Chapter 17
Gage tugged at his uniform shirt making sure it was properly tucked in.
"You look fine, Johnny," Hank said soothingly. Together they followed Chief Kimura into Station 5. It was just after 8:30 and the shift had been on about an hour. Like back at home when the Chief walked in all the men scrambled for dress hats and lined up at the end of the engine.
The only difference Gage could discern was that the engine and squad were yellow instead of red. Hmmm, 'Big Yellow' just didn't scan the same as 'Big Red'. He wondered if the engineer had a nickname for his vehicle. The second difference, he realized, were the hostile glares he was receiving from three men in the line as well as the hard stare from the captain. Two men, with paramedic patches on their shoulders and designation on their name tags, were smiling with relief.
"Captain 'Akamu, gentlemen," Kimura nodded. "At ease." The paramedics eased off but not the engine crew.
"I see we rate two consultants," 'Akamu dryly observed.
"We have six consultants so each day there will be two at one of our stations," the chief said firmly. "Captain Stanley has a great deal of experience and can give you support working with your paramedics. Fireman/Paramedic Gage," he stressed the first part of Johnny's title, "is one of the original paramedics in Los Angeles and has trained many other paramedics. He will ease the transition for your paramedics in the field."
Throughout the introductions 'Akamu just stared at his superior's face. Both 51s men were uneasy but did not show it. Kimura simply held the captain's stare with one of his own.
"I expect you will all act professionally and protect our community," he stated firmly. "Good day, gentlemen." Kimura turned and left the uncomfortable tableau. Johnny and Hank waited a long moment while they were being sized up.
"What kind of haole are you?" a linesman, Keahi, spoke up as he glared at Gage.
"You like beef with me, bruddah?" Johnny shot back drawing from his knowledge of pigeon. "Teenkeen you lolo is all nerjis or something." The 5s crew just stared, some slack jaw.
"You no kamaaina!" Keahi shot back.
"No, I'm not," he shifted back into standard English. "I'm half Native American and half white. I lived with my family on a reservation for part of my life then moved out to Los Angeles when I was in high school. I studied and trained hard to become a firefighter then became a rescue man. When the paramedic program was founded I trained for it and finished top of my class."
He allowed the men to continue to size him up, standing tall yet accessible.
"I do not want any man working under me answering to another boss," 'Akamu growled.
"Gage answers to me first and foremost," Stanley firmly took over the conversation. "He follows medical orders from the doctor at the ER. In any rescue situation the victim comes first, always have. With a paramedic the chances of survival increase."
"We've heard the words," the Hawaiian captain responded. "But they are just pretty words." He turned and left the apparatus bay followed closely by his engine crew. The two paramedics remained behind.
"You should join your crew," Hank pointed out. "Show support to you captain."
"Eh, we're not welcome in the lounge," one man, Roberts, shrugged.
"We do our chores and keep ourselves out of their sight," added the second, Jameson.
"Let's hope we can help change that," Hank said offering his hand.
"Show me your squad!" Johnny said, his face breaking into the friendly countenance he normally wore. Soon the three paramedics were going over the little squad inch by inch. Stanley grinned at the boyish excitement then headed for the kitchen and hopefully coffee.
Entering the room he noted the knot of men talking at the table. Being attune to keeping track of his own men, especially Chet Kelly, he easily heard their conversation. Even liberally sprinkled with pigeon Hank knew they were not welcome in the station. He poured out a mug of coffee and moved over to sit at the table, welcome or not.
"What volume of runs do you have?" he asked knowing they'd drop their whispered conversation. Four sets of eyes met his.
"Over in LA we average a dozen runs a day in the summer, about ten in the winter," he continued as though there was no tension.
"About the same, here," 'Akamu grunted. "Mostly tourist-involved. Get our share of fires as well."
"We get the gamut of fires, industrial and home," Hank ploughed ahead.
"Industrial, but more condo or hotel type fires," Keahi, a linesman, joined in.
