A Father’s Nightmare
The klaxons sounded as Johnny reached for a bowl of Marco’s chili.
“No! Not again.” Johnny whined.
“Come on,
Junior. It’s gonna be one of those days.”
The paramedics pushed away from the table, and hurried towards the squad, followed closely by Chet, Mike and Marco. Captain Stanley wrote down the address of the latest call, and handed it to Roy as he ran towards the engine. Passing the slip of paper to his partner, Roy started the squad and pulled out of the station. Johnny glanced in the rearview mirror in time to see the engine move out behind them, then turned his attention back to study the address.
“Hey, Roy, looks like there’s been an accident in the parking lot at the mall. Hope there’s no kids involved. Wasn’t there some kind of kids’ fair going on there today?”
“Yeah, the community college is putting on an arts and crafts fair. They got different stores to sponsor booths, and the kids sign up for different classes. Joanne is going to take the kids over sometime today. ”
Minutes later, they arrived at the busy mall. Roy drove the squad carefully between rows of parked cars as they searched for the accident site, the engine following closely.
“There it is.”
Glancing to his left in the direction Johnny was pointing, Roy noticed a small crowd, signifying some type of disturbance.
“Yeah, looks like that’s the place.”
Mike pulled the engine to a halt as Roy parked the squad a short distance from the group of people. Johnny jumped out of the squad, and grabbed the drug box.
“I’ll head on over, Roy. Grab the bio-phone, will ya?”
“Yep, got it.”
Johnny sprinted the remaining few yards to the accident site, and pushed through the crowd. He came to an abrupt standstill, shocked at the sight before him. His mind went blank as he choked out his friend’s name.
“Roy . . .”
************************
Choking back the overwhelming fear and anguish he felt, Johnny dropped to his knees beside the first victim. Laying his hand gently on the boy’s chest, the young paramedic was relieved to feel a steady heartbeat. Moaning softly, the boy opened his eyes for only a moment, then shut them tightly.
“Uncle Johnny? What happened . . .”
“It’s ok, Chris. You’re gonna be ok. Just lie still, and I’ll be right back.”
“Dad? Where’s Dad?”
“He’ll be here in just a minute. Take it easy, Sport. Everything’s going to be ok.”
Jumping up, Johnny motioned to Chet. As the stocky Irishman drew closer, he was surprised at the quick staccato voice Gage was using to list his instructions. A quick retort died on his lips as Chet’s gaze rested on the injured boy.
“Chris? Is that Chris DeSoto?”
“Yeah, Chet, it’s Chris. And I think Joanne and Jennifer are hurt too. See if you can get Cap to tell Roy. And then have him call in another squad. I’m gonna need some help here.”
Chet nodded as he sprinted back towards the engine. Passing Marco and Mike, he relayed the information.
“Hurry, guys. Johnny needs your help. It’s Roy’s kids . . .”
*************************
“Mister, there’s people trapped under this pickup. You gotta help them!”
Johnny hurried past the anxious witnesses to the back of an old pickup, and crouching down, looked underneath the frame. His heart dropped at the sight before him. Wedged between the pickup frame and the axle, was Roy’s wife.
“Joanne. Joanne! Can you hear me?”
Knowing there was no time to spare, Johnny flattened himself to the ground, and began to inch towards the woman. Reaching her side, he lifted her wrist and was once again relieved to feel a faint, but steady pulse. While checking Joanne’s injuries, Johnny continued to glance about.
“Joanne, can you hear me? Was Jennifer with you? Joanne, where’s Jen?”
A soft groan was his only answer. Looking around, Johnny realized there were faces peering towards him from the side of the truck. Johnny called out to the closest one.
“Hey, you! Where’s the other victim?”
At first there was no answer to Johnny’s plea, but the young man finally responded hesitantly.
“Don’t know. I saw it happen, and the lady had two kids with her, a boy and a girl. I’m sure the girl went underneath the truck. . .”
Johnny looked around, but there was little space to move in. He was lucky that his thin frame had allowed him the access he had. Sliding carefully backwards, Johnny started the slow journey to the back of the truck.”
“Hey,
mister! Fireman! I think I see her.”
“Where? Where’s she at?”
“Underneath the woman. I think I see the little girl’s arm!”
Skimming back towards his friend, Johnny reached a cautious hand over Joanne and felt along her side. Within moments, he found what he was looking for. His heart constricted in fear as he realized just where his little princess was located. She’d not only been run over by the pickup, she was now trapped underneath her mother.
Oh, God, Roy. What are we going to do?
******************************
Captain Stanley hurried past the squad, surprised to see his senior paramedic still standing there. Suddenly aware of the problem, Hank stopped to lend his assistance, but was interrupted by a shout from Chet.
“Cap! We need your help over here.”
Hank turned towards the accident, and quickened his pace.
“What have we got, Chet?”
The question died on his lips as he surveyed the scene before him, and only a low entreaty issued forth from the man.
“My God . . .”
“Cap, Johnny’s under the truck checking on the victims. Chris was conscious for a few minutes, but he’s out again. Johnny asked for help . . .”
Chet suddenly realized that he was talking to himself. Captain Stanley had already stepped away and was thumbing his radio.
“LA, this is Engine 51. Dispatch another Squad to our location along with an additional ambulance.”
“10-4, 51.”
Hank took another look around, then turned on his heels and rushed back to the squad. As he approached, the altercation between his senior paramedic and his patient, took on new meaning.
“How ya doing here, Roy? Need any help?”
“Well, Cap, maybe a little. This young man is extremely upset, but he doesn’t seem to have any injuries except this bloody nose. He says he hit it on the side window when he was trying to get out of the vehicle. What’s Johnny got? Anything serious?”
