A REASON FOR CONCERN By SQ51 Storywriter (care of JG Pen's Editor) Part 1 Johnny and Roy were returning in the squad from a run and talking. "Cute kid," Johnny said. "I thought so too, until he kicked me in the shin," Roy said with a grin. Johnny laughed. "I'm just glad the little fellow didn't need to go to Rampart." "It sure was difficult trying to get vitals on him," Roy said. "He just wouldn't sit still." "Yeah, and he wouldn't talk to us either, which made it more difficult. Wonder why he told his mother that he swallowed that quarter?" Johnny asked. "Because he's four and wanted attention, I guess," Roy said. "It's amazing what kids will do isn't it?" "Yeah, it sure is. I can still see the look on his mother's face when he opened his hand and showed us the quarter as soon as you mentioned contacting the hospital," Johnny said. "I'm sure he would have been in a lot of trouble if his mother hadn't been so happy to see that quarter," Roy said. "Yeah, I think I spent as much time calming her down as you did trying to take care of the kid," Johnny said. "She was nearly hysterical." "She was so embarrassed and apologetic afterwards," Roy said. "After you took that quarter out of Arnold's hand and handed it to his mom, he kicked you and took off toward the chair. I couldn't believe it when he climbed onto it, stood up, and fell over backward," Johnny said. Roy laughed and said, "Yeah, after you caught him, he shouted that he wanted his quarter back." "You know Roy, she never said a word to him about kicking you." "It all happened so fast. She sure was thankful that you were there to catch him before he hit the floor," Roy said, as he backed the squad into the bay and turned off the engine. "I'm glad I noticed him and was close enough to catch him in time or we'd probably still be there. Let's get the paperwork done and get started on our weekend," Johnny said. "I'm all for that," Roy agreed. The two of them got out of the squad and walked to the kitchen area. Part 2 As Roy sat down, Johnny opened the refrigerator door and looked inside. Taking the carton of milk from the shelf, he realized it felt nearly empty. He put it back and walked over to the cabinets. He took two cups and placed them on the counter. After pouring coffee, he opened the lid of a large jar. The chocolate chip cookies were too irresistible to pass up. He reached inside and took one. Sticking it in his mouth to hold it, he returned the lid, picked up the coffee cups and carried them to the table. Johnny set a cup in front of Roy, before sitting down. "Thanks partner," Roy said. Johnny removed the cookie from his mouth and set it down. He took his green pen from his pocket and began writing. "The engine must be on a run," Johnny said. Charlie Wilson overheard Johnny's comment as he walked up behind them. "Yeah, it's our crew. They got a run to a large trash fire a few minutes after your shift left." He walked toward the couch. "Captain Hookraider told me to sweep the bay, but I can't find the broom. It's not in the closet," Charlie said, as he looked behind the couch. "Do either of you know where it is?" "I haven't seen it," Roy said, as he began writing. Johnny took a bite of cookie and said with his mouth full of cookie bits, "Hey Charlie, I just remembered something. Chet put the push broom in his locker." "What did he do that for?" Charlie inquired. "Who knows," Johnny said. "All I know is that Marco was looking for it earlier and he asked Chet if he had seen it. Chet said that he would look for it. I heard him tell Marco that it wasn't in the apparatus room. A little while later, he peered around the corner to see if anyone was watching and he put the broom in his locker, and covered it with a towel. I didn't want to get involved so I stayed out of it." "Thanks Johnny," Charlie said. He went to get the broom. He looked at the towel and took it off the broom. He laughed, shook his head, and headed to the bay. As Johnny was writing, he thought about their last run to Rampart. "You know something Roy, I can't believe that guy ate a whole pizza and then went outside to swim in his pool in the dark. He didn't even remove the cover completely. He's lucky he didn't drown." "He just wasn't thinking. It was a good thing that his wife went out to check on him." "She may not have if the dog hadn't started barking," Johnny said as he took another bite of cookie and a sip of coffee. "Well, at least he's going to be all right according to Doctor Morton," Roy said. "I know if that new nurse took care of him last night then he's doing fine this morning," Johnny said with a big grin. "You mean the redhead?" Roy asked, as he looked up from his paperwork. Johnny put the last bite of the cookie in his mouth and said, "That's her. Her name is Cassie. She seems real nice, don't you think Roy?" "I didn't get a chance to talk to her Johnny. I wouldn't know. Did you get her phone number?" Roy asked curiously as he looked at Johnny and then took a sip of coffee. "Not yet. I just said hello to her and she smiled at me. Dixie told me that she was single though." "I see," Roy said, as he looked down and began to write again. Tom came in from putting up the flags. Charlie came into the kitchen behind him. Tom poured himself a cup of coffee. "Hi guys," Tom said. "Hi Tom," Johnny said, looking up briefly. "Hi!" Roy said, as he looked up only for a second and then continued to write. Tom picked up a newspaper along with his coffee cup and sat down on the couch. He set his coffee down and began petting Henry, while reading the paper. "Finally a Saturday and Sunday off together. I can go somewhere with my kids," Roy said. "It is unusual that it happens that way," Charlie said. "Usually there is some kind of meeting, training, extra shift, or something. Do you have any definite plans Roy?" "Yeah. Well, that is, I think so anyway." "What do you mean, you think so? Don't you know what your plans are Roy?" Johnny asked with a puzzled look on his face. "I mean partner, that Joanne has made our plans to go somewhere." "Oh, she's going to surprise you, in other words," Johnny said with a grin. "Yeah, something like that. Actually I asked her to find a place for us to go camping this weekend if she and the kids wanted to go. She told me that she'd work on it, but first, she had plans for us to go somewhere else this morning right after breakfast." Charlie shook his head. "I'm off tomorrow and Monday. I'm going to drive up to the mountains and fish at Big Bear Lake for a few hours on Sunday and then rest on Monday. What are your plans for the weekend Johnny?" Charlie asked. "I don't know yet," Johnny said casually. He picked up his cup while holding his pen between his index and middle finger. Taking a swallow