This is the sequel to Going For it. Although it is set five years later, I have not changed the dynamics of the Paramedic program and their equipment. Simply because I didn't want to change the feel of the show and it's characters.
'Rampart this is squad 36, how do you read?' "Squad 36 we read you loud and clear" answered Dr John Gage. He had been working in Rampart Emergency for five years full time. Dr Early had cut back his hours to two days a week. Dr Morton had moved onto Paediatrics. Dr Brackett was still the head of ER but was slowly handing over the Paramedic program to Johnny. Dixie was still the head nurse of ER despite being offered the Nursing Administrator position several times.
'Rampart we have a male, approximately ten years old. He's breathing is laboured; apparently he's been unwell for the last two days with flu symptoms. Stand by for vitals.' "Standing by Squad 36. Check for elevated temp and any signs of a rash on the child's body."
'Rampart BP is 100 over 60, pulse is 100 and respiration is 15. There appears to be a rash on his neck and arms, stand by for temp.' "Standing by 36" Johnny was already calling Dr Morton to ER.
'Rampart temp is 103'. "Squad 36 start an IV with Ringers lactate and start cooling measures. Transport as soon as possible." '10-4 Rampart'
"Johnny, what have you got" asked Dr Morton as he approached the substation.
"I think we have another case of meningitis Mike" Johnny reported anxiously.
"Oh no, we just had two more cases admitted and St Francis has seven cases so far. We've got to find the source." Dr Morton had been frustrated for the past week with the growing cases being reported of meningitis.
Johnny thought about the growing problem. "All these patients have to have something in common. We should put together a survey and get the families to fill them out and go through them to find a common factor, and I don't mean just here at Rampart but St Francis as well." Dr Morton looked sceptical. "Mike see the way I figure it all the information that's collected for each case is by different people," Johnny started counting off using his fingers "the admitting nurse, the doctor, the Paramedics and even you. Now somewhere in all that gathered information has to be a common factor but it won't be identified until all the information is put together and looked at collectively.
"That's not such a bad idea Johnny. We'll cover the last two weeks. We'll need the names of the people they have come in contact with and places they've been. Thanks Johnny it's better than doing nothing and just stabbing in the dark."
Johnny shrugged, "Hopefully something will stand out". When the child arrived he was sent straight to paediatrics.
"Rampart this is squad 43. How do you read?" The familiar voice made Johnny smile.
"Squad 43 this is Rampart" acknowledged Johnny.
"Rampart we have three victims suffering from smoke inhalation and various abrasions and bruising due to a wall collapse. Stand by for vitals."
"Squad 43 standing by" Johnny was relieved that Roy was not one of the victims, but was concerned for squad 43s Paramedics. Although several breathing treatments were required and stitching of cuts was completed the Paramedics and linesman of station 43 was released to go home. Station 43 was stood down until replacements could be organised.
"How did it feel to use the biophone again?" Johnny asked Roy.
"It was good, like old times, except it was strange hearing your voice at the other end" he stated smiling.
"I guess it would have been" Johnny acknowledged.
"Did you hear Hank got Battalion 14?" Roy informed Johnny.
"That's great Roy. He deserved it; in fact it's about time." Johnny said in all seriousness.
"Yeah it is" Roy agreed. "Dinner tomorrow night" Roy put his hand on Johnny's shoulder. Johnny nodded. "I heard about the meningitis outbreak, any ideas about the source?"
"No, Mike's working on it. I suggested he surveyed all the patient's families to try and find a common factor. Hopefully we'll know soon." Johnny walked Roy out to the squad. "See you tomorrow Roy" Johnny waved and made his way back inside.
A day later, Dr Morton walked briskly into the ER seeking Johnny. "We found the common factor." He excitedly told Johnny. "Sunday school" he simply stated.
"Sunday School?" questioned Johnny.
"Sunday School" nodded Mike. "All the children go to same Sunday school" he nodded as if it should have been so obvious. "We've contacted the remaining families and started the children on the antibiotics."
"How many kids did we lose?" asked Johnny.
Mike sighed "Five" he held up his hand displaying the number with his fingers. "Apparently the parents didn't know who was in there kids Sunday school class so they didn't make the connection".
"Pity" said Johnny.
"Yeah, but at least we can help the remaining kids and whoever they've come in contact with. Listen, thanks for your help Johnny" Mike shook Johnny's hand.
Dr Brackett watched the exchange. Johnny had made such an impact on the hospital at so many levels. He knew one day Dr John Gage would probably take over the ER and it would be in good hands. Johnny looked at his watch. Time to go; he was having dinner at Roys. He looked down the hallway and spotted Dr Brackett.
"Hey Doc. It's pretty quiet now. I'm going to leave. Dinner at Roys" He wiggled his eyebrows.
"Well I better not keep you then." Brackett smiled at Johnny's antics.
"See you later doc" and Johnny made his way out of the hospital. He drove directly to Roys and got caught in some traffic on the freeway. He only had to travel a short distance along the freeway but was held up just the same. He wondered how people did this every day. He was stopped in a line of traffic just under an overpass. There was six banked up lanes.
Johnny's head turned when he heard the screeching of tyres. On the other side of the freeway an eighteen wheeler truck slammed into the side of the pillar holding up the overpass. It scraped along the side of the pillar. All of a sudden there was a roar and cracking. The entire overpass came tumbling down onto the traffic below. There was nowhere to go.
Concrete slammed into Johnny's car and his windshield shattered. He automatically raised his hands to protect his face. He felt pain radiate up his legs and in his chest. He choked on the dust, everything suddenly went dark and then he knew no more.