Once again, the young man who now sat on the squad’s bumper became extremely agitated. Roy stopped the victim who was trying valiantly to stand up.
“I didn’t see them! I would’ve stopped if I’d have seen them . . . are they okay? They’ve just gotta be okay.”
The captain shook his head as he struggled for the words he needed.
“We don’t know yet, son. You just sit here for a few minutes, and someone will be back over to help you. Roy, I need to talk to you. Let’s get the rest of your gear.”
Roy followed his captain to the side of the squad where he was startled to see the man standing quietly with his hand unmoving on the door handle. The crew had always been impressed with the calm and easy manner their captain handled his job. Even in the most trying of situations, Hank Stanley was the model captain. But here he was, in the middle of a call, standing silently, waiting. Something wasn’t right, and Roy felt a sudden prick of fear deep inside.
“Cap? What’s wrong? Is Johnny ok? Tell him I’ll be right over. . .”
Hank hadn’t moved, except to turn his head as he watched Roy gather his equipment.
“Roy, I need to talk to you for a minute.”
“Cap? I need to get over there and give Johnny a hand. Can’t this wait til later?”
“No, Roy, this can’t wait. The accident . . . well, you see. . .
Hank stumbled and stuttered in his effort to tell Roy the news. It was hard enough to deal with victims and their families, but when those families were your own. . .
“Roy, well. . . there’s no easy way to say this. It’s Joanne and the kids. They’re the ones hurt in this accident. Roy. Roy!”
Stanley raced towards the site behind the panicked man.
**************************
Joanne blinked her eyes several times in an effort to see around her. Nothing looked familiar, and even as she struggled to concentrate, she was unable to successfully gather her thoughts. Strange sounds and smells greeted her as consciousness returned, but she couldn’t quite understand what those sounds and smells were, or where they might be coming from.
Where am I? Why does everything look so strange here? Hmmm, did I wreck the car?
A feeling of panic overwhelmed her as Joanne struggled to understand what was happening. Moving slightly, sharp fingers of pain burned in her side and the dull throbbing in her head exploded with blinding intensity. Her faint moan erupted into a cry of pure fear.
“Chris! Jennifer!”
“Joanne? Joanne, it’s Johnny. I’m right here and Roy’s out by the squad. You’re gonna be ok, but you’ve gotta calm down for me.”
When she found her voice again, Joanne was almost whispering.
“Johnny? Where are the kids? Are they alright? What happened?”
“Chris is right behind the truck, and yes, I think he’s gonna be fine. He’s banged up, but he was talking a few minutes ago.”
Johnny halted for a moment, not sure how to tell Joanne the next piece of news. But before he had the chance, Joanne was squirming around again.
“Joanne, you need to hold still. We can’t get you out yet, but we’re working on it.”
The urgency in her voice could not be ignored. Her plea bordered on the edge of panic and Johnny grabbed Joanne’s hand in an effort to comfort her.
“Johnny! She’s here! Jennifer’s here, underneath me! Help her, Johnny. Get her out of here . . .”
“Calm down, now. Calm down. I’ve been checking her pulse and breathing, and she’s doing okay. I can’t get her out until we get you moved. Mike’s went for the jaws and he’ll be back any minute now. But, you’ve gotta stay calm. I need you to hold still for me. Okay?”
Joanne settled quickly, the soft warmth beneath her, quiet and unmoving. Tears formed, then spilled silently from her vacant blue eyes.
How can this be? I’m laying on top of my daughter. . . my baby!
A broken sob escaped her lips.
“Help her, please help her.”
Johnny squeezed her hand tightly as tears welled in his own dark eyes. But Joanne’s only thoughts now were for her husband and their children.
Roy, please forgive me. I’m so sorry . . .
Once more the light seemed to be fading as the familiar darkness threatened to overtake her, and Joanne welcomed its presence. The darkness promised peace and respite from the terror she found herself a part of. From far away, a familiar voice was calling her name, but this time she didn’t even try to answer. The black void enveloped her, even as Johnny’s cries grew louder beside her.
“Joanne. Joanne! Stay with me, now. Joanne!”
***************************
Roy reached the pickup minutes later. As he knelt down to view the situation, he caught sight of his son.
“Chris?”
Pushing himself up, Roy stumbled the few feet to his son’s side. Squatting down beside him, Roy gently raised the boy’s wrist, and took his pulse.
“Chris? Can you hear me, son?”
A low moan was his answer, but seconds later, the boy’s eyes opened slightly. Seeing his father there beside him was too much, and eleven-year-old Christopher DeSoto burst into tears.
“Dad. Is Mom okay? And Jen? I tried to warn them, but it all happened so fast.”
The boy struggled to sit up, but Roy’s firm hands held him down.
“Stay still, Chris. Johnny’s with your mom and sister, and the guys are working to get them out. We have to be patient, and let them do their job. Let’s take care of you, first, okay?”
Roy wished he felt as confident as he was trying to sound. With every fiber of his being, he wanted to vault from this spot, and rescue his wife and daughter from their ordeal. But his training and experience told him to stay where he was, and treat his son quickly and efficiently.
That’s how Brice and Bellingham found him, when they drove up a few minutes later. Greeted first by Captain Stanley, the two paramedics made their way to Roy’s side.
Not realizing, at first, who the victim was, Bellingham blurted out the usual question.
“What’ve we got, Roy?”
Brice was shocked to see the look in Roy’s eyes as he answered.
“We’ve got my son here; he’s been hit by a car. I’ve checked him over and it looks like he may have a broken collarbone. I’m also concerned about a possible concussion. He’s lost consciousness several times.”
“Okay, Roy, thanks. We’ll take it from here.”
