Seeking
Solace
by GCS
Chapter Four
While Captain Stanley and the others waited quietly in the surgery waiting area there was a frenzy of activity in the operating room.
Dr. Brackett and Dr. Joe Early worked flawlessly trying to repair the damage to Johnny's liver. Due to the severe blood loss they were having trouble keeping his blood pressure up. They repeatedly studied the x-rays as they explored his abdominal cavity for other injuries from the blunt trauma. There was also a great deal of flushing out of the area with saline to prevent infection. Once the two doctors were sure there was no unseen damage to the other organs they began the arduous task of debridement of the laceration. Since there was the risk of tendon and nerve damage, Dr. Brackett allowed his colleague to take over that part of the procedure. While Joe worked on repairing the tendons and nerves as he applied absorbable subcutaneous stitches to close the area deep within the wound, Kel started another blood transfusion. It seemed as if they were pumping blood in only to see it pump out again. Johnny was bleeding out, and they had to get things finished up before they could slow down on the transfusions. The wound itself was not that long, but it was deep and jagged. The debridement was a slow process. The doctors had been working on Johnny for two hours now, and they were growing tired and weary. There was one thing for sure. They both cared deeply for the injured paramedic and intended to be very thorough in his care. Once the inner area of the wound was stitched together Dr. Brackett took over to close. He wanted to make sure that Johnny had as little scarring as possible. "As soon as we get him settled in post op we need to start him on a strong round of antibiotics," Dr. Brackett told Joe. "I want him on some anti-nausea medication as well. The last thing we need is for him to pull out this beautiful stitchery."
"We'll need a respiratory therapist to start him on deep breathing and have a spirometer sent up as soon as he's awake," Joe shook his head as he thought about the many times Johnny had been in need of respiratory therapy.
"Okay I think we're done here. Let's get him to post op and start another transfusion. Hopefully his hemoglobin and hemocrit levels will start improving now that the bleeding is under control." Dr. Brackett made the necessary notes in Johnny's chart as he and Joe made their way towards the surgical waiting area and Johnny's shift mates.
By the time they reached the waiting room all five men were on their feet and hovering just inside the doorway. "Doc?" Roy was first to speak. He could tell from experience that the two doctors he admired most were concerned. It showed in their facial expressions and the way they carried themselves.
"Relax guys he made it through surgery. His blood pressure is still a bit low. He is still on transfusion therapy which I expect to help with that. Of course he will be very weak from both the surgery and the blood loss. I expect him to be anemic. That goes with the blood loss. Hopefully the anemia will correct itself. I'm sure Dixie told you about the liver laceration. We repaired that with little difficulty and found no other internal damage. He did break three ribs on the right side which is what cut into the liver. There isn't much we can do about the ribs with all of the stitches, but he won't be moving around much for several days anyway. There are some concerns. One complication from this type of abdominal trauma is the possibility of internal hernia. Of course there is possible infection of the site. We are starting antibiotics to hopefully counteract any infection, and he has already received a tetanus booster. As you know Roy any abdominal surgery can lead to respiratory complications. You will need to make sure he uses the spirometer every chance you get. We will have respiratory therapy start him on deep breathing and coughing exercises as soon as he's awake. The last thing we need is for him to develop pneumonia." Dr. Brackett gave a good rundown of the overall situation with their friend.
"He will be okay though right Doc.?" Chet asked.
"I think so Chet, in time he should be all right," Joe answered.
"How long will he be laid up?" Mike was next to inquire about Johnny.
"Well with this type of abdominal trauma and surgery you can expect him to be out a minimum of 8 weeks, but with the blood loss on top of the surgery we may be looking at more like three months. He will need physical therapy and exercise to strengthen his abdominal muscles. He may have to be re-qualified to return. That will be up to the chief. I will personally see that he keeps up his paramedic certification. That will not be a problem," Dr. Brackett patted Roy on the shoulder offering his assurance that Johnny would remain his paramedic partner. "We will have to check his blood work every six to twelve hours for a couple of days to be sure his blood levels are improving, and will do everything we can to prevent respiratory problems that might delay his return to duty. He will be on total bed rest for several days. Then we'll start getting him up for short periods. He'll be hospitalized for at least 4 to 5 days probably a week."
"Listen guys, we all know that these are generalities when it comes to the recuperation time for this type of injury. This is John Gage we're talking about. John's healing time will be determined by John and John alone. Knowing him the way we all do he could be back in the 8 week time period no matter what he goes through with complications. What we need to do is support him and encourage him to take the time needed to heal properly," Dr. Early voiced what everyone was thinking. "Let's just hope he avoids any complications."
"When can we see him?" Captain Stanley asked.
"Well there is a great risk for germ exposure. He is very weak and susceptible right now. I think it would be best to limit contact until at least tomorrow afternoon," Dr. Brackett turned to Mike, Chet and Marco. "I'm sorry guys, but I think for today we need to limit visitors to Roy and your Captain."
