A/N This Chapter is full of medical terms and procedure; I am not even
close to being a doctor. I just watch a lot of T.V. It may not be 100%
accurate, but I hope it's at least believable. I'm shamelessly lazy when it
comes to research. I'm glad everyone is enjoying my story. Your wonderful
and informative reviews make me keep going!!!
Nurse Anne continued to give Shawn artificial respiration until Joey Mendoza led the paramedics quickly to his side. They pushed everyone clear of the scene so they had room to work. Before you could blink Shawn was in a neck brace and secured to a backboard. Nurse Anne assisted as they jammed a large plastic ventilation tube down his throat. The hall was silent as the paramedics worked. They yelled gibberish nobody could understand, with the exception of the nurse, who's face paled every time the vitals were broadcast. Her expression scared the hell out of Cory, who for the first time imagined life without Shawn.
Jonathan trudged open jawed up the hall, his face visibly pale. He clasped his hands over his mouth in shock, spying Shawn lying on the floor amidst the chaos. Turner's pace quickened significantly as he approached, he was just about to pounce when Feeny stepped in front of him and forcibly held him back. Jon struggled in the older man's grip, yelling into the air, "WHAT HAPPENED?? WHAT'S GOING ON!!! SHAWN!!" Turner's face twisted in anguish, tears visible in his dark, frightened eyes. He crouched to the floor, Feeny whispered in his ear, rubbing his back in comfort. It was too much to take, he leaned his head onto George's shoulder momentarily to liberate a few agonized sobs, before returning his eyes to the scene.
Nurse Anne sat on the floor and manned the plastic bag connected to Shawn's mouth; Cory was almost hypnotized by the rhythm of her hands, miming his own breathing after hers. Every once in a while she reached up and gently stroked Shawn's head, almost motherly. Both the paramedics and nurse spoke directly to him, using his name as much as possible. If he was aware and could hear them, he was probably petrified. The paramedics were quick and somewhat rough with the frail, ailing child.
Cory felt phantom pain deep inside himself with each new tube and needle they harshly thrust into Shawn. He silently prayed as he sat on the floor helpless while his friend's life hung in the balance. Topanga turned away, as fresh blood flowed from Shawn's chest, after the paramedic made an incision for another big tube. She wasn't sure how much longer she could stand to watch. Topanga glanced up, just in time to see two large police officers take Feeny and Turner aside. Cory gathered up each piece of torn and cut clothing that was taken from Shawn, and held them close, protecting the boy's personal things. He also gathered up the silver chain and pendant Shawn always wore around his neck, it was ripped off in haste.
Time seemed to stand still in the hall. One more check of the vitals told the paramedics it was time to move out. "Clear the way!!" they roared as Shawn was transferred to a gurney, Turner followed close behind, not even stopping to retrieve a jacket or coat. He only had one thing on his mind, staying with Shawn. Feeny shooed the other students to class, they hadn't noticed the bell sounded an eternity ago. He leaned down until he faced Cory, "Put Shawn's things in your locker and meet me in my office in ten minutes!! They're taking him to Jefferson Hospital, I will drive you both there, after we call your parents." Feeny snapped his fingers, his face grim as stone. Topanga called behind him, "But Mr. Feeny, What about class??" She asked, getting to her feet. "There's no such thing as class today, I'm afraid." He responded as he hurried away.
Amy was working on her second load of laundry, since coming home from work early. She cheerily answered the phone with a warm hello.
"Amy!! It's George Feeny, something awful has happened!! Shawn Hunter collapsed in school....They rushed him by rescue squad to Jefferson Hospital about five minutes ago!!" Mrs. Matthews gasped into the phone upon hearing the news. "I'm going to Take Cory and Topanga there with me now, both the kids are quite hysterical!!" Amy stuttered as she nervously paced around the kitchen table, "What happened, is he going to be alright??" A million questions riddled her mind, fear seeping into her soul. With a sigh, Feeny answered, "I don't know, it looks bad, Amy!! It looks real bad. The police escorted him down there, they're aware of the situation. I'm afraid they're going after Chet with both barrels for this."