Bellingham nodded at Roy, sympathy and understanding evident in his eyes, as Brice picked up the bio-phone and made the initial transmission to Rampart. Seeing that his son was well taken care of, Roy moved closer to the pickup, and peered underneath. Quietly, so as not to upset anyone inside, the senior paramedic called out to his partner.
“Johnny. How are they?”
Looking up to meet the worried blue eyes of his best friend, Johnny took a deep breath before calling out his reply.
“They’re hanging in there.”
***********************
Roy waited next to his son, anxious for the ambulance to arrive. Brice and Bellingham had started the appropriate IV’s, and placed a C-collar around the boy’s neck. Brackett seemed concerned about the possible head injury, and Roy knew Kelly Brackett was not one to over-react. Therefore, he heaved a huge sigh of relief when the sirens heralded the approaching ambulance. Roy helped load Chris onto the waiting gurney, then stopped the attendants as he grasped his son’s hand.
“I’ve gotta stay here, Chris. I have to make sure your mom and sister are alright. These men will take good care of you, and I’ll be at the hospital soon. Dixie will meet you there. You know her, and if you need anything, you talk to her, okay?”
Chris nodded weakly at his father as Roy stepped back, and out of the way. The paramedic knew his son was in good hands, yet he agonized over his decision to stay at the scene. Chris was young, and going to the hospital in an ambulance, all alone, could be a frightening experience. But Roy knew, instinctively, that he would be needed here.
*************************
Once more, Johnny slithered under the vehicle, this time from the opposite direction. As he reached the trapped DeSotos, he realized that Jennifer’s face was visible. He did his best to check her vital signs, but the findings only served to increase his fear over the length of time the girl had been trapped, and he was quickly becoming frustrated at the delays in getting the pair free from the wreck.
“Brice! She’s having trouble breathing. I can’t tell what other injuries she has, but her color doesn’t look good, and her pulse is weak and thready. I can’t get in position to take a BP reading, so be ready to do that as soon as we send her out.”
“What about the mother?”
“Joanne’s still unconscious. She’s got quite a bump on her head, as well as a deep laceration. I can’t tell what else might be wrong, but I’m pretty sure she’s got some chest injuries. We need to get them out of here, now!”
Brice rose from his kneeling position to find Roy standing silently behind him. Recognizing the look of fear in the older man’s eyes, Brice thought quickly of something to keep Roy busy, and out of their way.
“DeSoto, would you bring the bio-phone over here? I want to relay the vitals while they’re being extricated.”
*********************
The crew of Station 51 worked quickly and efficiently together. Chet and Marco gathered the equipment necessary for the rescue while Mike joined Johnny underneath the pickup. Although the space was confining, he was able to crawl under the side, which put him in a position to get close to Jennifer, while Johnny returned to his earlier position behind Joanne.
Even with the hydraulic jacks in place, it took some maneuvering, but eventually Johnny was able to move Joanne towards him just enough to allow Mike the room he needed. As the worried paramedic held Joanne in place, Mike carefully moved Jennifer onto the backboard and then slid her gently away from her mother. Inch by inch, the wooden slab grated over the pavement, but not even a whimper emanated from the young girl.
It was only a matter of seconds until waiting hands reached under the truck to grab the backboard and move their young charge to the waiting paramedics. Johnny breathed a sigh of relief as he thought of Brice and Bellingham being there to treat Roy’s daughter. This was no time for a parent to be responsible for their child’s care.
As soon as Jennifer was clear of the wreck, Brice immediately placed a BP cuff on her arm as Bellingham placed a C-collar around the young girl’s neck. Hank Stanley had remained next to his senior paramedic, lending his silent support. Roy had yet to speak, but his anxious eyes spoke volumes. Now that his daughter was getting the care she needed, Roy turned to his captain.
“What about Jo? Is she still. . . alive?”
Hank grabbed Roy’s shoulder and squeezed it tightly, as if to transfer some of his strength to the worried man.
“Yes, she’s still alive, Roy! Johnny’s with her, and you know he’s one of the best. He’ll take care of her; do whatever’s needed. You’ve gotta have faith. . .”
Roy nodded weakly. He didn’t seem to have the energy to even question his superior. Besides, he knew that what his captain was telling him was true. Johnny was his partner and he trusted the young man with his life, and right now, his life was Joanne and the kids.
**************************
“Hank, what’ve you got here?”
Captain Stanley looked up as the officer approached the group.
“Well, Vince, I don’t have the full story, but I can tell you that Roy DeSoto’s wife and children are the victims of the accident. From what I’ve been able to piece together, they were walking into the mall when the young man in this pickup backed over them. One of the witnesses thought the driver may have had the radio turned up. That’s about all I know, for sure.”
“Okay, I’ll follow up. Is everyone going to be alright?”
“We don’t know yet. They’ve already taken Chris in to Rampart, and they’re getting Jennifer ready to transport now.
Vince nodded silently as he surveyed the crowd, and then glanced back at the young girl being placed on a stretcher.
“Where is Joanne?”
He followed Hank’s lead as the captain turned his head and nodded toward the pickup.
************************
Mike slid back under the pickup, a second backboard being drug unceremoniously behind. Johnny was waiting impatiently, his best friend’s wife unconscious in his arms.
“Okay, let’s get her out of here. Her pulse is weak and I’m anxious to get a BP reading.”
“Right. Let me get the backboard situated here. .” Mike’s reply was cut short by the unexpected movement between them.
Struggling to escape the darkness around her, Joanne attempted to reach the familiar voice, once more. She couldn’t quite place it, yet she felt it was someone who cared about her.
Who it that? I should know that voice. What is he saying, anyway? Is he talking to me?
