wait down here or in the surgery waiting area." They moved the gurney to the waiting elevator. "Sorry guys we have to move." As soon as the contact between Johnny and Captain Stanley broke, Johnny began whimpering and struggling against the hands that held him on the gurney. He gasped for air. His blood pressure immediately dropped, and his pulse skyrocketed.
"Doc?" Stanley asked a myriad of questions with the one word.
"Come on guys let's go." Dr. Brackett allowed the two firemen on the elevator. Roy placed a hand on top of Johnny's head. Captain Stanley took his former position of allowing Johnny to hold on for life. Johnny's condition immediately stabilized. "I've never seen him this upset. I mean usually you can talk to him Roy. What happened that has him so spooked?"
"I don't know Doc. I think he is really afraid this time. He seems panicked. I just can't explain it. He has not allowed himself to close his eyes. He never lost consciousness even with the severe pain he is in. He seems to be holding on to Cap for strength. Is he going to be all right?"
"If I have anything to do with it he will be just fine, but we have our work cut out for us. He has lost a lot of blood. His organs could be jeopardized. We need to get a transfusion going." As soon as Brackett finished his brief evaluation the elevator doors opened, and the team was on the move again. This time the contact had to be broken. Captain Stanley and Roy were left standing by the elevator as they watched their friend disappear behind the doors that led to the operating room. As they rolled him away Johnny's head rose off the gurney, and his hand reached back for his Captain. Just as they reached the doors his head fell back; his hand went limp, dangling off the side of the gurney. Johnny had passed out. "Let's move. Get that transfusion started. I need x-rays stat." Brackett could be heard for a short time barking orders to the OR staff. As the doors closed the sounds were closed off as well.
The elevator alarm screamed in the background. Dr. Brackett had pushed the stop button when they reached the OR floor to allow everyone out. No one had thought to let it out again. Captain Stanley backed into the wall and slid to the floor resting his head in his hands. Roy mimicked his Captain only he leaned his head back and stared at the ceiling. Neither knew how long they sat there in the busy hallway. They just stayed right in that spot until Dixie came up to them. "Okay you guys are going to get cleaned up. You are not what I need patients and families seeing." She stood over the two men with towels and scrubs in her hands. "There is a shower down this hall for the surgeons. You can use it."
Roy thought for a second about what Dixie had said. He looked down at his clothes. He was covered in blood, Johnny's blood. He started trembling at that thought. Captain Stanley just sat there on the floor with his head still in his hands looking at the trail of blood that pooled in the elevator floor and led a path of droplets down the hall and into the OR doors. An orderly came up with a mop bucket of sudsy water and began to clear away the evidence that Johnny had lost so much blood. "Cap we need to get cleaned up." Roy reached over and tugged on his Captain's elbow.
"Okay." Hank said only one word, but he slowly stood up and leaned against the wall. He was a little dizzy himself from the trauma they had faced. "Show me the way."
Dixie led the men to the shower area and excused herself. "I'll keep you posted. You can wait up here in the surgery waiting area. Is there anyone you need me to call?"
"No. I'll call them." Hank answered in short.
"I'll call Joanne after we get cleaned up. Maybe then we will have more to tell." Roy shuffled towards the shower.
"Roy put yours and Hank's turnouts in this bag. I'll get an orderly to bring it downstairs when you are finished. I'll lock them in our storage room until you are ready to pick them up. Okay?"
"Sure. Thanks Dix."
Both men showered quickly not wanting to miss any news that might come from the operating room. Not wanting to make any phone calls until they had some kind of word on Johnny's condition, all that was left for the two men to do was wait.
"What do you mean John?"
"Graduated…academy…s…six years ago," Johnny was barely able to get the words out. He was having some trouble breathing. His pulse was racing as his heart tried to compensate for the blood loss.
"That's wonderful John. Six years is quite an accomplishment. I'm proud of you." Captain Stanley smiled down at his friend. He gave his best attempt at a smile but he didn't quite pull it off.
Roy worked feverishly to try to stabilize his best friend's condition. He started IV's in both arms. "Johnny you need to keep that oxygen on okay. Cap can you help me with the MAST suit?"
