Chapter 22

Johnny woke before the alarm and quietly made his way to the shower. He'd gotten to bed by ten with some aspirin. He knew that Kel came up a lot later, keeping Lizzy company down in the bar. The three had a good time, there was a dance floor.

Between the buzz from the autograph session and the worry about her stalker-like fans she was too wound up to sleep. Gage pled exhaustion and the need to be up too early the next morning. Kel was more than happy to remain behind.

After showering and putting on his uniform John headed downstairs for his coffee. Some malsada made its way into a box. A treat for the station. Of course, he happily munched on one as he made his way out to the front of the hotel.

"Hey, Johnny!" Stephan Lewis called out. "Your ride awaits!" The smiling LA paramedic slipped into the economy sedan, a far cry from the sweet ride of yesterday.

"Morning!" he said as he fastened his seat belt. Years of riding with Roy did that to a person. Lewis proved to be a much more cautious driver, at least in his personal car. Driving the squad remained to be seen.

X x x x x

Roy and Hank pulled up to Station 5. It had been a rough ride for Johnny and they both wondered what it would be like today. Cap pulled out his schedule.

"Oh, joy," he groaned, "Chet was here yesterday."

"You've got to be kidding!" Roy groaned.

"Nope, I wonder what legacy he left behind," Hank rolled his eyes. After the car was parked they walked into the station. They found the "A" shift in the kitchen having breakfast.

"Ah, Capt. Stanley," Capt Akamu held out his hand. Hank gave a tentative smile and greeted his counterpart. "We rate another two-fer?"

"Only because John Gage is over at the 16s," he said diplomatically. "They were over in LA for two weeks training already so he's only there for fine-tuning."

"After what came over the wireless I figure he deserves a break," Gary Roberts, paramedic, said.

"Yeah, going into Punnies was a lolo stunt," Keahi muttered as he sipped at his coffee.

"So, last shift we had one of your linesmen," Akamu began. "Good man, really knew a lot about supporting the rescue/treatment aspects of the paramedics."

"Well, after 5 years our entire crew has had plenty of experience in the field," Hank allowed.

"LA firefights all have to go through basic medical training," Roy pointed out. "I noted that the Hawaiian counterpart also has basic first aid training with cpr."

"Yups," Jacobs, the engineer agreed. "But having firefighters with extensive medical training is different."

"Can I interest you in some coffee?" Akamu offered. "Not as good as Gage's, but Jameson seems to make a decent cup." The men settled down for breakfast and conversation.

The morning was quiet; chores were completed and the squad was inventoried. The two captains were just looking over the logs when the call came.

"Station 5, structure fire, 549 Aumoku Street. 5-4-9 Aumoku. Cross street, Koa Kahiko. Time out, 10:45," the voice announced.

"Station 5, 10-4," Akamu tore off the slips and handed them to his men. Soon the Engine led the way down the boulevard.

Traffic was heavy; it was an industrial section of town and many large trucks were carrying their cargos to either the port or shops. Jacobs continually pressed down on his air horn trying to clear the way. He slowed his heavy rig as he readied to cross a busy intersection.

"Oh my god..." Roberts said as they watched the engine move into the center of the streets. An 18 wheel transport ploughed through striking the engine just behind the crew's compartment sending it twisting in an elaborate circle. Two more cars were struck as the engine came to a shuddering stop facing the wrong way.

Jameson snatched up the mic.

"Dispatch, this is Squad 5," he quickly said. "Engine 5 has been involved in a traffic accident. We need another station at this location and another engine dispatched to our original fire call."

The three men pulled near the wreck and climbed out of the cab. All were in shock, but their training came through.

"We need to popped cables and make sure engines are turned off," Jameson directed his parters. I'll take the engine with Roberts. Desoto, check the other vehicles and help us triage!"

x x x x x x

"Station 16, vehicle accident, Kamehameha Hwy and Kaneohe Bay Drive," the call came over the speaker. "Multiple vehicles including Engine 5."

"That's where Cap and Roy are today!" Johnny said as he climbed into the squad. If the engine was involved then Stanley could be hurt! The adrenaline rush nearly sent him through the windshield.

Traffic was now snarled. The engine and squad had to skirt around on the far right of the road. At least some of the police department had arrived and were sorting out the cars, blocking the intersection and diverting traffic. Itora was out and immediately taking command of the incident.

"Salva, get the lines ready in case we need them," he began. "Hilton, Buster, check for spills and any potential hot spots. Then help the paramedics. Gage, get the triage area set up. Pelona, get the equipment from Squad 5. Lewis, go see who needs treatment and get them to triage." He watched as his men jumped to their assignments.

Akamu slowly came to consciousness. Damn, he hurt! He tried to figure out where he was and noticed the broken windshield in front of him. Then the groan next to him. He moved a very sore head and could see Jacobs next to him, slumped over the wheel.

"Ja-a- cobs?" he struggled to get out.

"It's ok, Cap," a voice to his right gained his attention. "Roberts and me are here. We've called in another station and a replacement for our original run. We'll get you all out!"