Mrs. Matthews immediately called her husband at the grocery store; she relayed what little information she had to him, half crying into the phone. "Amy, look...STAY THERE!! I will come and get you and we'll go together, I don't want you driving." Mr. Matthews sternly barked into the phone, releasing some pent up anger and frustration, "Leave a note for Eric to stay home after school, so he can pick up Morgan." Amy hung up and dawned her coat and scarf in a flash. She sat silent on the couch, rocking back and forth. Tears fell from her eyes. She wasn't surprised at her reaction to the news; she's known and loved Shawn since he was a toddler. Her heart held a special place for him practically all his young life. "He's too young to die!!" she agonized to herself, waiting alone. Shawn's short and troubled life flashed piece by piece, through her mind, as she buried her face in her hands and cried.
Jonathan was frazzled as he tried to steady his quaking hands. He could hardly hold the pen or see the print on the stack of forms that were shoved in front of him. He tried desperately to follow Shawn into the Emergency Room, but two orderlies and a nurse halted him at the door. Shawn was whisked out of sight before he could even reach out to touch him. The ambulance ride was dreadful. Shawn couldn't manage one voluntary movement. The boy refused to take a single breath on his own. Jonathan found the whole experience very disturbing, watching helplessly as the paramedics toiled to keep Shawn's fragile heart beating.
Suddenly a familiar face entered the hall, Kelly Krause from Social Service, and the two officers from the school hurried over to Turner. "Jon, how are you holding up, I was floored when I reached the school and they told me what happened." Turner winced at the sound of her voice, "How could this have happened... WHY DID YOU TAKE HIM FROM ME!!!" Jonathan couldn't hold back the unbridled emotion growing within. "You should have left well enough alone, maybe Shawn would be okay now, and maybe he wouldn't be struggling for his life." Turner's voice cracked, his expression wracked with desperation and fear. Kelly bowed her head, "I know your upset, Mr. Turner. I understand your hurting, but accusations and assigning blame isn't going to help this situation, "I'm here now to help you regain custody of Shawn, and see you through this terrible burden."
Turner pulled up a chair and placed it next to his own. He looked Kelly in the eye; filled with renewed determination "You want to help me? You want to fix this? Well you do whatever you have to do to make Shawn my legal son by midnight tonight!! When that boy opens his eyes, I want the first thing he sees to be me, the person who loves him, the person who will never again leave him, the father he deserves!! You make that happen today." Kelly smiled and squeezed Jon's shoulder, "Let's get started."
A few hours later Alan and Amy nervously ran through the emergency room entrance, they immediately saw Cory, Topanga and George sitting in the busy waiting room. "How is he? Where is Jon? What happened??" Amy questioned as Cory ran and buried himself in his mothers' arms. His face stained with tears. "Jon is still in admissions with Ms. Krause and the police, he knows were here waiting for him. They're having trouble with the insurance Jonathan got for Shawn earlier this year, it seems it all voided when Jon's custody of Shawn was revoked, it's a big mess."
Feeny explained to the anxious couple how Jon was fighting to adopt Shawn. He filled them in on how the police were investigating Chet for Shawn's attack. How he fled and was at large. Mr. Feeny described to the shocked couple how they were going to charge Chet with Aggravated Assault, Reckless Endangerment, even Manslaughter, if Shawn was to succumb to his injuries. He relived the horrid events of the morning for them, the only thing he couldn't do was ease their minds. The doctors still hadn't brought them any news of Shawn. The only sliver of information they received was that Shawn was in the ER and the trauma team was doing everything possible to save his life.
Jonathan emerged, looking tired and shaken as he joined the small crowd in the waiting area. "It looks as though Shawn's gonna need surgery, I have temporary power of attorney back, so finally I was able to get him admitted, if the insurance didn't go through they may have transferred Shawn across town to County General. Jon sank exhausted into a chair beside Amy. All eyes peered apprehensively toward him. "They only told me to come up here and wait, the doctors are still running tests and treating him. They said it's touch and go, but as soon as they know more they'll give us an update."