"No problem Dr. Brackett. We're just glad Johnny's going to be okay," Marco answered for his friends who nodded their agreement.
"Hank, you and Roy can see Johnny as soon as we move him up to ICU. I think that should be in about an hour." Dr. Brackett excused himself and went to shower and change.
"Guys I just want to remind you to encourage Johnny to take things slowly. He will have a great deal of weakness from the blood loss. We all know that he will expect himself to do better than he physically can at first. He's going to need all of your support to get through this. Remember how quickly he bounced back after that virus? He won't be that fortunate this time. Not with this type of injury," Dr. Early wanted to make sure Johnny had the support network he fully expected him to need in order to heal properly.
"We read ya loud and clear Doc," Chet answered for the group. "We'll take good care of Joh…uh…Gage." His little slip of the tongue almost calling Johnny by his first name let the others know how worried Chet had been about Johnny.
"We sure will. We'll make sure he does what he is supposed to do and not over do it either." This time Marco spoke up.
"Well good. John Gage is a very lucky man to have you all as friends. How could he not get better?" Joe patted Chet on the back and still smiling he turned and left the room.
"I think that was our cue to leave too," Mike said to Chet and Marco. "Cap will you or Roy keep us posted?"
"Sure Mike." Captain Stanley was relieved that his men understood that only he and Roy would see Johnny tonight. He for one had not intended on leaving until he saw John for himself. "I'll call you after we've seen him."
"Well I guess we'll see you next shift then Cap. Let's go guys." Mike rounded up Chet and Marco. He obviously would someday make a great captain. Mike Stoker was a born leader.
"Roy how 'bout you and I get some coffee while we wait?"
"That sounds great Cap. I need to call Joanne first."
"Yeah I guess I had better update my wife and the chief as well."
The two men strolled over to the bank of pay phones once again. Once their phone calls were complete they got their coffee and headed back to the waiting area to do just that….wait.
Dr. Brackett and Dr. Joe Early worked flawlessly trying to repair the damage to Johnny's liver. Due to the severe blood loss they were having trouble keeping his blood pressure up. They repeatedly studied the x-rays as they explored his abdominal cavity for other injuries from the blunt trauma. There was also a great deal of flushing out of the area with saline to prevent infection. Once the two doctors were sure there was no unseen damage to the other organs they began the arduous task of debridement of the laceration. Since there was the risk of tendon and nerve damage, Dr. Brackett allowed his colleague to take over that part of the procedure. While Joe worked on repairing the tendons and nerves as he applied absorbable subcutaneous stitches to close the area deep within the wound, Kel started another blood transfusion. It seemed as if they were pumping blood in only to see it pump out again. Johnny was bleeding out, and they had to get things finished up before they could slow down on the transfusions. The wound itself was not that long, but it was deep and jagged. The debridement was a slow process. The doctors had been working on Johnny for two hours now, and they were growing tired and weary. There was one thing for sure. They both cared deeply for the injured paramedic and intended to be very thorough in his care. Once the inner area of the wound was stitched together Dr. Brackett took over to close. He wanted to make sure that Johnny had as little scarring as possible. "As soon as we get him settled in post op we need to start him on a strong round of antibiotics," Dr. Brackett told Joe. "I want him on some anti-nausea medication as well. The last thing we need is for him to pull out this beautiful stitchery."
"We'll need a respiratory therapist to start him on deep breathing and have a spirometer sent up as soon as he's awake," Joe shook his head as he thought about the many times Johnny had been in need of respiratory therapy.
"Okay I think we're done here. Let's get him to post op and start another transfusion. Hopefully his hemoglobin and hemocrit levels will start improving now that the bleeding is under control." Dr. Brackett made the necessary notes in Johnny's chart as he and Joe made their way towards the surgical waiting area and Johnny's shift mates.
By the time they reached the waiting room all five men were on their feet and hovering just inside the doorway. "Doc?" Roy was first to speak. He could tell from experience that the two doctors he admired most were concerned. It showed in their facial expressions and the way they carried themselves.
"Relax guys he made it through surgery. His blood pressure is still a bit low. He is still on transfusion therapy which I expect to help with that. Of course he will be very weak from both the surgery and the blood loss. I expect him to be anemic. That goes with the blood loss. Hopefully the anemia will correct itself. I'm sure Dixie told you about the liver laceration. We repaired that with little difficulty and found no other internal damage. He did break three ribs on the right side which is what cut into the liver. There isn't much we can do about the ribs with all of the stitches, but he won't be moving around much for several days anyway. There are some concerns. One complication from this type of abdominal trauma is the possibility of internal hernia. Of course there is possible infection of the site. We are starting antibiotics to hopefully counteract any infection, and he has already received a tetanus booster. As you know Roy any abdominal surgery can lead to respiratory complications. You will need to make sure he uses the spirometer every chance you get. We will have respiratory therapy start him on deep breathing and coughing exercises as soon as he's awake. The last thing we need is for him to develop pneumonia." Dr. Brackett gave a good rundown of the overall situation with their friend.