"Jameson, we're going to need five c-collars and at least three backboards," he said over his shoulder. "I need pressure bandages, now!" Soon the paramedics extricated their captain and delivered to the newly set-up triage area. Roy had returned with three mobile patients and helped Johnny begin treatment.

"Ok, Cap, let's get some vitals!" Gage said as he leaned over Akamu. Soon he had the dubious honor of the Los Angeleno paramedic flashing a painful light in his eyes and then a new pressure pad fastened to his already throbbing head.

"What... what about my men?" he managed.

"Now, Cap, let's worry about you first," Johnny said as he made notations on his pad.

"Gage, don't... make me get up..." he threatened weakly.

"Ok, I see that they've got Lewis out and he's awake and walking," he reported. "Now Jacobs is coming out, on a board. Don't know the extent of his injuries." These two men were brought to them. Roy turned to assess.

"Gary? Would you and Don check out the truck driver?" Roy asked. They agreed, jogging over to the 18-wheeler that was still lodged against the side of the engine.

Matt and Stephan continued to work on the firemen in the cab. They carefully got Hank out being sure not to jostle his obviously broken arm.

"Looks like Capt. Stanley is mobile, although his left arm is at a funny angle," John resumed his verbal descriptions knowing it was calming the Hawaiian captain down. "Your paramedics are taking the truck driver out now on a backboard."

"Looks like he's going need some stitches," Roy added as he wrote down his own set of vitals. "Might have a concussion." The first of the ambulances wove around the scene and pulled up close. Roberts and Jameson carried the downed driver to the triage area.

"We should transport to Hawaii Medical Center," he said. "They're closer." With a nod Roy picked up the bio phone.

"We have too many victims," Johnny pointed out. "Serious to Hawaii Med and lesser to Queens?"

"Yeah, good idea," Gary nodded as he began to collect vitals.

"Hawaii Medical ER," he began, "this is squad 5."

"Squad 5, go ahead," Dr. Choi handled the call.

"Hawaii Med, we have multiple accident victims," Desoto said. "Triaging them now. First victim, male, 30 years old..." he began detailing Jacobs' injuries and accepting Akamu's sheet from Gage. He then gave these to Choi. Handing the phone over to Roberts the truck driver's vitals were also relayed.

The doctor authorized IVs but because of the head injuries no pain medication. These were to be sent in asap. Akamu was not pleased about being sent in before all his crew was accounted for.

"Cap," Jameson leaned over him, "they just pulled Keahi out. He has possible broken ribs on his left side. Lewis broke his arm, but he'll be ok."

"Hey, Cap, doing fine!" the Lewis smiled down at him, cradling his arm. "Keahi was already complaining about cutting into his surfing time and Jacobs is awake and muttering about crappy hospital food."

"Ok, ok, take me in, Jameson!" he growled like it was his choice. He was packed up with his engineer in the waiting ambulance.

Turning their attention to the next victims the team of paramedics had no problems in assessing the other three firemen. Two definite broken arms and some ribs that were probably broken but had not punctured any lungs. Dr. Stewart over at Queens ordered IVs, morphine and splints.

Of the civilians, the truck driver would need stitches and probably an overnight at the hospital. He was sent off to Hawaii Med center with Roy. The two cars of tourists were shaken up, but fine. The HPD hustled them aside to take statements and help them arrange new transportation.

"I'll go in with Cap," Johnny offered.

"I'll take the two from the 5s" Stephan determined.

"I guess I'll clean up," Gary said. "I'll head over to Hawaii Med Center. Then, uh..."

"Then you'll head back to your station," Frank Itora smiled as he came over. "Headquarters said that Chief Kimura will be over to speak with you. As you might surmise, they've never had to deal with a situation quite like this. They are reluctant to lose one of the few paramedic teams they have."

"Without an engine our station will be farmed out," Roberts sighed.

"Yups, but you and your partner will be kept together," Itora pointed out. "You're the only station assigned to Hawaii Med and you know the ER won't want to lose you!"

"Once you have a paramedic you never go back," Johnny smirked.

"You know they have a couple of engines back at the yard," Frank said to placate the men. "By next shift one'll be at the 5s. I don't think your rig can be, uh, resuscitated." The men able to looked at the engine which was slightly torqued into a 'v'.

"They'll harvest parts," Hank grunted as Johnny finished up the IV and gave him his morphine chaser.

"Poor Jacobs," Gary said. "That was his baby. His first."

As soon as splints were applied and patients loaded on gurneys the last of the wounded left for hospitals.

X x x x x x x

When Kel Brackett walked into Hawaii Medical Center ER he found himself in the middle of a hurricane. At least, that what it seemed like with personnel running all over. An x-ray technician was trying to get into one of the rooms but was having trouble with the people in the way.

Not one to be shy he immediately cleared the way for the technician and was surprised to see Roy Desoto standing by a patient. Eyes meeting the paramedic patted the prostrate man on his shoulder and followed his ER head out.

"What's going on?" Brackett asked.

"MVA, involved the engine Cap and I were riding with," he explained. "Let's go into treatment 5, that's where Dr. Davis is." They walked down the hall and entered the room. Akamu was grumbling while Jameson was assuring him all was well.

