C is Concussion
When Avalanche woke the world was dark, confusing and every inch of his frame ached. Even opening his eyes caused him to want to cry out in pain, but all that managed to cross his lips was a whimper. Even though the sound had been quiet it still caused something large to shift in the darkness.
"Shhh, go back to sleep."
"WHAT?" He spoke the only word that could possibly give shape to his confusion and fear.
"Avalanche…" As his name was spoken the red light of an aircraft's running lights flickered on, show the little dozer that he was currently tucked safely under the great arch of Cabbie's wing. "You were hit by a widowmaker and got a concussion. You need to sleep to help it heal."
Avalanche sat quietly trying to process the information he had just been given, but there was one thing that his brain kept on screaming at him. "TEAM?"
"They are sleeping." Cabbie said with the measured patience of someone who had traveled this path many, many times. "And you should be sleeping too."
"CABBIE?" Avalanche breathed through the question.
"Yes?"
"MY HEAD HURTS…" Avalanche spoke with as close to he got to a whisper.
"I know…I know…" Cabbie leaned over slightly allowing more of his skin to press against Avalanche. It was an action that was instantly soothing as metal to metal contact allowed Avalanche to hear the quiet whooshing of the old plane's pumps and the hum of his electrical systems. "Sleep and you will feel a little bit better in the morning."
This time Avalanche didn't argue. He let the comforting shelter of the Cabbie's wing and the rhythmic sound of the aircraft's systems pull him back into the depths of a dreamless sleep.
Term- Concussion- Classified as a mild traumatic brain injury, a concussion are defined by a temporary reduction in brain functioning. The symptoms of a concussion depend on the cause, severity of the injury, and whether the injured person has received concussions in the past. Common symptoms that may occur include temporary loss of consciousness, memory loss, headache, difficulty concentration, loss of balance, nausea, blurred vision, trouble sleeping, and mood changes. While sports related concussions are the most reported in the news, the National Fire Service indicates that over 4,000 firefighters report receiving concussions on the job every single year…15% of all firefighting related injuries. And the scare part of that statistic is that it is estimated that only 1 in every 6 concussions are ever reported.