of coffee, he stared at the paper in front of him. He set the cup down. The words that Johnny wanted to use finally came to him and he began writing again. "Good luck finding something to do Johnny," Charlie said with a grin. Charlie walked toward the Captain's office. "You really don't know what you are going to do yet, and you are worried about me not knowing what I'm going to do!" Roy exclaimed. He shook his head. "Well, now face it Roy, I have a lot of quality time off here. I can't just rush into something. I do know one thing though; I am going to enjoy my time off. I may call Cassie and see if she wants to go to a movie this afternoon and on a picnic tomorrow." "That ought to take up a good portion of the weekend right there," Roy said. He laughed. "The weekend is already here Johnny. If you don't have plans by now it may be too late," Tom said, without looking up from the paper. Johnny bit on the end of his pen for a moment and then said, "I'm not worried. After all, I can always stay home and watch television," Johnny said with a grin. "Yeah, right," Tom said, as he glanced toward Johnny. "That sure sounds like fun. There isn't anything on except re-runs this time of year." "I like re-run's sometimes. Especially when I haven't seen them," Johnny said. Johnny never raised his head. He was busy writing as he spoke. Johnny placed his pen on the table. While he took a drink of coffee, he read what he had written. He was satisfied that the report was complete. Johnny picked up his pen and stuck it back into his shirt pocket. "I'm finally finished." Johnny leaned his chair back onto two legs, as he stretched and yawned. Then he set it back on the floor. "I'm going to go take a quick shower and change clothes." Johnny stood up and pushed the chair under the table. "I'm through too," Roy said. He put his pen in his shirt pocket. He picked up his coffee cup, drank the last of his coffee, and set the cup in the sink. "I'm going to give Joanne a call." Part 3 Roy and Johnny were tying their shoes by the lockers when Charlie entered the room. "You two still here?" Charlie asked. "Not for much longer," Johnny said. "If it hadn't been for us having to do the reports, we'd be gone by now." "Reports are time consuming, but an essential part of our job," Charlie said. "That's true," Johnny said. He started whistling. "Did you find the broom?" Roy asked. "Yeah I found it in Chet's locker just like Johnny said I would. But I had to use the regular straw broom instead. I'm pretty sure that I know why Chet hid it." Johnny stopped whistling and turned his head to look at Charlie. "Why is that Charlie?" Johnny asked curiously. "I started sweeping and the handle broke right in half," Charlie said. "I noticed what I thought was a crack in the handle as I carried it, but didn't think much about it. After it broke, I examined it and found that it had been glued back together with just a couple drops of glue." "He was probably saving it for a practical joke then," Johnny said. "No doubt he was. I put a note with it and put it in the Captain's office for Captain Stanley," Charlie said with a grin. "So the joke's going to be on him." "What did you write on the note?" Johnny asked, as he stood up and put his foot up on the bench. He turned to look at Charlie and started rolling his shirtsleeves up a bit. "Not much. I just wrote, Cap, sorry I broke the broom. I've been hiding it in my locker. I've now decided that I should pay for it and sweep the bay everyday that I work for two months. Then I signed Chet's name." "Oh that's a good one Charlie," Johnny said. "I want to be here when Cap gets that," Roy said with a grin. Roy started walking toward the doorway. Johnny put his hands on his hips. "I'm going to drink the last of my coffee and say good-bye to Tom," Johnny said, as he followed Roy through the doorway and into the kitchen. Roy stood with his left hand on a chair and his right hand on his hip while waiting for Johnny. Johnny drank the last of his coffee and set his cup in the sink. Charlie came into the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee. "Come on Johnny, I'll walk you to your vehicle." Roy started walking toward the door. "I'm coming Roy," Johnny said. He caught up with Roy, who had stopped to wait for him. "Bye Johnny. Bye Roy. Have a nice weekend," Charlie said. "Yeah, thanks. Bye Charlie. Bye Tom. I hope you have an easy shift," Roy said. "Bye guys, take it easy," Johnny said. "Bye. I hope you both have a couple of restful days off," Tom said. "I'm sure we will," Roy said. "Tom, let's start polishing the squad before Captain Hookraider gets back," Charlie said. "Good idea Charlie." Tom stood up and pulled out an insert from the newspaper. Johnny put his hand on the door casing as he was leaving. "WAIT JOHNNY, YOU FORGOT SOMETHING!" Tom shouted. "What's that?" Johnny asked. He turned around to face Tom. "THIS!" Tom exclaimed, as he held up the TV guide section that he had pulled from the paper. Tom laughed heartily. "Very funny Dwyer," Johnny said. He turned around and left as he heard Tom still laughing. "Everybody's a comedian!" Johnny exclaimed. Roy and Johnny walked toward Roy's car. "Hey Roy, what did you mean in there about me asking Cassie to go to the movies or something and it taking up a good portion of the weekend?" Roy put his hand on Johnny's shoulder. "Partner, I know you and I know how long it takes you to ask a girl to go on a date and decide where to go. That's all." "Look Roy," Johnny said, as he pointed to his chest with his right hand. "I don't…do I … I don't think that I…" He placed his hand on his chin and slightly rubbed it. He sighed. "Well, maybe you do have a point Roy. Maybe she'll say yes right away," Johnny said. "She might, but you have to ask her first partner. Hopefully you'll decide what you want to do and call her as soon as you get home. After all, we're already cutting into our weekend standing around here talking about it," Roy said wearing a grin. "That's true Roy. We'd better get going. Besides, I've got to go get some breakfast. I'm starved." Roy shook his head and said, "You're always hungry Junior." Johnny grinned at Roy's comment and said, "I'll see you on Monday Pally. Have fun!" "You too Johnny, with whatever you decide to do." They each got into their vehicles. They pulled out of the parking lot as the Ward LaFrance engine was backing into the bay. Both felt fortunate to have missed seeing Captain Hookraider before they left. Part 4 It was a dreary Monday morning in Los Angeles. The rain and fog had made traffic slow to a crawl. It was time for shift change at Station 51. Captain Stanley was the first to arrive. He was exiting his car when Marco pulled into a parking space. As he