"Hotels must poise quite a challenge," Stanley encouraged. His patience paid off as the men started to talk about the various hotel fires they'd knocked down together. This was a very tight knit group and he could understand why a pair of paramedics could upset their balance. He was careful not to ask any questions about the new crew mates.
A set of shrill tones sounded over a speaker and a voice that was definitely not Sam's came over.
"Station 5, MVA with injuries, H3 east. Enter eastbound at Kamehameha," the female voice advised. "Time out, 09:35."
"Station 5, 10 - 4" Capt 'Akamu replied, writing down directions. Some things didn't change. Jacobs and Jameson were looking at a map but not talking. A slip of paper was roughly shoved at the paramedic and soon the engine led the way to the scene of the accident.
"When we get there look to your captain first," Johnny said. "He needs to tell you to start the rescue part."
"But shouldn't we go straight to the victims?" Roberts asked, "that's what we did with the nurse the past several weeks."
"Your captain is in charge," Gage said. "He needs to make the decision on where to start. As captain he deserves your respect. Roy and I report to Captain Stanley first at any scene."
"Is it that important?" Jameson asked.
"Yes, it is, especially since Capt. 'Akamu feels threatened by you. Roy and I knew in the beginning that chain of command is very important to a lot of people. It helps, trust me."
Entering H3 the traffic was stopped and the fire trucks needed to travel down the far right shoulder nearly a half-mile to get to the twisted and smoking heaps. There were three cars involved and the engine turned effectively blocking the view from the traffic jam.
If Capt. Akamu was surprised he did not show it when his paramedics jogged over to him and waited for orders. They'd never given him that courtesy before! Standing behind him Stanley gave Gage a tight smile and nod.
"Sir?" Jefferson said respectfully.
"Go check for victims and get them out," he said gruffly. "Lewis, Keahi, pop battery cables and get the hose on those hot engines." Soon the men were busy at their tasks.
The paramedics were quick to look at victims. Johnny kept up a terse monolog as he demonstrated how to triage the wounded. Fortunately there was only one critical; two others had broken limbs and the remaining three sported an assortment of cuts and scratches.
'Akamu watched as a backboard was used to extricate one of the drivers. He had to admit it was a tight squeeze for Jameson but the young man was able to gently manipulate the injured woman out. She was quickly moved by the squad and the the paramedics established contact with Hawaii Med Cntr ER. He noted that Robertson, with Stanley's help, continued to pull victims out of tangled cars and bring them over to the triage area.
He realized that he should release one of his linesmen to help; it was their accident scene! Calling out to Lewis he directed the man to replace the Californian captain.
Once everyone was out 'Akamu directed tow trucks along with the HPD. Statements were taken, insurance information traded and soon two ambulances arrived to take the injured off to the hospital. He noted that Jameson went with the critically injured woman while Gage rode in with the two broken bones. That left Roberts to clean up the mess.
With a shrug Keahi actually went over and helped the paramedic stow his gear. He received a terse 'thank you'. When he went back to the engine his captain gave him a nod of approval. Neither looked towards Stanley.
Gage was pleased to see the ER doctors and nurses readily accept the paramedics when they brought in their patients. Lewis went into the treatment room and detailed the vitals to a Dr. Davis. He himself reported to Dr. Choi and soon his two patients were headed over to x-ray.
Freed, Johnny went into the examination room to check on his 'trainee'. Gary was in the middle of it checking blood pressure for the team. Davis outlined the immediate treatment he wanted to the nurse next to him. Once everything was settled the doctor nodded to Davis and the two men, with Gage in tow, left the room. The doctor turned and extended his hand.
"Hi, you must be John Gage, the trainer from LA," he said. "I'm Dr. Jeremy Davis, head of ER."
"Pleased to meet you, Dr. Davis," Johnny returned the greetings. "Good to see solid teamwork!"
"Ah, yes, my counterparts over at Queens and Castle aren't quite on board, are they?" he said with a small smile. "You'll find we're ecstatic to have paramedics! Helen and I both have met with our two teams and have had the paramedics in the ER to observe and assist on their time off. That way they all know our preferences in treatment and we've seen what they can do."
