So, here is the next chapter in the story. Thank you for the wonderful feedback, especially from GracieGirl101, Gunsbuster, Neemps, NinaLilly, Emergfankat, starlight guardian. I was hoping that this one was a bit more original than what was out there. I want to make it also known that this story was originally BETA'd by the wonderful kellymutt. I thought I had mentioned before, but looks like I didn't. I will be updating only once a week (on the weekend) as that is the only time I have to do this at home.
And now the standard disclaimer:
All things Emergency! belong to Mark VII Productions and Universal Studios
Chapter 3
During transport, Roy was trying not to give Brice a hard time, but it was becoming difficult not to. He was with his least favorite paramedic, he was worried about his partner, and he was in a large amount of discomfort. To say he was not a happy camper would have been an understatement. Brice was on the line to Rampart relaying vitals while he just laid there. He knew if he said anything to the "perfect paramedic", they would end up in an argument and he just didn't have the strength for that right now. He was too worried about his partner, John Gage and how bad he was. Yes, he knew that Evans was working with Bellingham on getting him stabilized, but before they had him fully settled, he and Brice had left in the ambulance. He would just have to wait until he got to the hospital to see how he was going to be.
"DeSoto, I wouldn't worry about your partner too much. As much of a slob as Bellingham is, he's truly a top-notch paramedic. Also, Gage is in top physical form and has recovered from much worse than this. One other thing, even though I don't know anything about Evans, she seems to actually know what she is doing and genuinely cares about her patients. I believe that Gage is in good hands." For Roy to hear this coming from the "walking rulebook" was a shock of near biblical proportions. It was also the closest to compliments he ever heard the stoic paramedic make about either his own partner or Gage. However, to hear what he said about Evans spoke volumes to the trained ear. Roy took the time to study Brice and his movements for a moment. He noticed that there was a slight tenseness when he spoke of Evans. He wondered if maybe Brice actually liked her a bit. Shaking his head of that little revelation, he continued to look out the window while making their way to the hospital. Maybe he would find out some answers once he had been checked out.
Meantime, back at the fire, they had just loaded Gage into the ambulance. Bellingham would drive in Squad 16 while Evans would ride in with Gage. Kelly would follow with 51's squad, all going with full lights and sirens. The trip didn't take long at all, only about 7 minutes, but it seemed like an eternity to all involved. His vitals only waivered slightly. Not enough to warrant concern, but enough to warrant keeping a close eye on them.
Soon enough they arrived at Rampart and off loaded Gage with Evans trailing behind. Dixie directed them to treatment 2.
Then the other injuries were assessed, including the fact that his breathing sounded worse than that of an asthmatic. Eventually, Evans was ordered out to the coffee lounge. That is where she found the rest of her crews, waiting for word on both paramedics. At that point Dr. Joe Early, who had been treating DeSoto, came in to give the waiting crewmates the news, "Well, aside from a lot of smoke inhalation, he took a pretty good knock to the head and has a mild concussion. Looks like he bruised some ribs, but we are waiting for the x-rays for confirmation. Barring any other complications with the ribs, he should be just fine as long as he takes it easy once he is released from here until the start of his next shift. If the x-rays come back clean, then all I need to do is have him come back in right before his next shift starts. Now, as for Gage, his injuries are a bit more severe. Dr. Brackett is working on him right now, but I think Christie can give you some information, right?"
Now, Christie knew she was being put on the spot, but had no choice except to go forward, "Well, he did suffer a number of burns, but they all look to be no worse than 1st degree. However, since his air mask was busted, he did take in a lot of smoke so we'll have the usual worries there. He apparently injured his ribs, not sure if they are just really bruised or if there are some hairline fractures hiding. Also, given the size of the knot that was starting to form on the forehead they're checking for a possible concussion, maybe even fracture. Right now, that's all we know. Once Dr. Brackett established the injuries, I was pretty much just shoved out of the room by Dixie and told to come here."
As she was speaking to the group, Bellingham walked over to the coffee station, grabbed 2 cups and poured coffee for both of them. Once she was finished, he handed her a cup and they both went to sit down.
Right about that time, the door opened and in walked Dr. Brackett. Nodding to everyone in the room, he began to speak, "Well, our young Mr. Gage is one very lucky man. No broken ribs, just a lot of bruising. He ate a lot of smoke, but nothing that an overnight stay with breathing treatments can't help to take care of. Even the knot on the forehead isn't that bad. All in all, I'd say he came out relatively unscathed. At this point, he will be here overnight, but probably will be able to go back to work in a few shifts. I will, however, need to see him to clear him, but we can work that out later."
As Dr. Brackett finished speaking, Chief McConnikee walked in to get an update on the two paramedics. He turned to Captain Stanley and said, "Hank, you and your crew should head back to the barn. Stand down for 2 hours for clean up and I will assign a replacement pair of paramedics. Evans, given your expertise, I would like you to wait until Gage and DeSoto are ready to be back at work and pair up with them. I assigned you to the best pair in the county for a reason."
Needless to say, Christie was a bit surprised by this and let the chief know in no uncertain terms, "Chief, with all due respect I fail to see how that would accomplish anything. By the time the two of them finally get cleared to go back to work, I could very well be on my back to the east coast. What about another squad, such as 16's with Brice and Bellingham? They might not have been together as long, but from what I have heard they are only second to DeSoto and Gage. Or, if you want me to stay with Station 51, switch me to another shift, like "C" shift. Dwyer and Fitzpatrick are pretty darn good from what DeSoto and Gage have told me as well." She was frustrated that she might have to stop working for several weeks while waiting for Gage and DeSoto to get cleared. However, the powers that be put the kibosh to that.
"Unfortunately, the contract that you along with your fellow paramedics from Maryland signed specified the stations and shifts you would be working on. Therefore, I have to pull you. However, we might be able to have you assigned for the time being to the academy." The chief felt bad for Evans, but due to the contract language, there wasn't much he could do.
Just as Evans was going to argue the point, Cap Stanley speaks up, "Christie, you and I need to go over a few things back at the station anyway. Why don't we get back to the barn and you can swing back by to see how our boys are doing? Besides, we need to get back into service soon, right chief?" He was hoping that McConnike would see what he was trying to do. Thankfully, he did and played right along.
"You're correct, Hank. As I said earlier, you have 2 hours to get cleaned up and back into the best mindset you can right now. Meantime, I'll see about getting a pair of replacement paramedics for your station. Good job everyone. This is the kind of day that truly makes me proud of the people within my command." With that parting comment, the chief left the lounge.
Not more than a couple of minutes later, JoAnn DeSoto came in. She was obviously upset at the lack of information she had received up to that point and wanted to know how her husband was doing. Once Christie and Cap Stanley informed her of the latest, she sagged to the sofa between the two of them, "What went wrong? I thought you were supposed to be with them? How did they get hurt and you walk away without a scratch?"
"Simple. I was outside coordinating the triage operation while they along with the others swept the building. Trust me when I tell you I wish to hell I had been in there with them. But of the two, Roy is injured the least. From the looks of things, Roy will only be out of commission for a couple of weeks. John could be longer, but we just have to wait and see. Now, the rest of us unfortunately have to get back to the station. However, I'll be back at some point today to check on the two of them. Remember, they're my partners now and I have to make sure they will be back to harassing me soon." This last part was said with a wide grin and a smile in her eyes.
Standing up, Cap Stanley says "JoAnn if you hear anything different before Christie gets back, please let us know. We are all pretty worried about them. Come on you twits; let's get back to the barn."
Now, the wait begins…for everyone.