"Sure Roy." Captain Stanley let go of Johnny's hand only long enough to help Roy with the anti-shock suit that would help to control Johnny's blood pressure. Johnny tensed as his Captain let go. He began to hyperventilate and became somewhat combative. "Hang on John. I'm right here." As soon as he could he resumed his position beside Johnny and grabbed his flailing hand. Johnny immediately calmed.
Roy also moved up near Johnny's head and brushed the sweat streaked hair from his forehead. "Hey Junior we're almost there."
"R r ro roy…hu hurt sss." Johnny's blood pressure was dropping and the dizziness made it hard for him to focus.
"I know." Roy continued to rub his hand across Johnny's head trying to offer some comfort to his hurting friend.
As soon as the chopper touched down the doors were flung open, and Dr. Brackett began pulling the stokes out onto a gurney. "What are his vitals now Roy?" The team of medical professionals whisked Johnny away with Roy and Captain Stanley running along side. Roy updated Brackett on Johnny's condition, and Hank kept a firm grip on his hand. Johnny squeezed his eyes shut to try to keep from losing his battle against the nausea that had set in. "We're taking him directly to OR8. You can wait down here or in the surgery waiting area." They moved the gurney to the waiting elevator. "Sorry guys we have to move." As soon as the contact between Johnny and Captain Stanley broke, Johnny began whimpering and struggling against the hands that held him on the gurney. He gasped for air. His blood pressure immediately dropped, and his pulse skyrocketed.
"Doc?" Stanley asked a myriad of questions with the one word.
"Come on guys let's go." Dr. Brackett allowed the two firemen on the elevator. Roy placed a hand on top of Johnny's head. Captain Stanley took his former position of allowing Johnny to hold on for life. Johnny's condition immediately stabilized. "I've never seen him this upset. I mean usually you can talk to him Roy. What happened that has him so spooked?"
"I don't know Doc. I think he is really afraid this time. He seems panicked. I just can't explain it. He has not allowed himself to close his eyes. He never lost consciousness even with the severe pain he is in. He seems to be holding on to Cap for strength. Is he going to be all right?"
"If I have anything to do with it he will be just fine, but we have our work cut out for us. He has lost a lot of blood. His organs could be jeopardized. We need to get a transfusion going." As soon as Brackett finished his brief evaluation the elevator doors opened, and the team was on the move again. This time the contact had to be broken. Captain Stanley and Roy were left standing by the elevator as they watched their friend disappear behind the doors that led to the operating room. As they rolled him away Johnny's head rose off the gurney, and his hand reached back for his Captain. Just as they reached the doors his head fell back; his hand went limp, dangling off the side of the gurney. Johnny had passed out. "Let's move. Get that transfusion started. I need x-rays stat." Brackett could be heard for a short time barking orders to the OR staff. As the doors closed the sounds were closed off as well.
The elevator alarm screamed in the background. Dr. Brackett had pushed the stop button when they reached the OR floor to allow everyone out. No one had thought to let it out again. Captain Stanley backed into the wall and slid to the floor resting his head in his hands. Roy mimicked his Captain only he leaned his head back and stared at the ceiling. Neither knew how long they sat there in the busy hallway. They just stayed right in that spot until Dixie came up to them. "Okay you guys are going to get cleaned up. You are not what I need patients and families seeing." She stood over the two men with towels and scrubs in her hands. "There is a shower down this hall for the surgeons. You can use it."
Roy thought for a second about what Dixie had said. He looked down at his clothes. He was covered in blood, Johnny's blood. He started trembling at that thought. Captain Stanley just sat there on the floor with his head still in his hands looking at the trail of blood that pooled in the elevator floor and led a path of droplets down the hall and into the OR doors. An orderly came up with a mop bucket of sudsy water and began to clear away the evidence that Johnny had lost so much blood. "Cap we need to get cleaned up." Roy reached over and tugged on his Captain's elbow.
"Okay." Hank said only one word, but he slowly stood up and leaned against the wall. He was a little dizzy himself from the trauma they had faced. "Show me the way."
Dixie led the men to the shower area and excused herself. "I'll keep you posted. You can wait up here in the surgery waiting area. Is there anyone you need me to call?"
"No. I'll call them." Hank answered in short.