"He will be okay though right Doc.?" Chet asked.
"I think so Chet, in time he should be all right," Joe answered.
"How long will he be laid up?" Mike was next to inquire about Johnny.
"Well with this type of abdominal trauma and surgery you can expect him to be out a minimum of 8 weeks, but with the blood loss on top of the surgery we may be looking at more like three months. He will need physical therapy and exercise to strengthen his abdominal muscles. He may have to be re-qualified to return. That will be up to the chief. I will personally see that he keeps up his paramedic certification. That will not be a problem," Dr. Brackett patted Roy on the shoulder offering his assurance that Johnny would remain his paramedic partner. "We will have to check his blood work every six to twelve hours for a couple of days to be sure his blood levels are improving, and will do everything we can to prevent respiratory problems that might delay his return to duty. He will be on total bed rest for several days. Then we'll start getting him up for short periods. He'll be hospitalized for at least 4 to 5 days probably a week."
"Listen guys, we all know that these are generalities when it comes to the recuperation time for this type of injury. This is John Gage we're talking about. John's healing time will be determined by John and John alone. Knowing him the way we all do he could be back in the 8 week time period no matter what he goes through with complications. What we need to do is support him and encourage him to take the time needed to heal properly," Dr. Early voiced what everyone was thinking. "Let's just hope he avoids any complications."
"When can we see him?" Captain Stanley asked.
"Well there is a great risk for germ exposure. He is very weak and susceptible right now. I think it would be best to limit contact until at least tomorrow afternoon," Dr. Brackett turned to Mike, Chet and Marco. "I'm sorry guys, but I think for today we need to limit visitors to Roy and your Captain."
"No problem Dr. Brackett. We're just glad Johnny's going to be okay," Marco answered for his friends who nodded their agreement.
"Hank, you and Roy can see Johnny as soon as we move him up to ICU. I think that should be in about an hour." Dr. Brackett excused himself and went to shower and change.
"Guys I just want to remind you to encourage Johnny to take things slowly. He will have a great deal of weakness from the blood loss. We all know that he will expect himself to do better than he physically can at first. He's going to need all of your support to get through this. Remember how quickly he bounced back after that virus? He won't be that fortunate this time. Not with this type of injury," Dr. Early wanted to make sure Johnny had the support network he fully expected him to need in order to heal properly.
"We read ya loud and clear Doc," Chet answered for the group. "We'll take good care of Joh…uh…Gage." His little slip of the tongue almost calling Johnny by his first name let the others know how worried Chet had been about Johnny.
"We sure will. We'll make sure he does what he is supposed to do and not over do it either." This time Marco spoke up.
"Well good. John Gage is a very lucky man to have you all as friends. How could he not get better?" Joe patted Chet on the back and still smiling he turned and left the room.
"I think that was our cue to leave too," Mike said to Chet and Marco. "Cap will you or Roy keep us posted?"
"Sure Mike." Captain Stanley was relieved that his men understood that only he and Roy would see Johnny tonight. He for one had not intended on leaving until he saw John for himself. "I'll call you after we've seen him."
"Well I guess we'll see you next shift then Cap. Let's go guys." Mike rounded up Chet and Marco. He obviously would someday make a great captain. Mike Stoker was a born leader.
"Roy how 'bout you and I get some coffee while we wait?"
"That sounds great Cap. I need to call Joanne first."
"Yeah I guess I had better update my wife and the chief as well."
The two men strolled over to the bank of pay phones once again. Once their phone calls were complete they got their coffee and headed back to the waiting area to do just that….wait.
Chapter Five
Awareness came slowly for the injured paramedic. He could feel the tube down his throat and instinctively knew he was intubated, but why there was a need to be on the vent escaped him. His chocolate brown eyes fluttered again as he tried desperately to get them to open. Why did he feel so weak? It seemed as if he didn't even have enough energy to think. Giving in to the draw of sleep Johnny drifted once again into oblivion.
"He showed some signs of waking up a few minutes ago Dr. Brackett, but I don't think he was quite ready yet," the surgery nurse informed the doctor.
"Johnny? Can you hear me?" Dr. Brackett lightly shook Johnny's shoulder. "Come on Gage it's time to wake up for me."
Getting no response from his patient, not even a groan or moan, Dr. Brackett grew concerned. Deciding that he may need to run a few tests to determine how the blood therapy was working, he instructed the nurse to draw a new sample. A short while later he had the results. "Hang another transfusion. His levels are still too low. We need to get him to wake up for a few minutes at least, so he can be moved to ICU. I want to be sure he is at least somewhat aware before he's moved." Dr. Brackett's mouth twitched with worry over the lack of response from his friend. "Come on Johnny give me some sign here that you are waking up."