heard thunder, Captain Stanley hurried inside to avoid getting wet. Marco glanced at his right front tire. He thought as he was driving to work that it felt a little low but it looked fine. He shrugged. He then glanced up at the sky and although it was barely sprinkling now, he hurried inside the station. Chet showed up about five minutes later right behind Roy. Roy was driving a different car. It was a sporty red 1972 Pontiac GTO. Chet yelled to Roy as he closed the door on his red car. "Hey Roy, you got a new car I see." Chet walked over to get a closer look. "Open the hood pal." Roy opened the hood about the time Mike pulled into the lot. Mike got out of his vehicle and walked over to where Roy and Chet were standing. "Nice car Roy," Mike said as he looked at the engine. "It's a four hundred cubic inch, two hundred and fifty horsepower engine. It's only three years old with thirty three thousand twenty-six miles on it. I got a really good deal on it," Roy said proudly. "Driven by some little old lady who only drove it on Sundays to church and back I suppose, right Roy?" Chet asked as he chuckled. "Actually Chet, it was owned by a friend of the car dealer's son. He sold it so that he could buy a pick-up truck," Roy said. "He also owns a 1973 red mustang convertible." Mike was walking around Roy's car and looking at it when he whistled and said, "It sure looks like new. There is hardly a mark on it. What's the inside look like?" Roy closed the hood and opened the door. "The interior looks great too," Mike said. "He sure took care of this car." "Wait until Johnny sees it Roy. He'll want to trade you his Land Rover for it, and you remember what happened last time, don't you?" Chet remarked. "Oh no, he's not getting this car. Joanne has taken a liking to it. I almost didn't get to drive it to work," Roy said as he laughed. "As a matter of fact, she is going to take care of the paper work on it today." Roy closed the door. It started raining harder and Roy, Mike, and Chet all ran for the door of the station. The crew from B-Shift started leaving as Chet, Mike, and Roy came inside. Roy started changing into his uniform and Cap came around the corner. "Hey Cap, you ought to see Roy's car," Mike said. "Do you have a new car Roy?" Cap asked. "Well, it's not new Cap. It's almost three years old, but it's a good car for a fair price." Charlie Wilson walked up to Roy and Cap. "What are you doing here this morning Charlie?" Roy asked. "I thought you were off today." "Pete went home sick and I got called to come in to work. Where's your partner at this morning Roy? I can't wait to find out how his weekend went." "He'll be along any minute," Roy said. "I'm kind of anxious to hear about it myself. How was the fishing Charlie?" "I didn't go Roy. I helped my neighbor fix his lawn mower and by the time we got finished it was too late to drive up there, so I decided to cut my grass and do a little work on the house." "By the way Roy, we have two biophones in the squad. Ours had a loose wire that we got fixed. We have to return the spare one as soon as we can." "Yeah, that's fine Charlie. Roy glanced at his watch. It was getting late. Johnny really should have been here by this time, he thought to himself. "Gage is usually here by now. Wilson, can you stay here until he shows?" Cap asked. "Sure, no problem Cap. I didn't come in until five o'clock this morning anyway," Charlie said. Roy hung his shirt in his locker and went into the kitchen area and sat down at the table. Chet was reading the paper and sipping a cup of coffee. "Want a cup of coffee Roy?" Marco asked. Roy was staring into space. "Roy, do you or don't you?" "Huh?" Roy asked. "Do you want a cup of coffee?" Marco asked again. "Uh…no, I don't think so," Roy replied. Marco knew it wasn't like Roy to not have a cup of coffee first thing after he arrived. "Roy are you o.k.?" Marco questioned. "Me? Yeah, I'm fine," Roy said with a dismal tone in his voice. "Wonder where Johnny is?" Chet asked. Cap came into the room in time to hear Chet's question. "Roy did you talk to Johnny this weekend? Has anyone talked to him?" "No, Joanne and I went to look at cars Saturday morning after breakfast. Then we went home, packed our camping gear, and took the kids camping for the rest of the weekend," Roy said. "I haven't seen him or heard from him Cap," Chet said. "Me neither," Marco said. Mike shook his head no. "I can't imagine where he could be Cap," Chet said. "It's just not like him to not call in and tell us something," Cap said. "Maybe he had a flat tire," Marco said, thinking about how he thought he had a low tire while driving to work. "Yeah, that's probably it Cap," Mike agreed reassuringly while nodding his head. "It was pretty foggy out this morning so he probably drove a bit slower than usual," Chet said. "He'll be along any minute now," Charlie said. The concerned look on everyone's face told a much different story. "Cap, mind if I call his apartment?" Roy asked. "I've tried twice already Roy, but you are welcome to try if you'd like," Cap said. Roy picked up the telephone and dialed Johnny's phone number. It rang several times. Roy shook his head and hung up the phone receiver. "Cap, I just thought of something. He mentioned calling Cassie, a nurse at Rampart. I think I'll call there," Roy said. "Sure go ahead Roy. See if she knows anything, I'm starting to worry about him." Roy dialed the phone number and asked for Dixie. He tapped a pencil on the phone while he waited for her to answer. "Nurse McCall," Dixie answered, after she picked up the phone receiver. "Hello Dixie. It's Roy. You have a new nurse by the name of Cassie working in Emergency. Is she there today?" "Yeah Roy she's here. Do you need to speak with her?" "If I can. You didn't by any chance see Johnny this past weekend did you Dixie?" Dixie laughed and said jokingly, "You mean as a paramedic or as a patient?" "As either," Roy said seriously. Roy was thinking that perhaps Johnny had decided to work a shift at another station for someone who was sick. Dixie denoted the seriousness in his tone of voice. "No Roy. I haven't see him since Friday when you brought that swimming accident in to us," Dixie said. "Is everything all right?" "Well, he's a little late this morning and I just wanted to see if Cassie knows anything." "I understand Roy. Hold on and I'll get her for you." She laid the phone receiver on the desk. Roy leaned against the wall while waiting. "Hello, this is Nurse Waters," Cassie said. Roy stood up straighter. "Hello. This is Roy DeSoto. I'm John Gage's partner. I was wondering if you had heard from him this weekend." "He did call me here Saturday morning about ten o'clock and asked me to a movie, but I was working a twelve-hour