As she slowly opened her eyes, Joanne was immediately distressed to see the bottom of a pickup truck above her. She couldn’t make sense of the situation, and had no memory of what might have happened. Instead, her mind screamed out instinctively to the man she trusted most in this world.
“Roy? Roy!”
“Joanne, calm down. Everything’s alright. You’ll be able to see Roy in just a minute, but first we need your help. You have to hold still so we can get you out of here. Just let Mike and I do the work.”
Even though the paramedic was speaking in a soothing tone, it was as if his words didn’t quite reach her. Joanne suddenly began to thrash about and Johnny was becoming distraught as her condition worsened. Sometimes head injuries could cause this type of reaction in a victim, but this time it struck a chord of fear within the paramedic. This wasn’t just another patient; this was Roy’s wife.
Johnny still held her in the same position, but it was taking all his strength to keep that hold. He tried unsuccessfully to ease her to the ground, when suddenly Joanne struck out as she screamed in terror. With no room to move in, Johnny seemed to see as well as feel the sharp flash of pain as his head, then shoulder, as both connected with the undercarriage of the pickup. A streak of pinkish-red color clouded his vision and he blinked sharply in an effort to see clearly.
“Joanne, calm down. Everything’s alright, you have to calm down.”
It was almost as if she couldn’t hear him, and Mike reached out to hold her flailing limbs as Johnny continued his attempts to quiet her. Luckily her reaction was short lived, and in only minutes, Joanne was unconscious again. The two men stared at each other briefly, the shock apparent in their eyes. Not only was Mike worried about Roy’s wife; he was startled to see the gash over Johnny’s right eye. The blood was streaming down the paramedic’s face, but he didn’t even seem to notice.
“Johnny! You okay?”
“I’m fine. Let’s get her out of here, now!”
Mike nodded in reply as they worked quietly together.
“On the count of three . .”
They lifted Joanne and in one smooth movement, had her positioned on the backboard and moving towards the help she needed. The men did their best to make her ride an easy one, but unlike her daughter, Joanne’s moans were intensified with every bump and scrape along the way. By the time they reached the edge of the truck, she was beginning to wake up again, and Johnny hurried to crawl out behind her. He didn’t want to have to restrain his best friend’s wife, but he knew how dangerous it would be for her if she lost control again. He didn’t want to risk having her injure herself further.
Hank Stanley and Marco Lopez were waiting anxiously at the edge of the pickup. They quickly bent down to grasp the backboard, and waited for a moment as Mike and Johnny scrambled out to help them. Then the four men moved swiftly and smoothly as they carried their unconscious friend towards the waiting ambulance. Laying the backboard on top of the gurney, the men stepped back as Johnny grabbed the tie straps and fastened them around Joanne. Glancing at Cap, he motioned towards the ambulance. Speaking softly, he informed his captain of his intentions.
“I want to get her inside before I check her vitals, Cap. She was pretty combative the last time she came to, and I don’t want her out here in case it happens again.”
For the first time, Captain Stanley realized that his youngest paramedic had been injured during the rescue. The man’s face was pale and although the blood flow had lessened, Hank could tell that John had suffered a pretty nasty gash.
“Are you sure you’re alright, John?”
“Yeah, Cap, I’m fine. Just bumped my head.”
Seeing that the attendants had the gurney in position, Johnny climbed into the ambulance, and began his assessment.
“Mike, why don’t you stay here and help Johnny. I’m going to check on the others. Let me know if Gage needs any help, okay?”
“Sure, Cap.”
As he made his way around the vehicles, Captain Stanley noticed a crowd of onlookers who had gathered to watch. Parents and children, who’d come for a day of fun, were now a group of spectators to a gruesome accident. Alongside them were a number of reporters and even a TV news cameraman. Cap wondered if Johnny had caught sight of this mob.
Was that why he wanted Joanne inside the ambulance, away from these prying
eyes, or was it for
Roy’s
sake?
Moving to stand beside his senior paramedic, Hank draped an arm around his friend.
”How’s she doing,
Roy?”
Without turning, barely even moving his head in response, Roy answered in a voice almost devoid of any emotion. His simple “I don’t know,” warned Cap that the man might, himself, be going into shock. If Roy had been busy helping, performing his duties, it might have been better for him. But standing here, simply a bystander to the drama before him, must have been the hardest part of all. Pulling the man towards the squad, Captain Stanley spoke quietly.
“Let’s get you to the hospital, Roy. They’re just about ready to load her up, and Johnny’s got Joanne already in the ambulance. I’ll have Chet drive you over. Okay, Pal?”
Roy turned slowly to follow his captain’s instructions, but within minutes, the scene changed completely. Camera bulbs suddenly popped in his face, and a reporter’s microphone was pushed in front of him. From the corner of his eye, Roy could see another camera aimed towards his unconscious daughter. Someone had figured out that this family was his own, and the media was suddenly having a field day.
The father’s only thought was to protect his own, and within seconds, the man was in action. Running towards the cameraman, Roy shouted the only thought that consumed him.
“Leave my family alone!”
*************************
Hank looked over at his senior paramedic and friend. Roy sat slumped in the passenger seat of the squad as the captain followed the ambulances to Rampart. Striving to find the right words to offer as comfort to this man, Cap knew that nothing he could say would be the least bit helpful. They had just endured a horrible situation; one that no father should ever have to experience.
Thinking back over the past ten minutes, Hank marveled at the quick response of his crew. The moment Roy had moved towards the media, Brice and Bellingham had agreed to wrap and run. Seconds later, Jennifer was being positioned in the second ambulance, the doors quickly but firmly shut behind her. With a glance from their captain, Marco and Chet each grasped one of Roy’s arms and deftly turned him towards the squad. After settling him inside, they positioned themselves next to the doors, thereby denying anyone access to the distraught father.