"I'll call Joanne after we get cleaned up. Maybe then we will have more to tell." Roy shuffled towards the shower.
"Roy put yours and Hank's turnouts in this bag. I'll get an orderly to bring it downstairs when you are finished. I'll lock them in our storage room until you are ready to pick them up. Okay?"
"Sure. Thanks Dix."
Both men showered quickly not wanting to miss any news that might come from the operating room. Not wanting to make any phone calls until they had some kind of word on Johnny's condition, all that was left for the two men to do was wait.
Chapter Three
"You know when I was told that I would be the new captain for the station I wanted to find out about my crew before taking over. I went down to headquarters and pulled all of your files. I have to say I was very impressed with Captain Hammer's team. Mike's score on the engineer's exam was the highest in that group. His time as a lineman also had been quite exemplary. Marco had done very well at the academy as well. His service as part of the engine crew at his previous station assignment was well documented. He received praise for his firefighting ability. Even Chester B has a good record. I don't have to tell you how impressed I was with your file Roy. Your participation in helping recruit rescue men for the paramedic program spoke volumes to me about the man that would be working for me. I had never worked with a rescue squad so that whole concept was new to me. Anyway I have to tell you the one team member that worried me was John. His service record was exemplary, but he was young and in my eyes still a little green. He was only 19 when he graduated the academy. I guess that was six years ago today. He ranked very high on his scores at the academy and according to his file immediately slipped into the role of rescuer. He was assigned to the rescue squad at Station 10 after only a few months on the engine. I guess you know he ranked first in his paramedic class, but I was still worried about having someone so young on my crew."
"Yeah I know what you mean Cap. The first time I met him he came in to ask questions about the paramedic training. When he walked in I thought he was in the wrong place. I thought he was still in high school. He was actually 21. But you know Cap he asked all the right questions. He proved to be very intelligent. He had done his homework. I didn't think he would sign up though. He had doubts until after we talked. He borrowed my pen and signed up right then and there. That day marked the beginning of what I now know to be the best friendship I could ever ask for. People really gave Johnny a hard time about being an Indian even then. The way he just shrugged it off and kept doing what he intended to do showed me that he was a strong individual. He really studied the manuals and procedures. I have to admit although he was probably the youngest guy there, he was definitely the brightest. Don't get me wrong the way he was always fidgeting, constantly moving, really got on my nerves. I've never seen anyone with that much energy. It's catching though. I think hanging around Johnny keeps me feeling younger. He is like having a really big kid around all the time."
"You have really hit the nail on the head there Roy. He is like a really big kid." Captain Stanley laughed at the thought.
"He has many layers though. In one way he is insecure while in another he is an expert. It can really drive you crazy trying to figure him out." Roy paused in thought. "He certainly has a way with women and children."
"That Gage Charm." The two laughed together at Captain Stanley's comment.
"Remember my first day at 51's?" Captain Stanley asked Roy.
"Yeah it was kind of scary for us guys."
"Well it was really scary for me. I was a new Captain, and I was taking over a fairly new station with a crew that had only been together for about a year. I remember everyone lining up for roll call. You all looked a little concerned, but Johnny looked like he was scared to death."
"Well Cap he wanted you to like him. One thing about Johnny he can't hide his feelings. You know that's why he always loses at cards. He can't hide the emotion on his face or in his eyes. That's one of the things that makes me crazy. For the most part you can read him like a book until someone is discriminatory or ridicules him then he shuts off. His face is void of emotion and his eyes become vacant. I think maybe he has to close himself off so he won't get hurt. That's one part of Johnny that I just can't figure out. I guess it is a defensive mechanism he learned after his parents died." Roy looked down at his hands in thought.
"We've had a lot of opportunities to worry about our friend haven't we Roy?" Captain Stanley patted Roy on the shoulder offering comfort. "Remember that monkey virus he contracted. When he fell off that scaffolding I couldn't believe my eyes. Then to find out he had that virus that almost killed him was quite a shock. Somehow he and Dr. Brackett survived that. Johnny possesses a strength about him than runs very deep. He is a survivor Roy."
"Yeah he is."
The two men sat together in companionable silence for a while until the rest of the crew showed up.
"Any word?" Mike asked as the three men joined the others.