shift. I had just come on duty when you brought that guy in Friday night. I needed to get some sleep since I had to work an eight-hour shift on Sunday. He is suppose to call me and set up a date for the next time he's off. Is everything all right?" Cassie asked. "Oh, uh, yeah, I'm sure it is. He's not here yet and he hasn't called. Did he say anything to you about what he planned to do Saturday and Sunday?" Roy asked. "No he didn't Roy. I'm sorry I didn't even ask him. I'm sure he'll show up soon. When he does, will you have him call me please?" Cassie asked. "You're probably right. He's more than likely on his way right now. I'll be sure to have him give you a call when he gets here. Thanks for your help. Bye Cassie." "Bye Roy." Roy placed the receiver on the hook, closed his eyes, and leaned his head against the wall phone. "Well Roy, what did you find out from Rampart?" Cap asked. Roy raised his head away from the phone and stood up straight and said, "Nothing much Cap. Cassie spoke with him Saturday morning, but hasn't seen him at all. Dixie hasn't seen him either." "Well then, I'm sure that he'll be bouncing in here soon as his usual cheery self," Cap said. "Alright, it's after eight, let's have formation everyone." Everyone got into formation, but nobody's mind was really on what Captain Stanley was saying. Captain Stanley was thinking of a way to get everyone's mind off of Johnny and on something else. "Mike did you put the flags up yet?" Cap asked. "Uh, no Cap not yet," Mike said. "Alright then, you put the flags up and then start polishing the engine. Roy, after you finish the morning equipment and radio checks, grab a broom and start sweeping. Charlie, you can clean the oven. Marco I'm sure there is old food in the refrigerator that needs to be dumped. Chet, I need you to come to my office and tell me about the push broom and then you can get a mop and bucket and start mopping. Let's get started everyone," Cap said, trying to divert the attention away from Johnny's absence. Chet followed Captain Stanley into his office. "Uh about the broom Cap, it was an accident. I tripped over it and the handle cracked in half," Chet said as he sat down. Cap sat down. "Well, that's all right Chet. I understand that accident's happen, so you don't have to pay for it pal. I will take you up on your other offer however." "Huh, what offer Cap?" Chet asked with a confused look on his face. Cap handed Chet a note. He looked at it and read it aloud. "Hank, when are you ever going to clean up this desk? Captain Hookraider." Chet put his hand over his mouth and tried to conceal the obvious grin on his face. Rather embarrassed by his mistake, Captain Stanley quickly snatched the note from Chet's hand. "Not that note! This note!" Cap exclaimed, handing Chet the correct note. Chet read the note to himself and whined, "But Cap, I didn't write this!" "I knew it wasn't your writing. But since the bay should be swept daily anyway, I'd appreciate you taking over that detail for a couple of months. There's the other push broom right there." Cap pointed to a corner of his office. The broom was partially hidden behind a filing cabinet. "Oh and uh, Kelly, if you break that one, don't try to hide it pal." "But Cap…" Chet said, as he began to beg for leniency. Captain Stanley interrupted him. "Chet, consider yourself lucky that I didn't take Captain Hookraider's suggestion when he handed me the note. He suggested that I tell you to sweep the parking lot everyday for two months in addition to the bay." "I was going to tell you that I broke it Cap, honest." "I'm confident that you would have sometime or another Chet. But that's not the point. I'm sure that you'd love to help your Captain out by doing what he requests." "Right Cap. I'll sweep the bay this afternoon." Chet stood up and left mumbling. "I bet Gage was behind this somehow. I'll get even with him when he gets here." Chet came out and saw Roy leaning on a broom. "Johnny here yet?" Chet asked hopefully. Roy gave no answer. He continued to lean on the broom with a depressed look. "Guess not huh? Say Roy, how about I get you a cup of coffee before you start sweeping?" Chet asked. Roy slightly moved his hand that was on the broom and continued looking into the distance. "Roy, did you hear me?" Chet asked. He didn't receive a response. Chet punched Roy in the arm. "Hey Roy, are you all right?" "What did you say?" Roy finally responded. "Did you want a cup of coffee before you start sweeping?" Chet asked a second time. "Uh, I uh…" Roy shook his head. "Something's wrong Chet. It just isn't typical of Johnny not to call when he's going to be late and you know it," Roy said. "Yeah, I know it Roy, but there isn't anything more we can do except wait for him to come through the door. You watch, he'll come strolling in here with some story about how he's late because he stopped to help some girl with car trouble," Chet said. "Maybe, but I really don't think so Chet," Roy said. "Yeah, you're right Roy, I don't believe it either," Chet said. "Maybe his alarm didn't go off or something and he's on his way. I'll get you that cup of coffee." The claxon sounded and everyone dropped what they were doing and ran to the fire vehicles. "Station 51, boy injured at the Paramount Studios, Lot 7, 2318 Palmeno Boulevard. Cross street Hollywood Freeway. Two three one eight Palmeno Boulevard. Time out 8:20" "Station 51, KMG 365," Cap announced. Cap handed the address to Roy. He passed it to Charlie. Cap climbed into the cab of the engine. Mike Stoker pulled out behind the squad and they made their way to the Studio driving at a safe speed because of the foggy rainy condition. They reached the destination and everyone exited the emergency vehicles. Part 5 "What's the problem?" Cap asked a man who came running up to the engine. "It's Richie, he's hurt." "Where is he?" Cap asked. The man pointed his finger toward about fifteen logs several feet away beyond some buildings. He spoke quickly and barely took a breath between sentences. "You can't drive any further. The ground is too soft. He was playing on that stack of logs by that tree and makeshift marsh while he was waiting to get on the set. Some of the logs fell on his leg. He's yelling that he wants out of there. I can't get the logs off of him and he won't tell me where he's hurting. He has to be hurt with all those logs…" the man said, nearly out of breath. "Alright sir, calm down. We'll take care of him," Cap interrupted. "Roy, you and Charlie check on him. I'll call an ambulance. The rest of you stand by in case we have to move that pile of logs." He told the man to sit in the cab of the squad. Cap keyed the mic and said, "LA send an ambulance to Station 51's location at Paramount