Meanwhile, Hank and Mike had successfully gathered the paramedic’s equipment and stowed each item in its appropriate compartment. Vince quickly agreed that the best thing would be, to remove the firemen from the scene. The police department would be working with an accident team to discover what had actually happened in the parking lot that day, so there was no need for the firemen to remain at the site.
Grateful for the opportunity to leave, Hank moved towards the squad to give his instructions. But one glance through the window made him aware of the seriousness of the situation. Grabbing his HT, Captain Stanley radioed back to his engineer.
“Mike, I’m going to drive the squad over to the hospital. The rest of you can head back to the station, and I’ll join you there shortly. I’ll call dispatch and request the station temporarily stood down.”
“10-4, Cap.”
Chet and Marco had overhead Cap’s instructions, and were somewhat surprised at his intentions. But they were also well aware of how their captain watched over them, and quickly realized the man wanted to be there for Roy. As their superior stepped up to the driver’s door, they moved back towards the engine. Hank watched his men move away, and could tell from the looks on their faces, how devastated they were. The men were like family, and that included their wives and children. The captain knew that the phones would soon be busy at the station. Each man would surely call wives, mothers or girlfriends, and soon the hospital would be filled with supportive friends and relatives.
Glancing over at his passenger, Hank knew that in his current state, Roy probably wouldn’t even notice.
**************************
Riding in the ambulance with Joanne, Johnny silently wished she would wake up again. Even if it was to thrash about, he felt that would be better than the deathly stillness she now exhibited. He wasn’t fully aware of what had happened back at the scene, but he had overhead the ambulance attendants enough to know that the media had been involved, and Roy had lost control. Checking Joanne’s vital signs once more, Johnny worried for both his friends. Pounding his leg in frustration, the paramedic fumed at the whole situation. It was with great relief that he finally spotted the towering form of Rampart General.
Hank Stanley pulled the squad to a stop next to the ambulances. He could see that Jennifer was being whisked through the emergency entrance, while the attendants were opening the ambulance doors to reach Joanne. Roy had already opened his door and was hurrying over to help, and Hank quickly moved to follow him. He was dismayed to see how pale the woman was, and the way that Dr. Early urged them inside confirmed his fear that Joanne was in serious condition.
As the men followed the two stretchers down the hallway, they caught sight of Dixie McCall as she pointed out which rooms the victims should be taken to. The nurse immediately stepped over and stopped Roy with a gentle but firm hand on his chest.
“Roy, why don’t you go wait in the doctor’s lounge? One of us will come back in a few minutes and let you know how they’re doing, okay?”
A barely discernible nod was her only answer, but the nurse understood. She patted his chest softly, then turned and hurried toward the treatment rooms. Hank gently grasped Roy’s shoulder and propelled the worried father toward the designated area. He silently prayed not only for Joanne and the kids, but for Roy as well. The man would need all the strength he could muster, and Hank suddenly found himself looking around for Johnny.
He needs to be with Roy, too. Maybe that will help.
**************************
Treatment Room One was a flurry of activity as Johnny and the nurses assisted Dr. Early with Joanne. It had already been a busy day in Emergency and adding the three Desotos’ was taxing the already harried crew. The paramedic found himself taking BP readings, starting an IV and even helping to move the x-ray machine into position. It wasn’t until the pictures were being taken, that he was able to leave the room to search for his partner. By that time, his head was pounding furiously, and the shoulder that had only ached earlier, now screamed with pain.
Walking slowly toward the nurses’ station, Johnny rubbed his forehead absently; almost amazed when he felt the gauze bandage someone had taped over his wound. He was also surprised to see Dixie at her desk, until he realized she was on the phone to the OR. Briefly wondering who would be going into surgery, Johnny waited impatiently as Dixie finished her conversation, and was thankful when she hung up the phone a moment later.
“Hi, Dix.
Do you know where Roy is?”
“Yeah, Johnny, he’s in the doctor’s lounge with Captain Stanley.”
“Okay, thanks.”
Johnny started to walk towards the lounge, then stopped and turned to face her once more. His voice sounded tired, and Dixie was surprised to see how bad he looked.
“How are Chris and Jen doing?”
“Chris is
going to be fine. He has a broken collarbone and a mild concussion, but Dr.
Morton said he’s doing well. They’ve moved him into a room upstairs.”
“And Jennifer?”
“She came to a little while ago, but she’s in a lot of pain. Kel’s waiting for the x-ray’s now.”
Nodding his thanks, the paramedic started to leave, but was stopped again, this time by Dixie’s insistent voice.
“Johnny, you look awful. Have you been checked out yet?”
“Well, sort of. Dr. Morton took a look at me when he came in to help Dr. Early, but they’re pretty busy right now. Besides, I’m fine.”
“No, you don’t. You aren’t going to get out of it that easy. I’m going to find a room for you right now, and you’re going to have that hard head of yours examined.”
There was a hint of a smile on Dixie’s face, but Johnny knew she was concerned for him. Unfortunately, the arrival of Squad 14 with two patients interrupted their conversation, and Dixie’s plan for Johnny. He watched her issue orders sending the paramedics and their patients into Treatment Room Three. As the group disappeared into the room, Johnny headed off to find his partner. He knew where he was needed, and not even the pounding headache, which had taken up permanent residence in his skull, would stop the man from helping his friend.
*********************
When Roy had first arrived at the hospital, he’d been a bundle of nervous energy, the adrenalin rushing through his veins. He’d paced back and forth across the room, each step causing his captain to become increasingly worried for his man.