"Not yet. He's still in surgery. They haven't come out to give us any bad news so I guess that's a good thing," Captain Stanley looked his men over making sure they were unharmed. He had left them at the fire to be with John, but he still worried about the safety of his crew.
"Man this is like waiting to see if he would be okay after that darn snake bit him," Chet shook his head as he slumped into a chair to wait.
"Or like when he was in that warehouse where that bomb had exploded, and the guy said there was another one set to go off. I remember realizing that Johnny was still inside. You went in after him Roy. I just knew that the two of you would be caught in the second explosion. Somehow you were able to get him out in time. I pray we got him here in time today." Marco began praying quietly in Spanish. He took a seat next to Chet.
"I think I'll get some coffee. Anyone want some?" Mike asked the group of men.
"I'll come with you Mike. I would like a report on what happened at the fire after I left." Captain Stanley got up to join Mike.
Mike and Cap came back a short time later with coffee in hand. They moved to the other side of the waiting area to discuss the events at the fire. Even though Captain Stanley had left Mike in charge there were still reports to file. The actions of his crew were ultimately his responsibility whether he was there or not.
"Roy do you think Johnny's gonna be all right?" Marco asked. Chet wanted to know as well and sat forward in his chair.
"I don't know. He lost an awful lot of blood. The cut was deep, but I'm not sure if any organs were affected. He could have lacerated his liver or intestines. The impact could have broken some ribs. I couldn't really tell. I think the main concern is the amount of blood loss. He could suffer organ damage from that alone." Roy was usually the calm level headed member of the A-shift from Station 51, but today he didn't feel calm at all. He was deeply concerned about his best friend. They had been waiting for what seemed like a long, long time, but was actually only about two hours. As Roy looked up to say something else to Chet and Marco he noticed Dixie coming in the waiting area. "Dix?"
All five men jumped to their feet and surrounded the nurse. "Guys I don't know much. Dr. Brackett asked me to update you on Johnny's surgery. They did get the bleeding under control for the moment. He definitely has several broken ribs on the right side where the injury is. One of the ribs lacerated the liver. They are working to repair that damage now. They have a transfusion going trying to replenish the blood loss. He's not stable. His blood pressure is too low. Kel is worried about his heart. It is under a great deal of stress from the blood loss. That's really all I know for now."
"Thanks for the update Dixie," Captain Stanley spoke for the group. "I guess I had better make a few phone calls." Hank headed towards the bank of pay phones that were there for patient's families.
"Guess I need to call Joanne and let her know what is going on as well. Mike do you want me to have Joanne call your wife?"
"That would be great Roy. Just have Joanne tell her I will call later when we have more news."
Roy joined Hank at the pay phones. He pulled change from his pocket and deposited some into the coin slot. Hearing his wife answer he began to tell her about Johnny. "I know Jo, but he lost so much blood. I'm really worried that he might not make it this time."
"Yeah I know what you mean Cap. The first time I met him he came in to ask questions about the paramedic training. When he walked in I thought he was in the wrong place. I thought he was still in high school. He was actually 21. But you know Cap he asked all the right questions. He proved to be very intelligent. He had done his homework. I didn't think he would sign up though. He had doubts until after we talked. He borrowed my pen and signed up right then and there. That day marked the beginning of what I now know to be the best friendship I could ever ask for. People really gave Johnny a hard time about being an Indian even then. The way he just shrugged it off and kept doing what he intended to do showed me that he was a strong individual. He really studied the manuals and procedures. I have to admit although he was probably the youngest guy there, he was definitely the brightest. Don't get me wrong the way he was always fidgeting, constantly moving, really got on my nerves. I've never seen anyone with that much energy. It's catching though. I think hanging around Johnny keeps me feeling younger. He is like having a really big kid around all the time."
"You have really hit the nail on the head there Roy. He is like a really big kid." Captain Stanley laughed at the thought.
"He has many layers though. In one way he is insecure while in another he is an expert. It can really drive you crazy trying to figure him out." Roy paused in thought. "He certainly has a way with women and children."
"That Gage Charm." The two laughed together at Captain Stanley's comment.
"Remember my first day at 51's?" Captain Stanley asked Roy.