Studios." Roy and Charlie ran to the pile of logs, while carrying the equipment and biophone. By the time they got to Richie he was crying. "Hi son. How you doing?" Roy asked. Richie was in a sitting position. "I want out of here, please get me out," Richie said in a tearful voice. His hands were wrapped tightly around his right leg right above his knee. Roy knelt beside Richie. "Alright, just calm down," Roy said. "Are you hurt anywhere besides your leg?" Roy asked as he examined him for injuries. "I don't know. I can't move my leg," Richie said, as he sniffled. Charlie knelt beside him. Roy finally got into a position where he could see the boy's lower leg though a crack in the small logs. It seemed that only one log was actually trapping the boy's right leg. His left leg was not trapped. "I think we can use the porta power and lift the log off his leg," Roy said. "I can see it and there is another large log lying across the log which is directly on his leg. It isn't touching him. We'll need to move these smaller logs on top, secure the large log and hold it up while we move the one off of his leg." "I'll go get ropes and the porta power," Charlie said. He left to get the equipment. "Your name's Richie, isn't it?" Roy asked the child in a quiet calm voice. "Yeah, it's Richie Summers. Mr. Jones couldn't help me. Please, can you get me out of here?" Richie asked as he started to tear up again. "We'll get you out Richie. You don't have to worry about that. Stay real still and don't move around and everything will be fine." "All right. I'll try, but I'm kind of scared." Richie's hands still tightly gripped his leg. His eyes once again began to fill with tears, as he began to rock back and forth slightly. "Well, there isn't anything to be afraid of Richie. Try to sit real still. Can I take your hands off of your leg now so I can take a look at it?" "Yeah, I guess so. Don't leave me," Richie said, as a few tears ran down his cheek. He stopped rocking. "I'm going to stay here with you the whole time. Let's have a look at that leg, shall we?" Roy smiled and carefully took his hands away. There was no bleeding through his jeans and Roy thought that was a good sign at least. While Roy took his bandage scissors and cut Richie's jeans, Richie wiped his eyes with his hand. Much to Roy's surprise, other than being red from where Richie's finger's gripped his leg, he noticed no injury at all. Richie immediately wrapped his hands around his leg again, and started rocking, as an obvious sign of nothing more than nervousness. "My mom is going to be mad that you cut my new pants. I got them for my birthday." Roy smiled. "I'll explain it to her. Try not to rock Richie. How old are you?" "I'm six. I had a birthday last week." "Well six is a good age to be. My name is Roy and my partner's name is John…Roy stopped. Uh…Charlie. We're firefighter paramedics. Do you know what a paramedic is Richie?" "No," Richie replied as Chet, Marco, Mike, and Charlie returned with the ropes and porta power. They began to remove the smaller logs by hand until they got to the last two logs. Roy explained to Richie what a paramedic was as Marco, Mike, and Chet secured the ropes around the larger log and the tree limb above and lifted it up about two feet into the air. Charlie used the porta power and freed Richie's right leg. Roy and Charlie gently eased Richie's leg out from under the log. Richie was calm once the log was lifted from his leg. He even managed a smile. "That's what I want to be when I grow up, a para…. para… how do you say it again?" Richie asked. "A paramedic," Roy replied. "Yeah, a par...a…medic like you," Richie said. "My ankle hurts." "I'm going to take care of it for you Richie," Roy said. Now that the log was gone, Roy finished cutting Richie's jeans away. Roy carefully examined his lower leg and ankle. He noticed some bruising and swelling. While Roy was taking care of Richie, a lady ran up to Charlie. "RICHIE'S MY SON! IS HE ALRIGHT?" She asked loudly with panic in her voice. "Yes ma'am. My partner is checking him over right now. He'll let you know something in a minute," Charlie said. "He's not suppose to be over in this area. I turned around and he wasn't there. I've been looking all over for him," the woman said, as her attention turned toward Roy and Richie. "Richie, I'm going to put a splint on your leg, just to be sure that we don't injure it. Then I'm going to check your pulse and blood pressure," Roy said. Richie nodded with approval. After having placed a splint on Richie's leg and checking his vitals, Roy picked the boy up and set him down on a blanket that Charlie had laid down for him. "How is he Roy?" Charlie questioned. Roy stood up to speak to Charlie. "It's amazing but, his vital signs are fine. Other than being a little shaken, I think he just has a badly bruised leg and a possible broken or sprained ankle." "I'm fine. It doesn't hurt very much at all anymore. Can I go play now?" Richie asked. Roy kneeled down beside Richie and said, "I think we should contact the hospital and hear what the doctor has to say Richie." "You are going to the hospital and have that ankle checked Richie Summers and that's final," Mrs. Summers said. "And young man you stay off of those logs from now on. Do you hear me?" "Awe mom!" Richie exclaimed. "Richie, I mean it," Mrs. Summers said. "We've called an ambulance," Roy said. "We'll take him to Rampart." "That's fine," Mrs. Summers said. "I'll call it in," Charlie said. "Here's his information." Roy handed Charlie a piece of paper on which he had written Richie's age, injuries, and vital signs. "Rampart base, this is Squad 51, how do you read?" "We read you loud and clear 51," Dr. Morton said. "Rampart, we have a six year old male victim of an accident trapping his leg under a log. The only apparent injuries are a swollen right lower leg and ankle and several contusions. The patient's vital signs are as follows: pulse 78, respiration 22, blood pressure 108 over 60, pupils are equal and reactive. A splint has been applied to leg and ankle. Patient states he is not in much pain at this time." The ambulance pulled up and the attendants brought the gurney to where Richie was. "10-4 Squad 51. Transport when the ambulance arrives," Dr. Morton said. "10-4 Rampart, ambulance has just arrived and he's ready to transport." Captain Stanley walked up as Charlie and Roy reached the ambulance. Charlie handed Roy his helmet when they reached the ambulance. "I'll go in with him Roy." Roy nodded as he handed Charlie the biophone. "You can ride up front," Cap said. Mrs. Summers nodded and walked to the front of the ambulance. Cap walked toward the engine to tell Mr. Jones what was happening. "Richie, your mom is going to ride