"Plus we were able to practice taking vitals and starting IVs," Jameson said. "Gary and I feel pretty comfortable with working in the field. Our biggest problem is fitting in at the station."
"I'm pleased you took the initiative to make the program work for you," he told Dr. Davis. "And as for fitting in at the station," he turned to Don, "things will get better. Just look to Capt. 'Akamu for your directions and things will smooth out. He just wants to be in command."
"I haven't had the chance to speak with Dr. Stewart or Dr. Hu since they returned. They were so negative I admit I didn't actively seek either out!" Johnny chuckled lightly.
"Well, Stewart changed, but Dr. Hu is still down on the program," he observed. "Hopefully she'll see the value in it, or at least the other ER doctors and nurses will." They spoke awhile longer until Jameson arrived with the squad. With a friendly goodbye the paramedics headed back to the station.
An early lunch was being prepared when they returned. No magical spell had been cast and the crew was still distant as before. With a shrug the 5's paramedics went to do their chores until food was ready.
Choreless, Johnny headed into the kitchen and poured out a mug of coffee then joined Hank at the table.
"Hey, Cap," he smiled as he sat down.
"John," came the calm rejoinder.
"Lovely day," Gage sipped his coffee then scowled.
"Lousy coffee though," Hank smirked. Pushing up the paramedic dumped his cup then the rest of the pot. He accepted the glares from the cook of the day as he looked in a couple cupboards before locating the coffee can. A quick glance at the spice rack actually yielded powdered nutmeg. After a quick wash the pot was filled with cold water and a new filter acquired. Within five minutes a fresh pot of coffee was brewing.
Leaning against the counter Gage waited patiently. He'd cleaned up the little mess he'd made and put away the ingredients. Stanley stood up, dumped and rinsed his cup and joined his junior paramedic waiting by the pot.
The smell drifted through the room. The cook, Lewis, looked at the dripping liquid and sniffed. Curiosity drove him to pull out a mug and set it on the counter. Hank nodded with a small smile.
Before the coffee had finished all the crew, including the paramedics, had followed the scent into the kitchen. Soon John poured out a mug for his captain, Lewis and himself. The rest of the men pulled out cups and divvied up the remaining pot. Before he left Gage started another pot. Then he went out to the apparatus bay where the two paramedics were talking quietly on the running board.
"This is great Johnny!" Don exclaimed as he saluted him with his mug.
"Thanks!" he replied with a crooked grin. "I'll give you my secret recipe so you'll both be indispensable." Robertson muffled giggle.
"As if," he chortled. They sat in companionable silence sipping their drinks.
"Station 5, station 17, structure fire, 632 Punaa Street. 6-3-2 Punaa. Cross street, Oneawa. Time out, 11:50," dispatch directed.
"Station 5, 10-4," 'Akamu responded. He passed a paper over to Jameson, not shoved as it had been earlier. Then the engine led the way to the fire. They could see the smoke as the trucks headed up the street. Being first on scene the 5's took lead. Hoses were laid out and water was quickly sprayed on the roof and through broken windows.
"HEY!" a teenager yelled waving his arms. "My friends were inside!" 'Akamu looked up at the boy.
"How many?" he asked. "Where?"
"Two, two guys," he responded. "We were just kicking back, it's abandoned."
"Where were they?" Stanley jumped in.
"Uh, upstairs," he said. "The left bedroom."
"Roberts! Jameson!" 'Akamu called out. "Two people still inside. Upstairs, back, left!" He received two smart salutes as they set the hose down once Jacobs cut the flow.
"I'll get triage set up," Gage said as he headed back to the squad. The two paramedics got their scbas on and ran into the building.
"I hate this part," Stanley commented to no one in particular.
"Yeah," his counterpart agreed. They waited for many tense minutes, the fire not yielding to the water onslaught. A shower of sparks puffed out the front window as the roof partially collapsed. The hoses were shifted to put more water on the entry and inside to the stairs to hold the inevitable off as long as possible.
