Chapter 14
Hank and Vince continued to trade off the binoculars and each semi going by them got a closer than usual inspection regardless of what color it was to begin with. It seemed to Hank like they had been there for over an hour but a quick check of his watch and it had only been about fifteen minutes.
"Calling all cars in the vicinity of the county line." The radio came to live but got very little attention at first. "County Fire Dispatch reports a patient transport trying to get radio contact. Their frequency is not properly adjusted for Fire Dispatch to respond, Keep a look out for an ambulance or similar type vehicle identified at the 'Lazy J patient Transport' and offer assistance."
"That's them," Hank sang out, "They must be trying to get in touch with Fire Dispatch to relay information to Rampart. Do you think they got by us?"
"It's not impossible but I don't think so," Vince responded before picking up the mic to his radio. "Attention all units, here's additional information on the Lazy J Patient Transport, be on the lookout for a Royal Blue Peterbilt hauling livestock. The sleeper contains two seriously injured patients headed for Rampart General to receive further treatment. It is believed that they are trying to make contact with the hospital for treatment instructions."
While Vince was giving information over the radio Hank was quickly scanning the roadway for the truck they were looking for. No longer taking time for each truck he was now just looking to see what color it was and then moving on down the road. Before Vince was ready to take the binoculars back Hank was focusing in on a set of three semis driving side by side. After adjusting the focus a little Hank lowered the glasses and made sure he could locate what he was seeing in the binoculars.
"There they are," Hank pointed, "about five miles up the road, there's three trucks side by side theirs is the truck in the middle."
"Are you sure," Vince challenged, "With the trucks that close together there's no way you can read what's painted on the doors?"
"The man in the shotgun seat is my lineman, Chet Kelly, it's them alright." Hank announced and he moved to apply his seatbelt so they could move out.
With the declaration that Hank recognized someone on the cab Vince started up the patrol car and moved to get onto the road. By the time he was at the side of the road the three semis were past him so he turned his flashing lights on and merged into traffic. One by one cars moved out of his way as Vince moved up behind the middle semi. Finally they were close enough that only one car stood between them and the semi trailer that was definitely hauling hogs. The car was a station wagon loaded with kids and luggage on the top and it wasn't about to get out of the patrol car's way.
-0-
In the cab of the semi Chet was getting frustrated trying to make contact with county. He turned and shared eye contact with John but no words needed to be said, John understood.
Julie seemed to understand too as she placed a face mask on the good Doctor's face while talking with him about Roy's symptoms and what could be done to ease his discomfort.
John was frustrated that they were speaking so quietly and wondered if they were trying to keep Roy or him from knowing what was being said. He then had to realize that the doctor was struggling to get in enough breath and that could affect the volume he was able to produce with his voice.
Julie started pulling things out of her Jump kits and then motioned for John to join her at Roy's side.
"Okay Roy," Julie started to explain, "We're going to pull the scab material out of your ear and let things drain, that should help with the discomfort and I promise you we won't let your brains drain out." Julie joked.
Roy hesitantly rolled over so that Julie had access to his ear and John offered a hand on his forehead to steady his head as Julie moved in with some sterile cotton swabs before she had to give up and go in with some tweezers to pull the scab material away. To Johnny's surprise Julie then popped the top off of a test tube and dropped the scab material in the tube before replacing the top. She then took some fresh sterile swabs and saturated them with the goo that started to ooze from Roy's ear. Those were placed in another test tube and the wooden sticks broken off so that the top could be replaced.
"It smells like you might have picked up a bit of an ear infections there Roy. We'll label these up so they can test it as soon as we get to the hospital. Hopefully this will help lessen the pressure your feeling soon." With that Julie returned to her jump kits to use the medical tape there to label the test tubes with Roy's name and then tape them together before placing them in the top tray of her version of John and Roy's drug box.
"Hey, Big J, this is Little J." Came over the walkie talkie hooked to the side of Jack's seat.