up front and Charlie here is going to take good care of you on the way to the hospital," Roy said, as they loaded Richie into the ambulance. "Thanks a lot for getting me out of there," Richie said. "You're welcome Richie," Roy said. He walked over to the squad and climbed into the driver's seat as he waited for the ambulance to pull away. It started to drizzle again. He looked at his watch. It was nearly eight forty-five. The fog was beginning to lift now, although it was still patchy in places. Perhaps Johnny was at the station by now, Roy thought. The ambulance started to move. Roy started the squad, turned on the wipers, and followed behind the ambulance. As he drove along the road his thoughts were on Johnny. He saw a white vehicle on a side road as he went past. That's Johnny's Land Rover. I bet he had a flat, Roy thought. Roy radioed dispatch and told them that he was going to stop and check on someone who may need help. Roy turned around and went back down the side road. There was a thin man with dark hair kneeling beside the vehicle. It's Johnny, Roy thought. He pulled the squad onto the side of the road opposite of the vehicle. He opened the squad door and walked up behind the man. Part 6 He soon realized that his mind had played a trick on him. It wasn't Johnny. It was a white Jeep that set here in front of him. "Need some help?" Roy asked. "No thanks. I was just checking my tires." He stood up and pointed to some boards and broken shingles. "Do you see all this debris in the road?" Roy nodded and said, "It looks like someone lost a few boards." "Yeah, boards with nails. I'm just glad that it wasn't dark out. I could barely see them as it was in this fog and drizzle. They have tar all over them and blend in with the road. Luckily I saw them and slowed down in time." "It was a good thing you did," Roy said. Roy picked up two boards and put them in the squad. The drizzle stopped and the sun started to come out, but it quickly diminished behind a cloud again. "Thanks for stopping Mister," the man said as he looked at his tires again. He waved at Roy as he got back into his vehicle and drove off. Roy returned to the squad and pulled out onto the road. He looked for a place to turn around on the narrow road. He saw a place wide enough in which he could turn the squad around, just as he saw another board. Roy pulled into the turn around and backed out onto the road as the sun came out from behind the cloud. He pulled off of the road once again, got out, and walked to retrieve the board. It had a large nail in it. He saw skid marks a few feet in front of where he found the board. He took a closer look and thought he saw something. It seemed to be a glare from the sunlight shining through the trees against something metal. Reaching into the squad, he removed the Handie Talkie. Roy followed the skid marks and looked down the embankment. Yes, just as he had suspected, there was indeed a vehicle down there. Roy raised the antenna on the HT. "LA, Squad 51. Vehicle down an embankment at this location. I'm going to check and see if it's occupied. Stand by for further information." "10-4 Squad 51, standing by," Sam, the dispatch operator replied. Roy started down the steep hill. After he traveled a little ways, he could tell that it was a white Land Rover. No, don't let it be Johnny, he thought. He continued down the slightly muddy bank, almost slipping a couple of times. As he got closer, he could tell that the vehicle had came to rest down at the bottom of the embankment in an upright position at an angle. The top of the vehicle was not damaged much at all. The front of the vehicle was smashed against a tree. The corner of the right front side was jammed beside a larger tree. His worst fear became a reality when he saw the license plate on the ground. It is Johnny's Land Rover. Perhaps he went for help, Roy thought. He could now see that the vehicle was sitting near the side of a cliff. It appeared to be about a fifty-foot drop to the bottom. The tree seemed to be the only thing keeping the vehicle from going over that cliff. There was a large ledge between the embankment and the vehicle. There was land a several feet behind the vehicle going off to the right. After a tedious climb down, he finally reached the Land Rover. Obviously since the right side was wedged against the tree it was unreachable. It was best to approach from the driver's side. Roy rushed to the side of the vehicle. Shattered glass from the rear view mirror was scattered on the seat, floorboard, and on top of Johnny. Bent metal had been pushed into the car by the trees. "Johnny, Johnny, are you alright?" Roy asked though the broken out window, hoping to hear his partner's voice say that he was fine. Instead Roy found Johnny was slumped in the seat, unconscious with his head lying against the steering wheel. He placed his fingers on Johnny's carotid artery and took his pulse. He saw a gash on his head. Johnny had bones protruding from his right arm and wrist. Roy held the HT and told dispatch to send an ambulance, an engine, and police to his location. He asked them to notify Wilson at Rampart of the incident. Roy climbed back up the steep embankment and retrieved the oxygen, splint box, and the short board. It was all that he could carry. He made his way back down the embankment again to take care of his friend, slipping and almost falling several times. He was finally able to give aid to his partner. He hoped that help would arrive soon. Part 7 The claxon sounded at Station 51. "Station 51, vehicle down an embankment, man injured. Tuna Canyon Road, one-fourth mile from the Kings Road cut-off. Tuna Canyon Road, one-fourth mile from the Kings Road cutoff. Squad 51 is at the scene." Mike Stoker had just backed the engine into the bay when the call came into the station. Again engine 51 headed out of the bay. Roy assessed the situation and decided the Land Rover was stable for the time being, although the tree it was sitting against was bent over and leaning. It was a bit foggy down below the cliff and also beside the Land Rover. Although apprehensive, Roy carefully and slowly opened the door. The Land Rover seemed steady. He managed to check Johnny's neck, spine, scapulae, arms, and clavicles. He gently raised him up and put a cervical collar around his neck. He placed the short backboard behind Johnny and secured the straps. Roy checked Johnny's pulse, respiration rate, and pupil response. He applied oxygen, being careful to move slow and easy around the vehicle. He got a splint and placed it on Johnny's arm and wrist. Stretching his arm, he reached for a bandage that proved to be just out of his reach. He stood up straight to walk over to the black box to get a bandage. The