Now the waiting game starts. Time seemed to crawl at a snails pace as the idle minds of Shawn's loved ones raced with uncertainty. The solemn expressions and rivers of tears were abundant as everyone took turns loosing control. Cory was probably the hardest hit. His life seemed to revolve around Shawn. He just couldn't accept that Shawn may not be there when the sun rose tomorrow. He was lost in shock and heartache, and for the first time, no one could ease his pain. It would take more than a pep talk and a few kind words to right the wrong he was facing. What a cruel lesson to learn for such a tender young man. For now he sat between his mother and his girl, taking solace in their presence beside him. Hoping and praying for one more chance to see Shawn's face, to hear his voice, to share a laugh. Never would he take anyone for granted again. You don't appreciate the value of friendship until you're in danger of losing it. Only then do we realize its worth, when it's just too late.
After countless coffees and boring magazines, a few stolen naps and a couple of quick walks about the halls, the doctor made a brief appearance. Everyone rose in anticipation as the young surgeon approached. "I'm Doctor Harold Fleisher, I'm the primary surgeon treating Shawn."
Doctor Fleisher shook Jon's hand and continued, "Shawn is stable at the moment, chest x-rays confirm Shawn received severe blunt force trauma to the right side of his chest, several ribs have been broken free, He's suffering from what is called hemothorax, this occurs when blood fills the pleural cavity of the chest. It compromises the expansion of the lungs and blood flow to the heart, we've inserted a chest tube and drained the fluid, but Shawn's lung has not responded. He's been intubated and hooked up to a ventilator; right now the machine is completely supporting his respiration. Because of the nature of the fractures, a section of Shawn's chest wall has separated, an ailment known as flail chest, this is also a key factor inhibiting Shawn's breathing. The lung itself has been seriously lacerated and bruised, and both of the great vessels have been damaged. As soon as Shawn's blood pressure and oxygen levels improve and we can get him into surgery and repair the damage. He's been hemorrhaging fairly heavily, and he's lost a lot of blood. He was in hypovolemic shock when he was brought in. We've got him on IV fluids and his circulation is improving. His Lateral C-Spine was good so we've taken him off the backboard. He's still comatose, but he is stabilizing"
Jonathan's exhausted and clouded mind could not comprehend the Doctor's evaluation. "I just want to know if he's gonna be okay, I wanna see him, can I see him??" Jon pleaded, as the doctor turned to go. "I'm sorry Mr. Turner, I don't know yet, Shawn is still very dodgy. But I can tell you he's young and very strong and the odds are in his favor, we'll no more after the surgery. You can see him as soon as he's moved into the ICU, we'll keep you posted from the Operating Room. Please excuse me, I have to get back to Shawn." The young doctor patted Jon on the arm and walked briskly through the Emergency Room doors.
Soon after a nurse greeted the group as they sat. "Shawn is ready for the anesthesiologist, before we proceed we need you to sign some consent forms." She sat beside Jonathan and presented a series of standardized forms, she gently explained each one and showed him where to sign. When they were finished, she explained that Shawn would be moved into surgery. It could take several hours, and then he would spend some time in recovery, after that he would be moved into intensive care, where he could have visitors. The nurse encouraged the group to take some time to grab a bite to eat and maybe some shut eye, because they faced a long night ahead of them.
In the cafeteria Cory sat and fiddled with his food. "I should be having lunch with Shawn right now, its taco day..our favorite." Topanga shoved her tray forward also not very hungry. Amy and Alan both nursed a cold cup of coffee, while Jon stared blankly at his cheeseburger. George scanned the group seated around him. He also shared their uneasy feelings, but felt the need to lift their spirits.
"I know you all are pretty scared right now, but we have to have hope!! I believe in Shawn, I am confident that he will survive this, he's the strongest boy I've ever laid eyes on and I'm not going to give up on him!! Besides, he has too much to live for. He has a best friend who would do anything for him, a new father to mold and guide him, a home full of love and happiness. Good friends and family surround him. Shawn is much too selfish to give up on all that. We have to have faith in him." Feeny sat down and began to eat his salad. Slowly the others joined in and ate with him, a sense of hope began to fill the air. Feeny took another glance around the table and was satisfied, he smiled on the outside, but cringed on the inside. He said a silent prayer, "Please God, let him live, don't take him from us now. We need him more than you do." The waiting game continued.