Just as Dr. Brackett finished his last statement he noticed the long dark lashes fluttering across pale cheeks. The rest of Johnny's body was uncharacteristically still. Dr. Brackett watched his friend for a few more moments and then nudged his shoulder a little, "Come on Johnny. We're all waiting for you here. It's time to wake up." There was no response and the fluttering lashes stilled once again.
Another hour passed before Dr. Brackett once again entered the post op area. Moving to the side of Johnny's bed he glanced at the different life sustaining machines checking the readings with expert skill and practice. He grabbed the chart from the hanger on the end of the bed and checked over the nurse's notes. As he read his thoughts took in the details: low grade fever that's to be expected; BP and pulse a little on the low side, but then that was expected as well. Why aren't you awake my friend? Or at least trying to wake up?
Johnny was dreaming, or at least he thought it was a dream, that he was in a factory fire. In his dream a dragon continuously blew flames at Chet and Roy as they followed Johnny into the dark, smokey, ruins of the once thriving factory. He didn't know why they were going deeper into the dragon's lair, but for some strange reason unknown to him they kept on moving forward. Suddenly the dragon, angry at the intrusion, whipped his tail around and knocked Johnny off of the platform they had been standing on. Chet and Roy called to him and reached out for him, but he fell. As he plummeted towards the floor he couldn't see he felt a sharp pain in his side. Looking down he saw the tip end of the dragon's tail protruding from is right side. He hung there in the air. Suspended by the end of the beast's tail as the fire danced around them. Johnny looked up at his friends' reaching hands. They were trying to help him, but he was slipping away. The dragon had him, and he could see no escape. "No," he whispered.
"Johnny?" Dr. Brackett thought he heard something above the whirring and hissing noises from the array of equipment in the small cubicle. "Can you wake up for me?" He looked down watching the eye lashes that fluttered again. Finally the lashes lifted slightly from their resting place and though open only slit, chocolate brown eyes could be seen moving beneath heavy lids. "Hey you with me Johnny?" The wandering eyes slowly focused on the doctor and slowly blinked. Dr. Brackett took that as a yes. "Do you know where you are?" Blink. "Okay good. You're on a vent, because you had to have surgery to repair a laceration to you liver and a pretty significant laceration on your right side. Do you remember?" No blink. "That's okay. We'll talk about that later. You lost a lot of blood Johnny. We are working to replace that and get your labs back up. We are going to move you to ICU in a little while. You're going to be fine. Okay?" Blink. "Once we get you settled Roy and Hank can see you. They and the rest of the guys have been waiting for a long time to be sure you're all right. Would you like to see them?" Blink.
Patting Johnny on the shoulder Dr. Brackett left the room to go update Roy and Hank on Johnny's progress. Johnny drifted back to sleep.
Roy and Captain Stanley were still waiting on word from Dr. Brackett about when they could see Johnny. Dr. Brackett found the two men dozing in the waiting room. Not wanting to disturb them he decided to go ahead and get Johnny moved and settled in ICU before waking the men.
Once Johnny was set up in the Intensive Care Unit Dr. Brackett again returned to the surgery waiting area to find the two men still dozing. "Roy wake up. Johnny's ready to see you." Roy and Hank both woke up quickly as firemen do when they are being called out to a fire or rescue.
"Hey Dr. Brackett," Roy rubbed his eyes to clear the sleep from them. "Can we see him?"
"Yes Roy he is up in ICU just stop at the nurse's desk, and they will show you where he is. I need you to remember that he is very weak. We had a hard time waking him up in post op. He is still on the vent, but if he continues to do well we may extubate him later tonight or first thing in the morning."
"Sure Doc we understand. We just need to see him. Can one of us sit with him for a while?" Hank asked.
"I've already given instructions to the nurses to allow you or Roy total access, but just the two of you. He will not be allowed any other visitors until I give further instructions. I want to limit his contact with others until his blood work comes back with better readings. I'll check on him later. Right now I need to get back to the ER."
"Okay Doc see ya later," Roy waved to his friend as they moved towards the public elevators.
After stopping at the nurse's desk the two friends entered the darkened ICU room. There were monitors and machines surrounding the bed where their very pale friend rested. He looked so small for a man of 6'1". The normally tan man before them looked almost ghostly white. Other than the movement caused by the vent pushing air into his lungs there was no movement. "He's too still," Hank said.
"Johnny?" Roy moved beside the bed and placed a hand on Johnny's shoulder. "Johnny Cap and I are here. Can you wake up for me?" Johnny's eyelashes fluttered and he slowly opened his eyes to look up at Roy. "Hey Junior, good to see you. You really had us worried."
Johnny's eyes moved from Roy to Hank, but no other part of his body moved. This alone caused more concern from the two visitors. The deep brown eyes settled on Hank and with great effort Johnny's hand lifted slightly from the bed. Hank saw the slight movement and took Johnny's hand in his again offering strength and support for the man he thought of like a son. "You're going to be just fine John." Johnny's eyes slid closed, and he again drifted off to sleep.