Land Rover door shut as he accidentally bumped it. The vehicle shifted a bit when a rock slipped out from under the right rear tire and rolled down the cliff. Roy felt a bit relieved as he heard the sirens in the distance approaching the scene. Roy attempted to slowly open the door again, but it was stuck. Afraid that he would cause the Land Rover to move, he did not try to jerk on the door anymore. He reached in the open window, being careful not the touch the vehicle, and bandaged Johnny's head. The engine arrived and Mike parked right behind the squad on the shoulder of the road. Cap, Chet, Marco, and Mike jumped out of the engine. "ROY WHERE ARE YOU?" Cap hollered. "DOWN HERE! IT'S JOHNNY! BRING THE REST OF THE EQUIPMENT AND A ROPE!" Roy shouted. Cap instructed Marco and Chet to get the gear and a blanket while he and Mike took a rope and ran toward Roy's voice. "How's he doing Roy?" Cap asked. Roy shook his head. "I can't really tell Cap. He's in pretty bad shape. He's unconscious. He has a broken arm and wrist, several cuts and bruises, and a head injury from what I can tell so far. The vehicle is too unstable now for me to get in and examine him better." Marco and Chet arrived and set the equipment down on the ground beside Roy. "Alright men, we're going to secure the vehicle," Cap announced. Marco, Chet, and Mike worked with the rope until they had tied the Land Rover securely. Chet peered in at Johnny and said, "At least he's unconscious. He can't feel any pain." "He might not feel any pain Chet, but being unconscious is not a good sign," Roy explained glumly. Chet raised his eyebrows and nodded. He and Marco moved back out of the way to give Roy room to work. Mike went back up the hill to the engine. Vince drove up in his police car. He made his way down the embankment. "What happened?" Vince asked. He recognized Johnny's vehicle. "Don't know exactly," Cap said. "I'll get the details later. I'm going to handle traffic control and call a tow truck," Vince said. "Are you guys alright?" "Yeah, thanks Vince. If you can direct the ambulance when it arrives…" "Sure," Vince said. He trudged up the cliff to the road. He got into his car and drove to the intersection. Now that the vehicle was secured, Roy reached for the door handle to get inside to see about Johnny. It was still stuck. As he went behind the vehicle, he stepped over some metal rails and walked around to the passenger side. That door was stuck also. "Cap, I'm going to climb in the passenger side window here so that I can examine Johnny a little better." He picked up a stick, covered his face with his hand and knocked the rest of the broken glass away from the rim before climbing inside. He climbed inside the Land Rover and palpated Johnny's abdomen. It was tender. He noticed Johnny's lower right leg was bleeding. He climbed back out of the window. "He may have internal injuries Cap. We need to move quickly." "Will you need the jaws to get the door opened Roy?" Cap inquired. "I don't know yet Cap. I may be able to get it open if I pull hard enough. I had it open once. I think it may just be stuck." "Let us know pal," Cap said. Cap could see that Roy was shaken up by the accident to his friend. He noticed how Roy's hands were trembling slightly as he walked around to the driver's side and reached into the window to get Johnny's pulse and respiration rates. "Are you o.k. Roy?" Cap asked, as he put his hand on his shoulder. Roy wiped his forehead. "Yeah, I think I'm doing alright Cap," Roy answered. He reached into the window again, and carefully placed the blood pressure cuff on Johnny's left upper arm. As he placed the stethoscope around his neck, he heard a distant whistle and a horn blowing. He could barely see a headlight in the distance. "IT'S A TRAIN! THERE'S A TRAIN COMING!" Roy shouted nervously. He remembered the metal rails he had stepped over as he looked down and realized that Johnny's Land Rover was sitting on railroad tracks. Roy pulled the blood pressure cuff off of Johnny's arm with lightning speed. "CAP I THINK THE TRAIN IS GOING TO HIT THE LAND ROVER. WE HAVE TO GET JOHNNY OUT OF HERE NOW!" Roy shouted, as he pulled hard on the door handle. "MARCO, CHET, MOVE!" Cap yelled, as he moved quickly toward Roy. "HURRY! THE DOOR IS JAMMED SHUT!" Roy yelled with a frantic sound in his voice. Roy quickly unhooked the oxygen. "MARCO GET THE JAWS" Cap shouted. Mike had already started down the embankment with the tool when he heard Cap holler. Cap helped Roy pull on the handle without any results. In seconds Mike handed Marco the Jaws, as the light of the train grew closer. Chet had a yellow blanket that he hastily threw over Johnny while Marco hurriedly worked with the Jaws. The crunching sound of metal silenced the sound of the train for a brief time. Soon the door broke apart from the frame. Chet and Roy started to move Johnny while Mike and Marco kept Johnny's leg in place. "HURRY!" Roy shouted, as the train got closer and the light was shining right on the guys. The train whistle blew loudly again and again giving warning of its imminent approach. "NO TIME! IT'S HERE! IT'S GOING TO HIT…" Roy shouted. Everyone closed their eyes, as they felt the wind from the train. After a few minutes the guys opened their eyes and realized they were still holding Johnny. Although shaking from the vibration left by the train, they were all right. The train had roared past the Land Rover on a track that branched off to the right a few feet away. It had completely missed the Land Rover and them. The train engine pulled about fifteen cars and although it seemed like an eternity, the train was as gone and out of sight in no time. "Let's get him out of here before another train comes!" Cap said emphatically. "We'll need the long back board and basket to transport him up to the top," Roy said. "Chet, Marco, would you get the board and Stokes basket for Roy?" Cap asked. "Sure Cap, we're on our way." Chet, Marco, and Mike climbed the hill. Chet and Marco brought the backboard and basket down and put it beside where Johnny was lying. Roy and Marco placed Johnny on the board and fastened the safety straps and then secured him in the basket. Marco, Chet, Roy and Cap helped move him up the hill with the help of Mike at the top. Mike had carried the black boxes to the top. He set the boxes down and grabbed a blanket from the squad, tore open the packaging, and laid it down on the side of the road. The guys placed the Stokes on the blanket. "That train came way too close," Marco said. "I still feel like my heart is beating out of my chest." "You're right Marco. I feel the same way," Cap said. "Marco, pal, how about going down and bringing the oxygen tank and biophone topside." "Sure thing