Now, Roy sat unmoving on the couch, only an occasional doctor or nurse interrupting the silence of the room. With a worried frown, Hank continued to watch over his friend. Every attempt at conversation had been rebuked, leaving the man struggling for a way to help. He wasn’t aware that Roy was simply grateful for the man’s presence.
Mike, Chet and Marco had just joined them when a light tapping on the door caught the captain’s attention and he stepped outside to find Chief McConnikee waiting for him. The quiet conversation carried into the lounge and within minutes the rest of the crew knew they’d been replaced for the rest of the shift.
The chief was also very clear about his feelings regarding the media circus, which was developing outside the hospital. For some reason, the reporters were following this story closely. Maybe because it was a fireman’s family, maybe just for the sensationalism factor of an accident that was practically televised as it happened. Either way, the chief was obviously not happy about the situation, and he warned Hank not to give the media any information. McConnikee stated firmly that any kind of press release would be issued directly from the fire department or the hospital administration, and Captain Stanley was happy to agree. He didn’t want any of the reporters bothering his crew, especially Roy.
Johnny had stepped up behind the chief as he finished his instructions. Turning to see the tired paramedic, Chief McConnikee was surprised to note that the man had a bandage above one eye and his shirt was covered in blood. Laying a hand on the younger man’s shoulder, he studied the paramedic carefully.
“Gage. Are you alright?”
“Sure, Chief, I’m fine. Just anxious to check on Roy.”
“Alright then, I won’t keep you. If there’s anything you men need, be sure and call me. I’m going back to headquarters now, but I’ll stop by later this afternoon.”
“Thanks, Chief.”
Hank stepped up beside Johnny as McConnikee walked away.
“John, are you sure you’re alright?”
“Yeah, Cap, just bumped my head. How’s Roy doin’?”
“Not good, John, not good. He’s just sitting on the couch, staring across the room; won’t say a thing. I’m getting worried about him.”
“Sounds like he’s going into shock.”
Concern written plainly on their faces, the two men walked into the lounge together.
Johnny was careful to move slowly as he didn’t want anyone to suspect how bad he was really beginning to feel. Roy was the important one, right now, and his best friend had no intentions of being anywhere but right beside him.
Stepping over to the couch, Johnny immediately squatted down in front of his partner and looked up into Roy’s face. The young paramedic suddenly found himself struggling to maintain control over his own emotions. The lost look in his friend’s eyes was startling. Confusion and fear were evident there and Johnny unexpectedly felt as if someone had stabbed him in the heart. Quickly masking his surprise, the paramedic in him took over.
“How ya doin’, Roy?”
There was no answer as the blue eyes continued to stare unseeingly at Johnny. Grasping Roy’s wrist in his hand, Johnny took the man’s pulse. Noting the color and temperature of his partner’s skin, the junior paramedic seemed slightly worried.
“Cap, let’s lay him down on the couch. Marco, could you get a blanket from one of the nurses? Chet, let’s get his feet up. Mike, would you bring that chair over here for me?”
The men of A Shift worked quickly to follow the paramedic’s instructions. Each knew the dangers of someone going into shock. Several minutes later, Roy was reclining on the couch with Johnny perched on a chair next to him.
The men continued their vigil, but were relieved to see that Roy seemed a little better under Johnny’s care. The worried father had even responded to several questions. But other than those few words, Roy remained motionless on the couch, and that in itself worried the other men. DeSoto had always been a take-charge kind of guy. Even in the worst situations, Roy was always on top of things, watching over Johnny or whomever else he was working with at the time. But this time, the situation was too close. It wasn’t some poor victim they’d never met before. This was Joanne, and Chris . . and Jennifer.
Johnny sat in the hard vinyl chair as the minutes ticked by, trying in vain to find a comfortable position. If the other men recognized his distress, they weren’t mentioning it. But Johnny was actually relieved that they weren’t noticing. Like him, the other men were consumed with worry for Roy and his family. Several of their wives had stopped in briefly. Mike’s wife, Patty, had children to take care of, so with promises to check in often, she’d driven home. Kate Stanley had offered to go upstairs and sit with Chris, and after several minutes of silence, Roy had been the one to answer her. His voice was thin, but the grateful tone was obvious.
“Thanks, Kate. I know Joanne would like that.”
Tears pooling in her eyes, Kate had bent over and kissed Roy on the cheek before hurrying out of the room. Almost an hour had passed since then, and still there was no news from the doctors.
Johnny’s strength had long since been exhausted. Though he was totally unaware of the looks exchanged between Hank and Mike, the two men were watching him carefully. The young man was slumped in his chair now, his head cradled in his hands, elbows balanced on top of his thighs. It could’ve been a position brought on by the weariness of waiting, but the worried men knew otherwise. Captain Stanley had started to call for a nurse several times, but having seen the bandage John was sporting over his eye, the captain assumed his man had already been checked over. He watched, now, as Johnny drew himself slowly from the chair and walked cautiously over to the coffee pot.
“John, you want me to pour a cup for you?”
There was no answer, and Hank glanced over at Mike. The engineer had also been watching the paramedic, and seeing how unsteady the young man was, figured he should move a little closer in case he was needed. Moving casually across the room, he stationed himself a few feet away from Gage.
The pain came in waves now, and Johnny was too tired to fight it off any longer. There was some part of his brain that knew he should stay awake, knew there was something important that he needed to do. But the pounding in his head, coupled with the pain in his shoulder soon blocked out that message. Standing in front of the coffee pot, the dark haired man stared at the empty cup before him. It seemed to waver, as if it had the power to move on its own. Suddenly, the cup was no longer visible as a roaring wave of darkness moved over him.