"Roy, he is really out of it. Why don't I sit with him for a while? You go home and get some rest. Spend some time with Joanne and the kids. If he continues to be this out of it I'll head home after Dr. Brackett comes back to check on him. If there is any change I'll call you. Okay?"
Roy nodded his head in agreement. "Okay Cap. I think I'll do that. You'll call me?"
"I'll call."
Roy patted his friend's shoulder, "I'll see you later Junior." He turned and headed towards the door. "If anything changes?"
"I'll call Roy go home." Hank chuckled at the dedication Roy had for Johnny. Ordinarily Roy was always the one to sit with Johnny, but he was tired and stressed and wanted, no needed to see Joanne. He needed her strength just as Johnny needed Hank's.
Captain Stanley settled in the chair beside Johnny's bed having never let go of the injured man's hand. He would stay there holding on offering strength and support as long as Johnny needed him to. That's what Captains do. That's what friends do. Most of all that's what a father would do for his son.
"He showed some signs of waking up a few minutes ago Dr. Brackett, but I don't think he was quite ready yet," the surgery nurse informed the doctor.
"Johnny? Can you hear me?" Dr. Brackett lightly shook Johnny's shoulder. "Come on Gage it's time to wake up for me."
Getting no response from his patient, not even a groan or moan, Dr. Brackett grew concerned. Deciding that he may need to run a few tests to determine how the blood therapy was working, he instructed the nurse to draw a new sample. A short while later he had the results. "Hang another transfusion. His levels are still too low. We need to get him to wake up for a few minutes at least, so he can be moved to ICU. I want to be sure he is at least somewhat aware before he's moved." Dr. Brackett's mouth twitched with worry over the lack of response from his friend. "Come on Johnny give me some sign here that you are waking up."
Just as Dr. Brackett finished his last statement he noticed the long dark lashes fluttering across pale cheeks. The rest of Johnny's body was uncharacteristically still. Dr. Brackett watched his friend for a few more moments and then nudged his shoulder a little, "Come on Johnny. We're all waiting for you here. It's time to wake up." There was no response and the fluttering lashes stilled once again.
Another hour passed before Dr. Brackett once again entered the post op area. Moving to the side of Johnny's bed he glanced at the different life sustaining machines checking the readings with expert skill and practice. He grabbed the chart from the hanger on the end of the bed and checked over the nurse's notes. As he read his thoughts took in the details: low grade fever that's to be expected; BP and pulse a little on the low side, but then that was expected as well. Why aren't you awake my friend? Or at least trying to wake up?
Johnny was dreaming, or at least he thought it was a dream, that he was in a factory fire. In his dream a dragon continuously blew flames at Chet and Roy as they followed Johnny into the dark, smokey, ruins of the once thriving factory. He didn't know why they were going deeper into the dragon's lair, but for some strange reason unknown to him they kept on moving forward. Suddenly the dragon, angry at the intrusion, whipped his tail around and knocked Johnny off of the platform they had been standing on. Chet and Roy called to him and reached out for him, but he fell. As he plummeted towards the floor he couldn't see he felt a sharp pain in his side. Looking down he saw the tip end of the dragon's tail protruding from is right side. He hung there in the air. Suspended by the end of the beast's tail as the fire danced around them. Johnny looked up at his friends' reaching hands. They were trying to help him, but he was slipping away. The dragon had him, and he could see no escape. "No," he whispered.
"Johnny?" Dr. Brackett thought he heard something above the whirring and hissing noises from the array of equipment in the small cubicle. "Can you wake up for me?" He looked down watching the eye lashes that fluttered again. Finally the lashes lifted slightly from their resting place and though open only slit, chocolate brown eyes could be seen moving beneath heavy lids. "Hey you with me Johnny?" The wandering eyes slowly focused on the doctor and slowly blinked. Dr. Brackett took that as a yes. "Do you know where you are?" Blink. "Okay good. You're on a vent, because you had to have surgery to repair a laceration to you liver and a pretty significant laceration on your right side. Do you remember?" No blink. "That's okay. We'll talk about that later. You lost a lot of blood Johnny. We are working to replace that and get your labs back up. We are going to move you to ICU in a little while. You're going to be fine. Okay?" Blink. "Once we get you settled Roy and Hank can see you. They and the rest of the guys have been waiting for a long time to be sure you're all right. Would you like to see them?" Blink.
Patting Johnny on the shoulder Dr. Brackett left the room to go update Roy and Hank on Johnny's progress. Johnny drifted back to sleep.
Roy and Captain Stanley were still waiting on word from Dr. Brackett about when they could see Johnny. Dr. Brackett found the two men dozing in the waiting room. Not wanting to disturb them he decided to go ahead and get Johnny moved and settled in ICU before waking the men.