Jack turned to Julie with a panicked look on his face, "What now?" "This is Big J, what's the problem little J?"
"There's a Smokey on my bumper giving his bubble gum machines a work out, you're speeds good and all so I don't think he's giving out green stamps. Must be here to give you a parade escort, you might wann'a slow down so he can catch up with ya."
-0-
Vince had to slow down as the two vehicles in front of him slowed down to allow the traffic on the right to move past them so they could shift over to the side of the road. Frustratingly the loaded station wagon kept its spot between the desired Semi and the patrol car.
They had all no sooner pulled over on the shoulder of the road when Vince popped the latch to his trunk and then got out. Hank got out of the passenger side and while Vince was approaching the car between him and the Semi, Hank was pulling boxes out of the trunk.
-0-
"Hey, it's Cap," Chet sang out from the front of the cab, "Looks like he has a biophone, drug box and you're EKG transmitter."
Chet swung out of the cab and using foot holds reached around and opened the door to the sleeper section for his approaching Captain. "Are we glad to see you!"
He took the first box handed upward and slid it into the sleeper then reached down and took the next before offering Cap a hand up into the sleeper with the last of his cargo.
Before Cap was helped into the sleeper section John had pulled the biophone open and inserted the antenna.
"I'll get a fresh set of vitals," Julie called out before grabbing the tools she needed and going to her patients.
"Dr. Early thought you guys might need some of this stuff," Cap explained as he looked around for something he could do to help and then a place to sit before he settled for a good hand hold and leaning against the framework.
"Thanks Cap," John managed before he started talking into the biophone's handset. "Rampart, this is the Lazy J, patient transport." There was a pause as John listened and turned a crooked smile of appreciation to his captain.
"This is the Lazy J, patient transport, Rampart do you read?"
Hank was surprised when a person he didn't know pulled the EKG Transmitter into the lower bed and started applying the patches to the second man's chest. From his point of view he could tell that she was doing everything right so he kept his peace and his place as the two worked. He did manage to work his way between the new team of rescue workers to place what he hoped was a comforting hand on the shoulder of his senior paramedic now patient.
Roy just opened his eyes and gave Cap a groggy look. "Are we there yet?"
"You're not at Rampart yet but John's getting them on the horn now." Cap informed his man with a concerned look on his face. "JoAnne's waiting for you at the hospital. The kids are with my wife."
Chet sat in the passenger seat turned to take in all that was being done and watching for something he could do while Jack was talking to the police officer talking to his friend following them to make sure there were no problems for his friend.
-0-
"Is there a reason you're also hauling pigs with these patients?" Officer Howard questioned thinking the whole transportation thing more than a little unusual.
"Why they're my blood donors," Jack spoke as if he couldn't believe the question had been asked in the first place. His voice deliberately hick toned as he spoke. "Don't your patient transports carry blood donors in these parts?"
"No, no I have to admit their not so nearly prepared around here." Vince Howard was seeing the humor in the situation. Of course this transportation of livestock was scheduled and the patients were just added because they needed a ride and he was headed in their direction. In spite of his understanding Vince found himself searching for more stupid questions to ask just to see what this truck driver would come up with as answers. He had to admit the guy was a hoot.
-0-
"Unit calling in please identify yourself," A tired Dr. Morton hurried into the communications booth at the end of a long and hectic shift.
"Rampart, this is the Lazy J interstate patient transport." Johnny Gage's voice came over the com unit with a hint of laughter woven into the seriousness of his voice.
"Who?"
"Rampart, this is the Lazy J interstate patient transport." Johnny Gage's voice repeated slowly and deliberately with laughter in the background. "We're bringing in patients Roy DeSoto with a head injury, and Doctor Richard Frick with complications to Phlebitis for further treatment. Dr. Early and Dr. Brackett are expecting us."