Mike saw Johnny sway, and seconds later had grasped the young man in his arms as Johnny crumpled to the floor. Mike’s voice joined in the noise of the moment, as the men worked quickly to get Johnny the help he needed. Two orderlies followed Chet back into the lounge, and the men bent together to lift and carry their friend to a waiting stretcher. Dixie stood in the doorway, her presence a calming assurance to the men that she’d watch out for Johnny. All this time, Roy had stared unblinking at his partner.
When Johnny first fell, Roy sat up but did not move from the couch. He remained seated, arms held tightly against his chest. His desire to rush over and help his friend had been overwhelmed by a stronger need to remain where he was. From deep inside the safe cocoon Roy had wrapped himself in, there was a little voice that called out to him. It seemed to be saying that he needed to be strong. When Johnny collapsed on the floor before him, that little voice had screamed at him to help his friend.
Still, Roy could not make his body respond, and he wondered if he’d ever be able to move again. Every time he started to think about what needed to be done, a vividly clear picture of his wife and daughter appeared. Their forms were still; blood red splotches adorned their clothes. Their once expressive eyes were closed in silent slumber, and Roy couldn’t grasp whether this picture was something he’d actually seen, or something he was afraid he’d be forced to see. Although something within him was trying to return, the fear kept him frozen in place, assuring him that as long as he stayed quiet, that question wouldn’t have to be answered.
***************************
Mike walked quickly beside the gurney as it was wheeled down the hallway and into Treatment Room Two. Never once taking his eyes from John’s face, he was riddled with guilt over having let the man’s condition deteriorate without stepping in. When Dixie arrived, she’d confirmed his latest suspicion, that Johnny had never really been checked over properly. Therefore, no one knew for sure how badly he was injured.
With Hank remaining in the lounge to watch over Roy, Mike stepped in as second in command, and became Johnny’s guardian. During the entire examination, the engineer remained on hand, answering questions, assisting where he could. Only when the portable x-ray machine was moved in did he leave for a few minutes. Shortly after he returned, Johnny began to come around. The first sign was a slow turning of the man’s dark head, as he seemed to search silently for someone. Mike had a hunch the paramedic was unconsciously looking for his partner, and quickly stepped over to John’s side.
“John, can you hear me? You’re going to be alright, but they want you to wake up now. Can you open your eyes?”
Slowly, his eyelids fluttered several times, then finally opened to reveal dark brown eyes. Turning to face the familiar voice, Johnny was almost disappointed at first. Where was Roy? Why wasn’t his partner here instead of Mike? But suddenly the memory of their last call came flooding back, and Johnny moaned softly. Looking up, he realized Dixie was watching him.
”Welcome back, handsome.”
The nurse’s gently teasing tone brought the desired affect. Johnny grinned tiredly, and his friends sighed in relief.
“Help me up.”
“What? Where do you think you’re going?”
“Where do you think? I’m going back to sit with Roy.”
“No you’re not. Dr. Morton will be back in a few minutes to read your x-ray and until then, mister, you’re my patient. And I’m telling you to stay where you are.”
Recognizing Dixie’s no nonsense tone of voice did nothing to dissuade Johnny. He struggled once more to raise himself off the examination table, but this time he was met with a more formidable foe. Mike was now directly beside the patient, one hand resting quietly on Johnny’s arm. Just by looking at the man’s face, Gage knew he had no choice, and for a brief instant, he was reminded of Captain Stanley’s kind but firm commands. Fatigue obvious in his voice, John gave in reluctantly.
“Alright. I’ll wait for Morton. But then I’m going back to the lounge.”
It was only a matter of minutes before the doctor in question returned. Flipping the x-rays behind the metal clips, Mike Morton clicked on the light and leaned over as he studied the pictures. Several uh-huhs later, he turned to the waiting group.
“Well, John, you have a concussion; and not just a mild one either. You took quite a blow, not only to your forehead, but also to the back of your head. I don’t know if you noticed, but you have quite a bump back there. On top of that, there’s a nasty bruise on your shoulder, and I suspect you’ll be experiencing a lot of discomfort for the next few days. Actually, I’m rather surprised you held it together this long, but we’ll get you settled in a room where you can relax and get some rest. You should be feeling better tomorrow.”
“What? You’re kidding, right? I’m not going anywhere but back in that lounge with Roy. I told him I would be there for him, and you aren’t going to stop me.” Johnny’s tone changed quickly from one of defiance and anger to one of cajoling. “Please, doc, you gotta let me stay with him. I’ll be careful, and I’ll take it easy. Besides, Stoker here, will keep a close eye on me, won’t ya, Mike?”
The quiet engineer looked from doctor to patient, and even chanced a look at the head nurse. In his current position, he knew the most sensible course would be to have Johnny admitted so that he could be monitored for any changes in his condition. But as a co-worker and friend, he knew that the best place for Johnny would be with the rest of the crew, waiting with Roy. Put the man in a room by himself, and Mike knew it wouldn’t be long before the paramedic had himself worked up, and that wouldn’t do anybody any good. But how could he make the doctor understand. Without answering his question, Mike patted Johnny’s arm absently, then looked up at the doctor.
“What do you think, Dr. Morton? Would you trust him in my care as long as we’re waiting with Roy? We’ll be right here in the hospital; he’ll be close if you want to check up on him, and I’ll make sure he stays quiet.”
Why can’t things ever be easy with Gage? Morton frowned in annoyance. He knew the man was worried about his partner, and he knew how upset the whole crew was about the accident. But the doctor also knew that too much stress or tension could be a bad combination with a head injury. Even though there was no fracture, a concussion could be very serious and even carry the risk of complications. His gut instinct was to keep the man in bed, mildly sedated if need be. Just as he was about to convey the news to the firemen, Dixie caught his arm.