Nurse Anne continued to give Shawn artificial respiration until Joey Mendoza led the paramedics quickly to his side. They pushed everyone clear of the scene so they had room to work. Before you could blink Shawn was in a neck brace and secured to a backboard. Nurse Anne assisted as they jammed a large plastic ventilation tube down his throat. The hall was silent as the paramedics worked. They yelled gibberish nobody could understand, with the exception of the nurse, who's face paled every time the vitals were broadcast. Her expression scared the hell out of Cory, who for the first time imagined life without Shawn.
Jonathan trudged open jawed up the hall, his face visibly pale. He clasped his hands over his mouth in shock, spying Shawn lying on the floor amidst the chaos. Turner's pace quickened significantly as he approached, he was just about to pounce when Feeny stepped in front of him and forcibly held him back. Jon struggled in the older man's grip, yelling into the air, "WHAT HAPPENED?? WHAT'S GOING ON!!! SHAWN!!" Turner's face twisted in anguish, tears visible in his dark, frightened eyes. He crouched to the floor, Feeny whispered in his ear, rubbing his back in comfort. It was too much to take, he leaned his head onto George's shoulder momentarily to liberate a few agonized sobs, before returning his eyes to the scene.
Nurse Anne sat on the floor and manned the plastic bag connected to Shawn's mouth; Cory was almost hypnotized by the rhythm of her hands, miming his own breathing after hers. Every once in a while she reached up and gently stroked Shawn's head, almost motherly. Both the paramedics and nurse spoke directly to him, using his name as much as possible. If he was aware and could hear them, he was probably petrified. The paramedics were quick and somewhat rough with the frail, ailing child.
Cory felt phantom pain deep inside himself with each new tube and needle they harshly thrust into Shawn. He silently prayed as he sat on the floor helpless while his friend's life hung in the balance. Topanga turned away, as fresh blood flowed from Shawn's chest, after the paramedic made an incision for another big tube. She wasn't sure how much longer she could stand to watch. Topanga glanced up, just in time to see two large police officers take Feeny and Turner aside. Cory gathered up each piece of torn and cut clothing that was taken from Shawn, and held them close, protecting the boy's personal things. He also gathered up the silver chain and pendant Shawn always wore around his neck, it was ripped off in haste.
Time seemed to stand still in the hall. One more check of the vitals told the paramedics it was time to move out. "Clear the way!!" they roared as Shawn was transferred to a gurney, Turner followed close behind, not even stopping to retrieve a jacket or coat. He only had one thing on his mind, staying with Shawn. Feeny shooed the other students to class, they hadn't noticed the bell sounded an eternity ago. He leaned down until he faced Cory, "Put Shawn's things in your locker and meet me in my office in ten minutes!! They're taking him to Jefferson Hospital, I will drive you both there, after we call your parents." Feeny snapped his fingers, his face grim as stone. Topanga called behind him, "But Mr. Feeny, What about class??" She asked, getting to her feet. "There's no such thing as class today, I'm afraid." He responded as he hurried away.
Amy was working on her second load of laundry, since coming home from work early. She cheerily answered the phone with a warm hello.
"Amy!! It's George Feeny, something awful has happened!! Shawn Hunter collapsed in school....They rushed him by rescue squad to Jefferson Hospital about five minutes ago!!" Mrs. Matthews gasped into the phone upon hearing the news. "I'm going to Take Cory and Topanga there with me now, both the kids are quite hysterical!!" Amy stuttered as she nervously paced around the kitchen table, "What happened, is he going to be alright??" A million questions riddled her mind, fear seeping into her soul. With a sigh, Feeny answered, "I don't know, it looks bad, Amy!! It looks real bad. The police escorted him down there, they're aware of the situation. I'm afraid they're going after Chet with both barrels for this."