Once Johnny was set up in the Intensive Care Unit Dr. Brackett again returned to the surgery waiting area to find the two men still dozing. "Roy wake up. Johnny's ready to see you." Roy and Hank both woke up quickly as firemen do when they are being called out to a fire or rescue.
"Hey Dr. Brackett," Roy rubbed his eyes to clear the sleep from them. "Can we see him?"
"Yes Roy he is up in ICU just stop at the nurse's desk, and they will show you where he is. I need you to remember that he is very weak. We had a hard time waking him up in post op. He is still on the vent, but if he continues to do well we may extubate him later tonight or first thing in the morning."
"Sure Doc we understand. We just need to see him. Can one of us sit with him for a while?" Hank asked.
"I've already given instructions to the nurses to allow you or Roy total access, but just the two of you. He will not be allowed any other visitors until I give further instructions. I want to limit his contact with others until his blood work comes back with better readings. I'll check on him later. Right now I need to get back to the ER."
"Okay Doc see ya later," Roy waved to his friend as they moved towards the public elevators.
After stopping at the nurse's desk the two friends entered the darkened ICU room. There were monitors and machines surrounding the bed where their very pale friend rested. He looked so small for a man of 6'1". The normally tan man before them looked almost ghostly white. Other than the movement caused by the vent pushing air into his lungs there was no movement. "He's too still," Hank said.
"Johnny?" Roy moved beside the bed and placed a hand on Johnny's shoulder. "Johnny Cap and I are here. Can you wake up for me?" Johnny's eyelashes fluttered and he slowly opened his eyes to look up at Roy. "Hey Junior, good to see you. You really had us worried."
Johnny's eyes moved from Roy to Hank, but no other part of his body moved. This alone caused more concern from the two visitors. The deep brown eyes settled on Hank and with great effort Johnny's hand lifted slightly from the bed. Hank saw the slight movement and took Johnny's hand in his again offering strength and support for the man he thought of like a son. "You're going to be just fine John." Johnny's eyes slid closed, and he again drifted off to sleep.
"Roy, he is really out of it. Why don't I sit with him for a while? You go home and get some rest. Spend some time with Joanne and the kids. If he continues to be this out of it I'll head home after Dr. Brackett comes back to check on him. If there is any change I'll call you. Okay?"
Roy nodded his head in agreement. "Okay Cap. I think I'll do that. You'll call me?"
"I'll call."
Roy patted his friend's shoulder, "I'll see you later Junior." He turned and headed towards the door. "If anything changes?"
"I'll call Roy go home." Hank chuckled at the dedication Roy had for Johnny. Ordinarily Roy was always the one to sit with Johnny, but he was tired and stressed and wanted, no needed to see Joanne. He needed her strength just as Johnny needed Hank's.
Captain Stanley settled in the chair beside Johnny's bed having never let go of the injured man's hand. He would stay there holding on offering strength and support as long as Johnny needed him to. That's what Captains do. That's what friends do. Most of all that's what a father would do for his son.
Chapter Six
Dixie walked into the ICU cubicle to a sight she never expected. Beside Johnny's bed where she normally saw Roy sat Captain Hank Stanley with his long thin legs propped up on the rail to the bed. His hand resting on top of Johnny's, and his head turned slightly towards Johnny, and his chin resting on his chest. Sometime during the vigil a kind soul had partially covered him with a blanket. Looking over towards the patient Dixie saw brown eyes watching Hank sleep. She noticed a calmness on Johnny's face that she didn't think she had ever seen before, a peacefulness. Johnny noticed her as she approached the bed. "Hey handsome, are you feeling better?"
Blink and a one shoulder shrug.
"I think Kel is going to be up in a few minutes to see if you're ready to get rid of the vent. Would you like that?"
Blink.
"I need to check your vitals and temperature okay sweetie?"
Blink.
Dixie went about her ministrations while trying not to disturb Hank or the gentle way he offered much needed support to her friend. Johnny's eyes never left his Captain. Dr. Brackett joined the group with a chuckle at the normally in control Captain sleeping soundly in the chair. "He must have stayed all night." Kel said softly. "How's our patient?"
"Well he still has a low grade temp. His vitals are a little low but stable. He's awake and aware," she smiled at Johnny as he listened intently to her answer. Dixie handed Dr. Brackett the chart so he could review the numbers. "I think he would like to get rid of that vent."
"Well he seems to be breathing very well this morning, and we do need to start the respiratory therapy to prevent post surgery pneumonia. Johnny you know with that abdominal surgery it is not going to be pleasant coughing to help get the tube out. Do you think you are ready for that?"
Blink.
"Okay Dixie let's take care of the extubation now." Dixie and Dr. Brackett moved into position to remove the vent. "Johnny when I tell you I need the strongest cough you can manage. Ready?"
Blink.