"Kel!" Davis grinned. "I am glad to see you! We've had a very busy morning."

"Looks like it! How many did you have?" he went to glance at the chart. Roy moved over to Don's side and assured the downed captain all was fine.

"The thing is we had two teams plus six patients," Davis said. "Roy and Johnny were excellent, talk about hands-on training in triage! But we need some help with organizing the communications area. If we didn't have those two running the show we'd have had a bad time."

"Let's get your patients situated. Then we can look over the organizational piece," Kel suggested. This was his game and he was one of the best in the business.

X x x x x x

The paramedics from the 5s finally returned to their quiet, empty station. Well, not totally empty. There was the noise of pots being knocked about in the kitchen. The Hawaiians were surprised to find Chief Kimura in their kitchen making lunch.

"Chief?" Gary was nearly speechless.

"Gentlemen," he smiled. "It's been awhile since I've cooked, but as the food was fresh I figured I couldn't poison you."

"Sounds good to me, Chief," Roy smiled, more at ease than his counterparts. "What'd ya need help with?" Soon the four men were setting the table and eating stir fry.

"The department has arranged to deliver an engine later today," Kimura said as clean up started. "I have some subs coming in and I thought I'd stand in for Capt. Akamu."

"Somehow I don't think it's that much of a hardship," Roy teased, noting the grin on the older man's face. The fire fighter never left the man.

"Well, the Department heads thought it would be good for all the chiefs to take a shift a couple times a year," he said. "So I'm setting an example for the other honchos!" Gary looked at Don.

"Why do I get the feeling we're gonna have a lot of brass coming through until Capt. Akamu is back," he muttered. His partner snickered. Kimura leaned back in his chair.

"Maybe I'll suggest that Chief Horner come through next," he smirked as the two men moaned.

"Not Hammer Horner!" Don begged. Roy looked on in curiosity.

"I gather that Chief Horner is by the book?" he asked.

"I am the head of the entire department and I get nervous when he goes through my reports!" Kimura admitted. "The man knows every code and variance on the books! I don't even bother referring to them any more, just call Horner!"

"At least he's in the right place," Roy said. "Not everyone could see the good side of his gift." He was thinking about Brice and his seemingly perfect memory. He was better now with Bellingham, but still the walking rule book could drive him nuts when they partnered.

Before the replacement engine arrived the squad went out on two separate runs. Kimura followed in his department car taking Roy with him. Both ended up at the hospital and the chief rode in the ambulance both times to see the program up close.

When Roy walked into the ER the first thing he noticed was a big white board leaning against a wall. Brackett and Davis were standing in front of it erasable pens in hand as they hashed out their chart. Kimura joined them in the discussion.

"What's going on?" Gary asked as he stood next to Roy waiting for his partner.

"Back at my ER they have a board to track the squads," Roy said. "There are 8 teams that work out of Rampart and it helps keep things in order."

"Hey," Don slipped up beside his partner. "Let's go check on Cap and Jacobs!" With a nod the two hurried off to find the recuperating men. Roy wondered where he could find some coffee. He approached a nurse at the counter and was soon sipping a hot cuppa watching the 'head honchos' work out their board.

X x x x x x

Johnny rode in with his captain. He wanted to be sure he was treated well at Queens, not that he expected otherwise. But they were strangers here and didn't know how the system worked.

On his part Hank was happy to have Gage with him. He knew the young man would locate his wife and assure her he was ok. Well, except for the broken arm.

'Major bummer' as Jake would say. He wondered if he and his family would be sent back as he couldn't necessarily work at a station.

"Hey, quit with the negative thoughts, Cap," Johnny tsk'd at the frown on his superior's face. "Just 'cause you're broken don't think you'll get out of work!" Hank looked up into mischievous brown eyes. When did the young man get so good at reading him?

"Emily gave me lessons," he said unprompted, once more guessing what was going on inside his captain's head.

"Quit that!" Hank growled, but the smile negated the anger. Laughing, the paramedic jumped out of the back of the ambulance and helped the attendant take the gurney out, complete with a grumbling patient.

Stewart smiled as he watched Gage come in. Between him and Desoto they'd brought two paramedic crews through their first serious triage situation. He would definitely contact Dr. Davis over at Hawaii Med to compare notes.

"So, broken arm," he commented as he looked at the limb in question. "We'll get you up to x-ray. What are the vitals?" The nurse began relating the numbers as the doctor checked out Hank's eyes. Both reacted just fine and no flinching.

Next he started prodding ribs and abdomen for any problems. Everything felt fine.

"Well, I think we'll get your arm set and you can go back to the hotel," Stewart determined. "I'd like you to rest a few days before you go back to consulting. When is your next shift?"

"Sunday, Monday," Johnny answered. "Then Wednesday and Saturday."

"Let's say you rest 'til Wednesday," Stewart decided. "Check in on Monday with me."

"I'll see if I can get ahold of Emily for you, Cap," Johnny grinned as the nurse got him ready to go up to x-ray.

(we're hanging ten next chapter! Aurite!)