Cap," Marco replied. "How's he doing Roy?" Cap asked, concerned that the movement may have done further injury to Johnny. "I'm going to check his vitals in just a second Cap. That is just as soon as I quit shaking," Roy responded. "I can't believe that train was so close to us," Chet said, with a shaky voice. "Yeah, that was just too close for comfort," Mike added. "Sure glad it turned onto that other track," Marco said as he returned. He set the oxygen tank and spare biophone down on the ground beside Roy. After removing Johnny from the Stokes, Roy again attached the oxygen on Johnny. He reached into his holster and took out his bandage scissors and cut Johnny's jeans away and saw that the leg injury was not as bad as he first had thought although it was still bleeding some. He applied a pressure bandage. When he was finished he reached into his pocket and took out his penlight. He gently raised Johnny's eyelids one at a time and shined the penlight into his eyes and checked his pupil response. He repositioned the blood pressure cuff back on Johnny's arm. He put the stethoscope's earpieces in his ears and pumped up the cuff. He listened intently. He checked his pulse and respiration. Roy noticed Johnny's pale, cool, clammy skin. "Hand me a blanket Chet, he's starting to go into shock." Chet got a blanket from the squad, ripped the plastic open, and handed it to Roy. He placed the blanket over Johnny. He raised the foot end of the backboard onto a black box. Roy moved slightly to the left. He opened the bright orange box. He took the antenna and screwed it onto the bright orange box. Then he took his pen out of his shirt pocket and wrote Johnny's vitals down on a small notepad. He then took a deep breath and called Rampart. "Rampart base, this is squad 51. How do you read?" He received no response. "Rampart this is squad five one," Roy repeated anxiously. He gave a sigh of relief as he saw the ambulance arrive. "Squad 51, this is rampart, we read you loud and clear," Doctor Brackett answered. "Rampart, I have an unconscious male, age twenty-five, victim of a vehicle accident. Vehicle impacted a tree. Patient has an approximate two-inch laceration on forehead. He also has an open fracture of the right radius and scaphoid. Patient has a three-inch laceration on the right leg. There is evidence of blunt trauma to the left upper quadrant of abdomen. Abdomen is tender and slightly distended. Vitals are, pulse 118 and weak; respiration; 18 and shallow; BP is 94/62. Pupils are slightly dilated and unresponsive. I've applied a splint. Patient is on two liters of O2 at this time. Patient is on a long board." "10-4 Squad 51. I suspect possible internal injuries. Increase O2 rate, draw a red top, and start an IV with lactated ringer's," Kel Brackett said. "10-4 Rampart. Increase O2, draw a red top, and start IV with Ringer's," Roy repeated. "Is ambulance at the scene?" Kel asked. "Affirmative Rampart. It just arrived." "Transport as soon as possible and continue to monitor vitals." "10-4 Rampart,' Roy responded. Roy increased the oxygen and tore off some strips of tape. He got out an IV set and a bag of Ringer's. He used the blood pressure cuff as a tourniquet and diligently started the IV and drew the blood. He taped the IV in place. "Alright guys, he's ready to move." Roy held the IV bag in the air as the ambulance attendants put him onto the stretcher. "Careful," Roy said. Marco took the oxygen tank and put it beside Johnny. Chet picked up the biophone and trauma kit. Chet handed them to Roy who had climbed into the back of the ambulance with Johnny. "Chet, take the squad to Rampart," Cap said, as Marco climbed out of the back of the ambulance. "Sure thing Cap, Chet said." Chet gave two pats on the back of the ambulance and the driver took off with the siren blaring. "Let's get this cleaned up," Cap said to the others as the ambulance pulled away from the scene. Chet followed in the squad. Cap saw the tow truck arriving as he called dispatch to clear the engine. Part 8 Roy was in the process of checking Johnny's pulse and respiration, when he noticed Johnny's eyelids fluttering. "Johnny!" Roy called. "Huh?" Johnny responded, as he opened his eyes slightly. He could feel what he thought was a hand on his shoulder. "Johnny, open your eyes. It's Roy." "Roy?" "Yeah Johnny, it's me." Johnny opened his eyes fully. Looking up he could see fuzzy looking lights shining down upon him. "Wh... Where am I?" "You're in an ambulance. You were in an accident." Roy contacted Rampart to tell them that his patient had regained consciousness. Roy had no idea how long Johnny had been unconsciousness, since he did not know exactly when the accident had taken place, but was relieved that Johnny had spoken to him. "What happened?" Johnny asked. "My neck…tight." Johnny moaned slightly. "It's a cervical collar Johnny." Johnny closed his eyes again. "Johnny, open your eyes and talk to me," Roy pleaded. "What happened?" Johnny asked again. He moaned as he began to become more aware of his pain. "You were in an accident, but you are going to be fine. Tell me where you hurt." Johnny mumbled. "Tired." He again closed his eyes. "Johnny, open your eyes," Roy said. "Talk to me partner. Tell me how you're doing." "Headache," Johnny moaned. "My arm, chest, my leg, stomach, neck." Johnny reached up with his left hand and touched the cervical collar. "Careful Johnny, don't pull your IV out," Roy said as he carefully moved Johnny's arm back down to his side. "Did you get one?" Johnny mumbled. "No Johnny, I didn't," Roy said. "Take uh…mine then…" Johnny said incoherently as he closed his eyes. "I don't think so Johnny. Thanks anyway." Roy grinned slightly as he checked Johnny's pulse and respiration rates. "You're doing fine Johnny." Roy put the stethoscope earpieces in his ears and placed the diaphragm on Johnny's left arm. He pumped up the cuff and released it slowly. He got 92/62. Johnny opened his eyes slightly. "What's my uh…" Johnny couldn't think of the word he wanted. It finally came to him. Uh… pressure?" "Don't worry about that. I'm taking care of you. You just lie there and be the patient," Roy said. He managed to give Johnny a reassuring grin and patted his shoulder. He was optimistic, yet still remained concerned. He knew that head injuries were unpredictable. Johnny moaned and closed his eyes. "Sleepy. Stomach hurts." "Yeah, I know partner. We're here now and you'll be fine," Roy said, as the ambulance backed into the parking space in front of the Emergency Room doors. "Where?" Johnny asked. "At Rampart," Roy said. Roy was relieved to be entering the double doors. Roy hopped out of the ambulance and the attendants took the stretcher inside. Roy followed holding the IV bag. |