"Dixie you'll need to assist him in expelling as much air as possible." Dixie placed her hands low on Johnny's chest near the sternum to apply quick pressure as he coughed helping to push the tube up. "Okay Johnny cough for me." The very weak paramedic coughed the best he could and with Dixie's assistance they were able to barely get enough air movement to allow Dr. Brackett to remove the ventilation tube.
Johnny struggled to catch his breath waking Hank in the process. The sleepy eyed Captain woke with a start, quickly leaned forward grasping Johnny's hand and whispered in his ear. "Take it easy buddy. Just slow your breaths. I know it hurts. I'm right here with ya. Come on slowly, breath in….out, in…..out, slow it down." Johnny looked into his Captains eyes and followed his instructions slowing his breathing and settling down into a normal rhythm. His eyes slowly drifted closed and he slept. "Doc how is he this morning?"
"Well Hank as you can see he's breathing on his own. He's still extremely weak. I expect it will take up to 8 weeks for him to completely get his strength back, but his abdominal muscles will need at least that as well to be up to par for duty. He is running a low grade fever, but following surgery that's not unexpected. All in all I think he's coming along as I would expect him to."
"When will he be moved to a regular room? I know several men who would like to see him." Hank looked back at Johnny never removing his hand from the paramedic's.
"I would like to keep him here in ICU at least the rest of today. We'll start him on some deep breathing exercises; get him to drink something, see if he can keep it down, and then some broth. If all goes well and the fever comes down we may move him this evening or in the morning." Dr. Brackett studied the chart making notes as he spoke. "I think we might be able to arrange a few minutes around lunch if the guys would like to take a peek at our friend. I know how much it can help a worried friend just to get a look."
"Well Dr. Brackett I don't want Johnny to be alone. Something about this particular accident has really bothered him. He doesn't have any close family that I know of except his aunt, and she's in a nursing home. You need to make what ever notations necessary in that chart for myself or one of my men to be with him at all times." Hank Stanley did not intend to take no for an answer. These were his men. He was their captain. He couldn't make Johnny's physical injuries better, but he could help him through this by supporting him the only way he knew how: offering security and strength of family.
It was difficult for either man to back down from his position of authority, Hank's for his men and Dr. Brackett's for his patient. "Um Captain Stanley, that is against hospital policy and highly unusual, but I think we can accommodate your request." Dr. Brackett kept a straight face, but inside he was smiling. If it would help his patient he would give in to this particular 'demand'.
"Now Ms. McCall if you wouldn't mind staying here with John for just a minute I have something I need to take care of." Turning to Johnny he slipped his hand out of Johnny's causing the younger man to stir. When Johnny's questioning eyes met Hank's he bent down and whispered to Johnny that he would be right back. "Excuse me please." He said as he left the room.
"Johnny I want to check the dressing on your surgery sight while Hank is gone." Dr. Brackett had not been the one asked to stay, but something in Hank's tone that tugged at his heart. Dixie will you get me some clean dressings?"
"Sure Kel."
A short while later, all the bandages changed and the patient resettled in the bed, Hank returned looking a little refreshed. He had washed his face and finger combed his hair. His shirt was re-tucked into his jeans, and he sipped a cup of strong coffee. "Thank you for staying with John. I called Roy. He'll be here in about an hour. The other guys will plan on coming around one if that is acceptable to your schedule Dr. Brackett. I'll be back later this afternoon. I have some reports to file and need to make the necessary changes to cover John's shifts for the next eight weeks. As much as possible I will get someone to cover one of my other men when we're on shift so someone will be able to be with John as long as he needs it. Joanne, my wife, or Mike's will also take a turn with him when one of us can't. I have requested that the chief send out a memo to request other firemen hold off on visiting until you deem it acceptable." Hank moved to resume his vigil beside his junior paramedic.
"Thank you Captain Stanley. I think you have all the bases covered." Dr. Brackett turned to leave the room giving one final pat to Johnny's foot. "I'll see you later Johnny."
"Hank I can sit with him on my days off if you need me too. I care an awful lot about our friend as well." Dixie smiled down on the sleeping man. "He's kind of like a little brother to me."
"Thanks Dixie. I'll let you know. I just want him to get all the support he needs to get better. I don't know when he's had the kind of support a family can offer."
"He's had it for the last several years Captain Stanley. You and the guys have given him that."
"I hope so Dixie. I certainly hope so."
Blink and a one shoulder shrug.
"I think Kel is going to be up in a few minutes to see if you're ready to get rid of the vent. Would you like that?"
Blink.
"I need to check your vitals and temperature okay sweetie?"
Blink.
Dixie went about her ministrations while trying not to disturb Hank or the gentle way he offered much needed support to her friend. Johnny's eyes never left his Captain. Dr. Brackett joined the group with a chuckle at the normally in control Captain sleeping soundly in the chair. "He must have stayed all night." Kel said softly. "How's our patient?"
"Well he still has a low grade temp. His vitals are a little low but stable. He's awake and aware," she smiled at Johnny as he listened intently to her answer. Dixie handed Dr. Brackett the chart so he could review the numbers. "I think he would like to get rid of that vent."