"Oh, that's right I was told about that." Dr. Morton spoke without pushing the com button so that the guys in the converted Semi could hear.
"We've been advised that you were on your way, what is your current location and estimated time of arrival at this point?"
-0-
"We just reached the county line," Johnny reported giving Chet a look as he talked. "We should be at your location in about. . ."
Chet understood what he was asking for with the look in his eyes. "We'll be another hour to hour and twenty minutes from here depending on traffic."
"An hour to an hour and a half depending on traffic," Johnny repeated. "I'm ready with updates on our patients and to get treatment instructions for the rest of the trip."
-0-
Dr Morton motioned for the nurse that entered the booth to copy down the information while he stepped out of the booth to get the charge nurses attention. "Call Doctors Early and Brackett and tell them we have contact with their patients being transported in from out of state. They're in range now and ready to give treatment under our directions. Then find whatever charts have been started on these patients and get them to me STAT."
-0-
Medications were ordered while others were given the order to be refreshed. John found all the meds he would need had been stocked in the drug box Captain Stanley had brought to them including a couple of drugs that the paramedics never carried before. With Dr. Frick removed as acting physician and feeling the comforting effects of the needed pain medication a new calm returned to the sleeper section of the semi.
Meanwhile outside two additional county sheriffs moved in to help clear traffic the rest of the trip. The extra manpower seemed advisable since there were two vehicles hauling patients. The pace was speed limit but with three patrol cars with their lights flashing all other traffic got out of their way making the ride smoother and cut out the stop and go of rush hour.
Inside the sleeper Hank stayed out of the way the best he could and watched John work with his new temporary partner. Twice Roy turned in his hanging bunk in an attempt to get more comfortable and each time John and this person answering to Julie, who had bandaged arms and hands worked to see to it that his pillows were positioned to give his strained neck muscles the best support possible.
The make shift ambulance was within half an hour from their destination when Dr. Bracket and Dr. Early were heard on the biophone asking for an update.
It was while they were communicating that Chet turned in his seat and called to John. "There's a real good chance that this truck isn't going to fit under the parking structure."
John gave Chet a stunned looked then shifted his eyes to the roof of the sleeper section before moving into the middle of the cab. "Just how tall is this thing anyway?"
"Too tall," Captain Stanley quickly agreed with his lineman's observation. "You better have them meet us in the parking lot with a couple of gurneys."
"Better make it three gurneys," Jack yelled back without taking his eyes off the cop that was clearing the way before them. "You're all gon'na need something to pile all your crap on. It ain't fair to my other passengers to have them waiting around in some heated parking lot until you guys get situated and remember that stuff. It's bad enough they have to put up with an hour detour because of you dudes."
Hank looked somewhat offended at the driver's words but once he saw the smiles and heard the faint giggles of the rest of the people in the sleeper he realized this guy needed to be taken with a grain of salt. Having an extra gurney to put their stuff on was a good idea.
"Chet would you relay that info to Rampart," John asked as Roy shifted position once again and he needed to work with him at the moment.
-0-
In the com cubical at Rampart, Dr. Early and Dr. Brackett were going over all of the information that had been recorded before they arrived. Carefully looking over the EKG strip that had been sent in brought them some concern as did the reports of pressure over the side of Roy's face. Together they set up their treatment plan to streamline the additional testing their patients were going to need. Lacking were the details on their high risk pregnancy patient.
"Rampart this is the Lazy J patient transport company," was heard over the radio, the voice not familiar to them.
"Go ahead Lazy J, this is Rampart." Dr Brackett leaned into the com button.
"Be advised our transport is likely too tall to make it under the parking structure at your location. We advise meeting us in the parking lot with three gurneys when we reach your location. Also be advised we are moving faster than expected due to our police escort and should be arriving at your location in about fifteen minutes."
"10-4 Lazy J, we'll be ready for you. Is there any additional information on your third patient?"
-0-
Chet just looked up at Jack as he drove, "they want an update on the pregnant lady."