Mrs. Matthews immediately called her husband at the grocery store; she relayed what little information she had to him, half crying into the phone. "Amy, look...STAY THERE!! I will come and get you and we'll go together, I don't want you driving." Mr. Matthews sternly barked into the phone, releasing some pent up anger and frustration, "Leave a note for Eric to stay home after school, so he can pick up Morgan." Amy hung up and dawned her coat and scarf in a flash. She sat silent on the couch, rocking back and forth. Tears fell from her eyes. She wasn't surprised at her reaction to the news; she's known and loved Shawn since he was a toddler. Her heart held a special place for him practically all his young life. "He's too young to die!!" she agonized to herself, waiting alone. Shawn's short and troubled life flashed piece by piece, through her mind, as she buried her face in her hands and cried.
Jonathan was frazzled as he tried to steady his quaking hands. He could hardly hold the pen or see the print on the stack of forms that were shoved in front of him. He tried desperately to follow Shawn into the Emergency Room, but two orderlies and a nurse halted him at the door. Shawn was whisked out of sight before he could even reach out to touch him. The ambulance ride was dreadful. Shawn couldn't manage one voluntary movement. The boy refused to take a single breath on his own. Jonathan found the whole experience very disturbing, watching helplessly as the paramedics toiled to keep Shawn's fragile heart beating.
Suddenly a familiar face entered the hall, Kelly Krause from Social Service, and the two officers from the school hurried over to Turner. "Jon, how are you holding up, I was floored when I reached the school and they told me what happened." Turner winced at the sound of her voice, "How could this have happened... WHY DID YOU TAKE HIM FROM ME!!!" Jonathan couldn't hold back the unbridled emotion growing within. "You should have left well enough alone, maybe Shawn would be okay now, and maybe he wouldn't be struggling for his life." Turner's voice cracked, his expression wracked with desperation and fear. Kelly bowed her head, "I know your upset, Mr. Turner. I understand your hurting, but accusations and assigning blame isn't going to help this situation, "I'm here now to help you regain custody of Shawn, and see you through this terrible burden."
Turner pulled up a chair and placed it next to his own. He looked Kelly in the eye; filled with renewed determination "You want to help me? You want to fix this? Well you do whatever you have to do to make Shawn my legal son by midnight tonight!! When that boy opens his eyes, I want the first thing he sees to be me, the person who loves him, the person who will never again leave him, the father he deserves!! You make that happen today." Kelly smiled and squeezed Jon's shoulder, "Let's get started."
A few hours later Alan and Amy nervously ran through the emergency room entrance, they immediately saw Cory, Topanga and George sitting in the busy waiting room. "How is he? Where is Jon? What happened??" Amy questioned as Cory ran and buried himself in his mothers' arms. His face stained with tears. "Jon is still in admissions with Ms. Krause and the police, he knows were here waiting for him. They're having trouble with the insurance Jonathan got for Shawn earlier this year, it seems it all voided when Jon's custody of Shawn was revoked, it's a big mess."
Feeny explained to the anxious couple how Jon was fighting to adopt Shawn. He filled them in on how the police were investigating Chet for Shawn's attack. How he fled and was at large. Mr. Feeny described to the shocked couple how they were going to charge Chet with Aggravated Assault, Reckless Endangerment, even Manslaughter, if Shawn was to succumb to his injuries. He relived the horrid events of the morning for them, the only thing he couldn't do was ease their minds. The doctors still hadn't brought them any news of Shawn. The only sliver of information they received was that Shawn was in the ER and the trauma team was doing everything possible to save his life.
Jonathan emerged, looking tired and shaken as he joined the small crowd in the waiting area. "It looks as though Shawn's gonna need surgery, I have temporary power of attorney back, so finally I was able to get him admitted, if the insurance didn't go through they may have transferred Shawn across town to County General. Jon sank exhausted into a chair beside Amy. All eyes peered apprehensively toward him. "They only told me to come up here and wait, the doctors are still running tests and treating him. They said it's touch and go, but as soon as they know more they'll give us an update."