"Well he seems to be breathing very well this morning, and we do need to start the respiratory therapy to prevent post surgery pneumonia. Johnny you know with that abdominal surgery it is not going to be pleasant coughing to help get the tube out. Do you think you are ready for that?"
Blink.
"Okay Dixie let's take care of the extubation now." Dixie and Dr. Brackett moved into position to remove the vent. "Johnny when I tell you I need the strongest cough you can manage. Ready?"
Blink.
"Dixie you'll need to assist him in expelling as much air as possible." Dixie placed her hands low on Johnny's chest near the sternum to apply quick pressure as he coughed helping to push the tube up. "Okay Johnny cough for me." The very weak paramedic coughed the best he could and with Dixie's assistance they were able to barely get enough air movement to allow Dr. Brackett to remove the ventilation tube.
Johnny struggled to catch his breath waking Hank in the process. The sleepy eyed Captain woke with a start, quickly leaned forward grasping Johnny's hand and whispered in his ear. "Take it easy buddy. Just slow your breaths. I know it hurts. I'm right here with ya. Come on slowly, breath in….out, in…..out, slow it down." Johnny looked into his Captains eyes and followed his instructions slowing his breathing and settling down into a normal rhythm. His eyes slowly drifted closed and he slept. "Doc how is he this morning?"
"Well Hank as you can see he's breathing on his own. He's still extremely weak. I expect it will take up to 8 weeks for him to completely get his strength back, but his abdominal muscles will need at least that as well to be up to par for duty. He is running a low grade fever, but following surgery that's not unexpected. All in all I think he's coming along as I would expect him to."
"When will he be moved to a regular room? I know several men who would like to see him." Hank looked back at Johnny never removing his hand from the paramedic's.
"I would like to keep him here in ICU at least the rest of today. We'll start him on some deep breathing exercises; get him to drink something, see if he can keep it down, and then some broth. If all goes well and the fever comes down we may move him this evening or in the morning." Dr. Brackett studied the chart making notes as he spoke. "I think we might be able to arrange a few minutes around lunch if the guys would like to take a peek at our friend. I know how much it can help a worried friend just to get a look."
"Well Dr. Brackett I don't want Johnny to be alone. Something about this particular accident has really bothered him. He doesn't have any close family that I know of except his aunt, and she's in a nursing home. You need to make what ever notations necessary in that chart for myself or one of my men to be with him at all times." Hank Stanley did not intend to take no for an answer. These were his men. He was their captain. He couldn't make Johnny's physical injuries better, but he could help him through this by supporting him the only way he knew how: offering security and strength of family.
It was difficult for either man to back down from his position of authority, Hank's for his men and Dr. Brackett's for his patient. "Um Captain Stanley, that is against hospital policy and highly unusual, but I think we can accommodate your request." Dr. Brackett kept a straight face, but inside he was smiling. If it would help his patient he would give in to this particular 'demand'.
"Now Ms. McCall if you wouldn't mind staying here with John for just a minute I have something I need to take care of." Turning to Johnny he slipped his hand out of Johnny's causing the younger man to stir. When Johnny's questioning eyes met Hank's he bent down and whispered to Johnny that he would be right back. "Excuse me please." He said as he left the room.
"Johnny I want to check the dressing on your surgery sight while Hank is gone." Dr. Brackett had not been the one asked to stay, but something in Hank's tone that tugged at his heart. Dixie will you get me some clean dressings?"
"Sure Kel."
A short while later, all the bandages changed and the patient resettled in the bed, Hank returned looking a little refreshed. He had washed his face and finger combed his hair. His shirt was re-tucked into his jeans, and he sipped a cup of strong coffee. "Thank you for staying with John. I called Roy. He'll be here in about an hour. The other guys will plan on coming around one if that is acceptable to your schedule Dr. Brackett. I'll be back later this afternoon. I have some reports to file and need to make the necessary changes to cover John's shifts for the next eight weeks. As much as possible I will get someone to cover one of my other men when we're on shift so someone will be able to be with John as long as he needs it. Joanne, my wife, or Mike's will also take a turn with him when one of us can't. I have requested that the chief send out a memo to request other firemen hold off on visiting until you deem it acceptable." Hank moved to resume his vigil beside his junior paramedic.
"Thank you Captain Stanley. I think you have all the bases covered." Dr. Brackett turned to leave the room giving one final pat to Johnny's foot. "I'll see you later Johnny."
"Hank I can sit with him on my days off if you need me too. I care an awful lot about our friend as well." Dixie smiled down on the sleeping man. "He's kind of like a little brother to me."
"Thanks Dixie. I'll let you know. I just want him to get all the support he needs to get better. I don't know when he's had the kind of support a family can offer."
"He's had it for the last several years Captain Stanley. You and the guys have given him that."
"I hope so Dixie. I certainly hope so."