"Her name is Susan and hold on a moment." Jack responded with the same off handed candor they had come to expect from him. He then picked up the walkie talkie attached to the lower strap of his seat belt and pulled it to his mouth.
"Hey Little J,"
"This is Little J what 'sup?"
"Them big city doctors want an update on that wife of yours. How's it going back there anyway these big city Smokeys slowin you down too much?"
"We're experiencing a tired butt from the long ride and a headache from the kids fighting in the back seat," Was reported over the walkie talkie, "no contractions, no back ache, no blood pressure readings because I'm driving. How much further?"
"Bout another fifteen minutes." Jack answered as Chet started repeating everything he had heard back to the Doctor over the biophone. "Tell them kids I need their help. I need them to count all the purple cars on the road between here and the hospital and tell little Jackie I need to know how many white cars have an E on their license plate.
"Efforts have just been taken to curtail the fighting in the back seat," Chet reported at the end of his transmission.
-0-
"10-4 Lazy J, we'll be waiting for you outside in the parking lot." Dr Brackett signed off while shaking his head in laughter.
"I wonder what they did to get the kids to stop fighting," Joe Early questioned.
Kell Brackett was already moving out of the communications booth and didn't answer, not that he had an answer anyway.
"We need three gurneys taken to the parking lot on the other side of the parking structure." Kell ordered before pulling his watch into view, "We have ten minutes."
"Why," Doctor Morton questioned. He had been relieved of duty but had a patient to check on and then some charts to complete. The truth of the matter was that when he heard Roy DeSoto was being brought in as a patient he just wanted to see for himself that the man he respected was going to be alright. But if anyone asked if that was the reason he was still there, he would have denied it with his dying breath.
"There transport vehicle won't fit under the drive." Kell answered Dr. Morton as well as the rest of the looks in his direction asking the same question as he took one end of one of the gurneys and started pushing it in the direction they needed to go.
"What on earth are they riding in that won't fit under the drive?" Dr. Morton asked as he grabbed hold of the next gurney and followed along.
The hospital staff was just lining up on the other side of the overpass when they saw the first flashing lights and the royal blue Peterbilt right behind them. The Sheriff quickly pulled off to the side and climbed out of his car to direct the big rig to a stopping point that didn't even resemble a parking slot but lined them up with the waiting doctors and gurneys.
"An Eighteen Wheeler!" Dr. Morton's eyes nearly required an ophthalmologist to put them back in his head. "Isn't that a bit of overkill?"
"Any port in a storm," Dr. Early responded and laughed as he watched for how the patients were going to be unloaded from such a high position to where they were waiting for them.
The right hand door flew open and Chet Kelly was on the ground in one jump. The Driver was just a few seconds behind him and around the cab to assist him in pulling the ladder from his compartment behind the trailer and working like a team of rescue workers had the device inserted in the proper slots with pins to hold it tight as the hatch on the side of the sleeper opened
As soon as the ladder was secure Chet climbed up and in the sleeper section while Jack stood on the ground and held the hatch open. Moments later Chet was seen backing out of the hatch once again holding the legs of a bare foot hospital issue pajama clad person. When the patient's face was visible all Dr. Brackett could see was hair and mustache.
Captain Stanley was holding up the patient under his arms and around his chest as they slowly and carefully made the decent down the ladder before a woman in a pony tail and blue overalls stepped up behind holding two IV's high.
"An Eighteen Wheeler!" Dr. Morton exclaimed once again, still staring up at the big rig that parked in front of him.
"Why of course," Jack was enjoying the astonished look on the doctor's face. "All of my patient transport vehicles have eighteen wheels. How many do yours have?" Julie just snickered as she continued down the step watching her footing and holding the IV bottles high.
"Well four of course." Dr. Morton responded to the man chiding with him and Dr. Early knew for sure his fellow doctor was tired to the point of being punchy. "What's with the pigs in the back?"