Fortunately, before new grey hairs could grow, the first paramedic came out with a body draped over his shoulders. He brought it directly to the triage where tarps had been spread out on the ground. A long minute later the second paramedic appeared with another body. Heaving a sigh of relief 'Akamu turned his attention back to the fire. It was now a matter of keeping the fire from spreading to other nearby buildings.
Acting as a relay Johnny was on the biophone with the ER. Again the two 'trainees' competently assessed their victims and started IVs. When the ambulances arrived Johnny shooed them off saying he'd figure out how to find them.
In the end Gage simply took over the hose for Lewis and the 5's lineman went to pick up the paramedics. As far as Stanley was concerned things were looking up at the 5's.
Roy was having a great day over at the 27s. The crew worked well together and the addition of the paramedics was happily welcomed. He spent time going over their drug kit, helping them set it up in the most efficient way for them and going over the compartments in the squad.
This was the first day the 'A' shift paramedics throughout the department were on their own. Johnny's pair had been well prepared by Dr. Davis over at Hawaii Medical, but this pair had not had the opportunity to start IVs or do most of the vitals checks. Roy was in true training mode coaching them through procedures.
Stepping in on a man down run, Desoto helped locate a vein on a very dehydrated tourist who'd had a little too much alcohol and not enough water.
"Ok, you've checked both arms," he said, "now we need to encourage the veins." He proceeded to lightly slap the arm and encouraged the inebriated man to squeeze his bunched up jacket.
"See?" he pointed out veins starting to firm. "They'll pop up in many cases. Another way is to put something warm on the arm. We carry small heat packs. I'll get the information for you from our supply." Taking a needle he easily secured a line.
Soon the patient was squared away in the back of an ambulance and Uriel Santos, one of the 27s paramedics, climbed in with him. That left Patrick Gibson and Roy to clean up and secure the squad.
"I'm learning a lot from you, Mr. Desoto!" Patrick gushed.
"It's Roy," he responded, "and I'm glad I can be here for the transition!" The ego-rush made him a bit giddy. He hoped his partner was having as good a time!
Station 5 went on run after run that afternoon. Everything from another structure fire to several minor MVAs. Sometimes the paramedics did rescues, other times they manned hoses. In every case they reported directly to their captain first.
Stanley noted a shift in the Hawaiian captain's attitude as the day progressed. Gage had been right in his assessment: Capt. 'Akamu needed control. He'd worked hard to gain his role and he didn't want anyone undermining it.
When they got back to the 'barn' dinner was started.
"Gage," 'Akamu actually recognized his presence in the building!
"Yes, sir?" the 'trainer' looked to the man, his face carefully tooled into a pleasant but professional countenance.
"Ah, would you make the coffee?" he ask rather than commanded. This earned a warm, crooked smile.
"Yes, sir!" he gave a small salute that actually elicited a smile from the stone-faced man. As he went about making a fresh pot he answered a variety of questions from the engine crew about his favorite rescues.
Hank accepted a mug of coffee and sat at the table adding to his paramedic's stories. They joked about the grey hairs that the man had given him.
"My kids haven't given me any!" he declared with a straight face. "Every single one of them came from him!" Jacobs started plating his stir fry and the paramedics were encouraged to stay in the kitchen, extra chairs brought in for their visitors.
Dinner was much less strained. They talked about family and surfing. When tones sounded for the squad only, 'Akamu handed over the sheet and said the clean-up would be taken care of for Roberts.
When morning rolled around, after four more runs during the night, Chief Kimura came to pick up his consultants. Hopefully in one piece! He was shocked to see the entire crew in the kitchen eating malasadas and drinking coffee. He accepted a mug and a sweet and sat down.
"This coffee is great!" he said in surprise. Normally the coffee was strong, usually bitter, and grew hair on his chest. 'Akamu grinned.
Kimura thought he'd faint.
"The malihini was good for something," he teased, jerking his head at Gage. The paramedic smirked as he sipped at his cup.
"So, who comes to train us next?" the captain asked eagerly. A smile spread on the fire chief's face as he pulled out his schedule.