"Yeah it was kind of scary for us guys."
"Well it was really scary for me. I was a new Captain, and I was taking over a fairly new station with a crew that had only been together for about a year. I remember everyone lining up for roll call. You all looked a little concerned, but Johnny looked like he was scared to death."
"Well Cap he wanted you to like him. One thing about Johnny he can't hide his feelings. You know that's why he always loses at cards. He can't hide the emotion on his face or in his eyes. That's one of the things that makes me crazy. For the most part you can read him like a book until someone is discriminatory or ridicules him then he shuts off. His face is void of emotion and his eyes become vacant. I think maybe he has to close himself off so he won't get hurt. That's one part of Johnny that I just can't figure out. I guess it is a defensive mechanism he learned after his parents died." Roy looked down at his hands in thought.
"We've had a lot of opportunities to worry about our friend haven't we Roy?" Captain Stanley patted Roy on the shoulder offering comfort. "Remember that monkey virus he contracted. When he fell off that scaffolding I couldn't believe my eyes. Then to find out he had that virus that almost killed him was quite a shock. Somehow he and Dr. Brackett survived that. Johnny possesses a strength about him than runs very deep. He is a survivor Roy."
"Yeah he is."
The two men sat together in companionable silence for a while until the rest of the crew showed up.
"Any word?" Mike asked as the three men joined the others.
"Not yet. He's still in surgery. They haven't come out to give us any bad news so I guess that's a good thing," Captain Stanley looked his men over making sure they were unharmed. He had left them at the fire to be with John, but he still worried about the safety of his crew.
"Man this is like waiting to see if he would be okay after that darn snake bit him," Chet shook his head as he slumped into a chair to wait.
"Or like when he was in that warehouse where that bomb had exploded, and the guy said there was another one set to go off. I remember realizing that Johnny was still inside. You went in after him Roy. I just knew that the two of you would be caught in the second explosion. Somehow you were able to get him out in time. I pray we got him here in time today." Marco began praying quietly in Spanish. He took a seat next to Chet.
"I think I'll get some coffee. Anyone want some?" Mike asked the group of men.
"I'll come with you Mike. I would like a report on what happened at the fire after I left." Captain Stanley got up to join Mike.
Mike and Cap came back a short time later with coffee in hand. They moved to the other side of the waiting area to discuss the events at the fire. Even though Captain Stanley had left Mike in charge there were still reports to file. The actions of his crew were ultimately his responsibility whether he was there or not.
"Roy do you think Johnny's gonna be all right?" Marco asked. Chet wanted to know as well and sat forward in his chair.
"I don't know. He lost an awful lot of blood. The cut was deep, but I'm not sure if any organs were affected. He could have lacerated his liver or intestines. The impact could have broken some ribs. I couldn't really tell. I think the main concern is the amount of blood loss. He could suffer organ damage from that alone." Roy was usually the calm level headed member of the A-shift from Station 51, but today he didn't feel calm at all. He was deeply concerned about his best friend. They had been waiting for what seemed like a long, long time, but was actually only about two hours. As Roy looked up to say something else to Chet and Marco he noticed Dixie coming in the waiting area. "Dix?"
All five men jumped to their feet and surrounded the nurse. "Guys I don't know much. Dr. Brackett asked me to update you on Johnny's surgery. They did get the bleeding under control for the moment. He definitely has several broken ribs on the right side where the injury is. One of the ribs lacerated the liver. They are working to repair that damage now. They have a transfusion going trying to replenish the blood loss. He's not stable. His blood pressure is too low. Kel is worried about his heart. It is under a great deal of stress from the blood loss. That's really all I know for now."
"Thanks for the update Dixie," Captain Stanley spoke for the group. "I guess I had better make a few phone calls." Hank headed towards the bank of pay phones that were there for patient's families.
"Guess I need to call Joanne and let her know what is going on as well. Mike do you want me to have Joanne call your wife?"
"That would be great Roy. Just have Joanne tell her I will call later when we have more news."
Roy joined Hank at the pay phones. He pulled change from his pocket and deposited some into the coin slot. Hearing his wife answer he began to tell her about Johnny. "I know Jo, but he lost so much blood. I'm really worried that he might not make it this time."