"Why they're the standard, organ donors." Jack responded in mock astonishment. "Don't your patient transports come supplied with organ donors?"
"Huh, What?" Dr. Morton finally processed what the man holding a door open was telling him. "Of course we don't have organ donors on our ambulances. That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard."
"Well now a guess if your transports only have four wheels their not up to our standards and abilities." Jack continued to joke with the still stunned doctor at his side.
Meanwhile the Sheriff waved the station wagon that was following the semi under the drive and to a parking slot closer to the emergency entrance where another officer was working on getting a wheelchair to assist the patient there into the hospital.
While Jack continued to joke with the doctor at his side the walkie talkie on his pocket came to life. "Mr. Jack this is Angle J." a very young voice was heard, "Reporting only two purple car's but I think both of my brothers just saw the same one, and twelve white cars with an E on their license plate."
"That's what I was afraid of." Jack pulled his walkie talkie to his mouth, "I'm going to have to hurry and get out of here before they get me, you kids be good for your grandmother now okay."
"Will do," the same small voice responded as more than one other small voices were heard screaming 'Grandma' with glee.
While Jack was getting his report, Dr. Frick was being lowered to a gurney as the head was being raised to make it easier for him to read. A nurse relieved Julie of the IV bottles and was hanging them on the poll attached to the bed while an orderly was reapplying an oxygen mask as ordered by Dr. Brackett.
Dr. Brackett had his stethoscope in his ears listening to the man's lungs.
As soon as the stethoscope was removed from Dr. Brackett's ears Dr Frick started giving a patient report in his drugged and slurred speech. "Head, injury, feeling pressure on side of face, probable ear infection, had them collect culture samples. Maternity patient is really frightened please be careful with her. One in the overalls needs her bandages changed, burns." His head then lolled to the side and his eyes fought to keep from closing.
"We'll take it from here," Dr. Brackett assured comfortingly, "You just relax and let us take care of you two."
Dr. Brackett then started moving his patient toward the emergency department but not before touching Dr. Morton on the shoulder. "Would you take care of changing the bandages on the girl in the overalls? She's got burns."
"Sure Kell," Dr. Morton turned his attention from the joker holding the door open to the girl who was climbing back into the sleeper section followed by Captain Stanley.
As the gurney carrying Dr. Frick was rolled away another one was moved into its place and the head of the bed risen in anticipation of the next patient.
Captain Stanley was again seen backing out of the sleeper section. In his arms were the stocking footed and colorful pajama clad legs of the next patient. When Roy's face appeared it was leaning against the chest of John Gage as he had his arms wrapped under Roy's arms and around his chest and Julie was once again coming behind them with the IV bottle held high.
As soon as Roy was placed on the gurney JoAnne stepped up to one side and took hold of his hand. Roy looked over at her touch and gave a weak smile, "Are we there yet?"
"Yes, honey you're home." JoAnne smiled as she walked alongside the gurney that was now being moved toward the Emergency room.
Chet then made short work of shoving the duffel bags from under the bottom bed toward the door where Hank took hold of them and quickly placed them on the last gurney before returning to fill his arms once again. While her gear was being unloaded Dr. Morton stepped up to Julie and took a hold of the least bandaged arm directing her toward the emergency entrance. "I was instructed to see to your bandages," he informed her.
Julie rather reluctantly allowed herself to be led to the emergency department as her things were being loaded on the remaining gurney along with all the other luggage. As they approached the emergency room door another ambulance pulled up and backed into the door. It was a newer box type ambulance and Julie couldn't resist having a little fun with the obviously tired doctor moving her along.
"Well, look at that, this ambulance has six wheels. You keep going you'll soon catch up with us big guys."
Dr. Morton transferred Julie into the hands of a nurse instructing her to get her in a room then stepped back to the side of the ambulance. "It does have six wheels. I never noticed that before."