“Dr. Morton, could I speak with you a moment?”
“Yes, of course, Dixie.”
Stepping outside the room, the two faced each other near the doorway. Mike Morton knew that Dixie had special feelings for this particular paramedic team. Who didn’t know? It was obvious to most of the hospital staff, but no one seemed to mind. Dixie was fair with everyone she dealt with; she just seemed to carry a special place in her heart for these two.
Now, as she faced the young doctor, Dixie’s feelings for the good of the two were overriding her concern for Johnny’s condition. Maybe it was the sincere look that Mike Stoker had sent her as he pleaded his case with Morton. Maybe it was just simply that she knew how much Roy needed Johnny right now. For whatever reason, Dixie spoke convincingly to Dr. Morton, and within minutes, he’d caved in to her pressure. Not without stipulations, of course, but she readily agreed. His demands were nothing more than good common sense, and she would see to the periodic checks personally. Moving back into the examination room, Morton stopped next to the table and looked sternly at his patient.
“Okay, John, we’ll give this a try. But understand this, I’m only giving in because you have two staunch supporters here. This is against my better judgment. You have a head injury and a severely bruised shoulder, which means the best place for you is in bed. But if you’ll follow orders, and remain quiet, I’ll agree to let you stay on this floor with Roy. However, at any sign that you’re not cooperating or if one of your neuro checks shows a change of any kind, you’ll be sent immediately upstairs. Agreed?”
The man lying quietly on the table, started to nod his head, then changed his mind. His thin voice answered instead.
“Agreed.”
After Dr. Morton had left the room, Johnny looked over at Dixie and Mike Stoker.
“Thanks, guys. I really appreciate this.”
“Well, you’d better. And you’d better be good too, cause I’ll be watching you.”
The grin on her face showed Johnny that his favorite nurse was merely teasing him, yet he also knew that she could be tough when needed. A look at Mike’s face, though, convinced him that he’d follow directions. His friends were going out of their way to help him, and he didn’t want to risk losing the chance he had been given. What they didn’t know was that although he’d sounded tough at first, in truth, Johnny didn’t know if he really had the energy to follow through with his threat to go to Roy against their wishes.
Mike helped Johnny sit up on the table, the young man dangling his legs over the side as he slowly got his bearings. The engineer would never tell Johnny, but he knew that the paramedic had been running a bluff. You can’t work with someone day after day and not recognize what’s right in front of you. Mike could see how exhausted Johnny was, and he could also tell the man was hurting.
After her mini-lecture, Dixie had left in search of a wheel chair. When she returned, Johnny began to scoff at the idea that he needed the contraption, but within seconds he’d changed his tune. His two guardians were staring at him like hawks; besides, the tired man wasn’t sure he had enough strength left to even walk across the hallway.
Grasping Johnny’s arm, Mike helped him slide off the table and into the wheelchair. Unlocking the wheels, he deftly turned the seat around and headed for the door, but Dixie stopped them just short of the entrance.
“Alright, boys, here’s the rules. Into the lounge and there you stay. If you need anything, I’m just a short distance down the hall. Here’s an icepack for that hard head of yours, Johnny. Use it. I’ll send Carol down with some aspirin for your headache. And one more thing, Dr. Morton wanted you to use this.”
Holding up her hand, Dixie displayed the white sling she’d brought along. Tuning out Johnny’s initial arguments, she positioned the cloth around his arm and fastened it behind the man’s neck.
“There, that’ll help a little. The doctor wants you to keep that arm still. Besides being badly bruised, he thinks you may have pulled a tendon, and keeping your arm immobile for a few days will help it heal faster.”
Once again, Johnny instinctively knew it would be best not to argue. He figured he was still coming out ahead, as long as they weren’t sticking him in a hospital bed somewhere. So, with a nod of assent to Dixie, the two men moved once more toward the doorway, and this time Johnny sighed when they actually made it out of the opening and Mike turned the chair towards the doctor’s lounge. But as they reached the next door, Johnny raised his hand and Stoker pulled the wheelchair to a stop.
“What is it?”
“Uh, let’s leave the chair out here, okay?”
“John, you remember what Dr. Morton and Dixie said, don’t you?”
“Yeah, but they didn’t say anything specific about using a wheelchair.”
“You’re getting a little technical, now, aren’t you?”
“Look, Mike, I’m not trying to be difficult, here. I just don’t want to go in there looking like I’m in bad shape. Roy doesn’t need anything else to worry about, and you know how he is. If he figures I got hurt helping Jo and the kids, he’ll get caught up in the guilt thing and I don’t want that to happen.”
Mike grasped Johnny’s good shoulder as he bent down to stare at him in frustration.
“But, John, you don’t think he’s gonna know you’re hurt? He saw you pass out right in front of him!”
Johnny grinned reluctantly.
“I know, but at least if I walk in, he won’t think it’s worse than it is. Please, Mike, I’ll go straight to the couch and stay there, I promise.”
Once again, the engineer made his decision not by the book, but based on his sense of what was best for the men involved. The pleading look in Johnny’s eyes was also a contributing factor. For a fleeting moment, he entertained thoughts about his qualifications for command. At least about what kind of captain he’d make if he could be swayed this easily by one of his men. Then again, these men were special. Heck, they were family. Realizing Gage was staring at him expectantly, Mike finally nodded his head in agreement.
“Alright, John, you walk in. But I’m holding you to that promise.”
Parking the chair next to the wall, Mike glanced around, not wishing for Dixie to witness his transgression. Locking the wheels, he reached down, offering John his arm. The paramedic pushed himself up from his seat. Swaying slightly, he waited a moment for his vision to clear, then pushed the proffered arm