Now the waiting game starts. Time seemed to crawl at a snails pace as the idle minds of Shawn's loved ones raced with uncertainty. The solemn expressions and rivers of tears were abundant as everyone took turns loosing control. Cory was probably the hardest hit. His life seemed to revolve around Shawn. He just couldn't accept that Shawn may not be there when the sun rose tomorrow. He was lost in shock and heartache, and for the first time, no one could ease his pain. It would take more than a pep talk and a few kind words to right the wrong he was facing. What a cruel lesson to learn for such a tender young man. For now he sat between his mother and his girl, taking solace in their presence beside him. Hoping and praying for one more chance to see Shawn's face, to hear his voice, to share a laugh. Never would he take anyone for granted again. You don't appreciate the value of friendship until you're in danger of losing it. Only then do we realize its worth, when it's just too late.
After countless coffees and boring magazines, a few stolen naps and a couple of quick walks about the halls, the doctor made a brief appearance. Everyone rose in anticipation as the young surgeon approached. "I'm Doctor Harold Fleisher, I'm the primary surgeon treating Shawn."
Doctor Fleisher shook Jon's hand and continued, "Shawn is stable at the moment, chest x-rays confirm Shawn received severe blunt force trauma to the right side of his chest, several ribs have been broken free, He's suffering from what is called hemothorax, this occurs when blood fills the pleural cavity of the chest. It compromises the expansion of the lungs and blood flow to the heart, we've inserted a chest tube and drained the fluid, but Shawn's lung has not responded. He's been intubated and hooked up to a ventilator; right now the machine is completely supporting his respiration. Because of the nature of the fractures, a section of Shawn's chest wall has separated, an ailment known as flail chest, this is also a key factor inhibiting Shawn's breathing. The lung itself has been seriously lacerated and bruised, and both of the great vessels have been damaged. As soon as Shawn's blood pressure and oxygen levels improve and we can get him into surgery and repair the damage. He's been hemorrhaging fairly heavily, and he's lost a lot of blood. He was in hypovolemic shock when he was brought in. We've got him on IV fluids and his circulation is improving. His Lateral C-Spine was good so we've taken him off the backboard. He's still comatose, but he is stabilizing"
Jonathan's exhausted and clouded mind could not comprehend the Doctor's evaluation. "I just want to know if he's gonna be okay, I wanna see him, can I see him??" Jon pleaded, as the doctor turned to go. "I'm sorry Mr. Turner, I don't know yet, Shawn is still very dodgy. But I can tell you he's young and very strong and the odds are in his favor, we'll no more after the surgery. You can see him as soon as he's moved into the ICU, we'll keep you posted from the Operating Room. Please excuse me, I have to get back to Shawn." The young doctor patted Jon on the arm and walked briskly through the Emergency Room doors.
Soon after a nurse greeted the group as they sat. "Shawn is ready for the anesthesiologist, before we proceed we need you to sign some consent forms." She sat beside Jonathan and presented a series of standardized forms, she gently explained each one and showed him where to sign. When they were finished, she explained that Shawn would be moved into surgery. It could take several hours, and then he would spend some time in recovery, after that he would be moved into intensive care, where he could have visitors. The nurse encouraged the group to take some time to grab a bite to eat and maybe some shut eye, because they faced a long night ahead of them.
In the cafeteria Cory sat and fiddled with his food. "I should be having lunch with Shawn right now, its taco day..our favorite." Topanga shoved her tray forward also not very hungry. Amy and Alan both nursed a cold cup of coffee, while Jon stared blankly at his cheeseburger. George scanned the group seated around him. He also shared their uneasy feelings, but felt the need to lift their spirits.
"I know you all are pretty scared right now, but we have to have hope!! I believe in Shawn, I am confident that he will survive this, he's the strongest boy I've ever laid eyes on and I'm not going to give up on him!! Besides, he has too much to live for. He has a best friend who would do anything for him, a new father to mold and guide him, a home full of love and happiness. Good friends and family surround him. Shawn is much too selfish to give up on all that. We have to have faith in him." Feeny sat down and began to eat his salad. Slowly the others joined in and ate with him, a sense of hope began to fill the air. Feeny took another glance around the table and was satisfied, he smiled on the outside, but cringed on the inside. He said a silent prayer, "Please God, let him live, don't take him from us now. We need him more than you do." The waiting game continued.
