REFLECTIONS OF THE MIND by Pattie H *************************************************************************************************** The tones announced the first run of the day. "Station 51, Station 110, Station 36, Engine Company 127. Structure fire at the Johnson Manufacturing and Research Plant. 7538 Old Mill Road. 7-5-3-8 Old Mill Road. Cross Street Potomac. Time out 1056." "Station 51. KMG-365," replied Captain Hank Stanley. His crew quickly climbed aboard their respective vehicles and left the station. Each man was busy thinking about the scene they were responding to. Johnny Gage jotted the time on the call slip with his lime green pen before placing it in the glove box with the others. The Johnson Manufacturing and Research Plant was fully involved by the time they arrived. A second alarm was sounded. The guard came running up to Captain Stanley. "I'm not sure if everyone is out. I still haven't heard from the lab yet. The boiler exploded and it was a chain reaction from there. I've never seen anything like it!" Bob McCord shook his head sadly. He was startled when his radio crackled to life. The party reporting in said that two of the lab techs could not be accounted for. Bob reported the information to Captain Stanley. Hank motioned for his paramedics, John Gage and Roy DeSoto, to come over. "Seems like there may be two lab techs still inside," he said to his men. He turned to the guard and asked where the lab was located. "Second floor. Rear of the building," McCord replied. "John. Roy. Make it quick and be careful." They nodded their understanding and shrugged into their SCBA. Roy turned to his partner, "Ready to go Junior?" John looked at his friend and replied, "Sure thing, Pally. Let's move." The two men entered the blazing structure and began their search in the oppressive heat. They soon reached the second floor and began a thorough sweep. Once they located the laboratory they found the missing techs. They quickly put them over their shoulders in the traditional 'fireman's carry' and high-tailed it out of the lab. The two paramedics were barely fifty feet from the building when it flashed over. The explosion sent debris flying in every direction. Firefighters Chet Kelly and Marco Lopez were manning a line near the structure's entrance. The explosion knocked them both down as large pieces of the building flew overhead. John Gage wasn't as lucky. His unconscious victim and several other firefighters were also injured in the blast. Engineer Mike Stoker left the engine and ran to his fallen crewmates. Chet and Marco picked themselves up. Stoker asked, "Are you guys okay?" "Yeah. Just a little banged up," said Lopez. "I'm okay Mike. What's wrong with Gage?" asked Chet when he noticed that the younger man wasn't moving. "I don't know. You sure you're okay?" he replied and kneeled down beside Johnny. "Yeah Mike. We're okay," Marco repeated. "We better get back on that line and try to knock out this beast," stated Chet. "Go on. I'll help Roy get them all moved to a safer location," said Stoker. Roy DeSoto was a little shaken but otherwise okay. Johnny was out cold. Roy and Mike quickly moved the techs to a triage area. Mike went back for Gage while Roy attended to their victims. He stayed and assisted Roy until Hank arrived. He then returned to his duties at the engine. "Thanks Mike. I'll take over. What the hell happened?" asked Hank Stanley. "I don't know Cap. We had just come out with the victims when it flashed and blew. Johnny was right behind me." "Are you alright?" "Yeah Cap. Just a little shaken up." "What do you need Roy?" "Can you get some oxygen on these two and then help me get Johnny's vitals?" "Sure thing." Roy went to work getting vitals on the two lab techs and reported them to Rampart. He started IV's on each of them and adjusted the oxygen flow as ordered. When that was complete he set to work on his partner. The debris had knocked Johnny's helmet off and left a large bump on the back of his head. Roy put a dressing over the wound in an effort to control the bleeding. He notified Rampart of the injuries and vital signs. He also reported that his partner was unconscious and unresponsive to pain. Rampart ordered an IV and immediate transport of the victims. Roy thanked his captain for the help while the patients were loaded into several ambulances. Paramedics Craig Brice and Bob Bellingham had taken care of the other wounded firefighters. A total of four ambulances headed for Rampart General. DeSoto rode in with his partner and one of the lab techs. Brice and Bellingham each rode in with several of the other patients. the fourth ambulance carried the remaining firefighters who had sustained only minor injuries. Upon arrival at Rampart, the more serious patients were directed to treatment rooms while the others were sent to the waiting room. Roy followed the gurney with the lab tech into Treatment Room #4. He helped transfer the patient and his IV. When his assistance was no longer needed he hurried to Treatment Room#3 to be with his partner. Doctors Joe Early and Kelly Brackett were both looking him over. "I don't like it Joe. Could be a skull fracture. We need to get x-ray in here STAT," said Dr. Brackett. Dr. Early went to the phone to order the x-rays. Dixie McCall stuck her head in through the door, "Kel? I need you in Treatment #1." "On my way Dix. Joe, let me know when we get the films." Roy stood beside his silent partner. He held his hand and leaned over. "C'mon Junior. It's time to open your eyes and start giving these nurses a run for their money," he whispered. Somewhere in John Gage's subconscious, the blow to his head triggered a trip down 'memory lane'........ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Can I use your pen?" asked the young dark-haired man. He had forgotten his favorite lime green pen when he left his apartment that morning. John Gage signed the papers for the Paramedic Training Class with a pen he borrowed from FF/PM Roy DeSoto. He attempted to give the pen back to the sandy-haired man who replied, "Why don't you hang on to that." "Pardon me?" "Call it my way of insuring that you show up at the first class, okay?" "Good deal." Several weeks later: Paramedic Roy DeSoto was assisting with the class on IV's. He had been helping as often as his schedule would allow. Roy enjoyed the teaching opportunity and it was a good way to keep tabs on the last young man he signed up - John Gage. He had a feeling the guy was going to make an excellent paramedic. It was just a gut feeling, but he had learned to trust his instincts years ago. So far, his instincts were proving correct. The class was practicing on oranges and once they got the feel for it, they would start sticking each other. Roy observed the class and he was impressed. With Dr. Kelly Brackett's permission, he gathered the group and demonstrated the technique on the doctor. The assembled students were amazed at how easy it looked. "Don't let him fool you gentlemen. He's had lots of practice. It isn't always that easy. Everybody is different and some veins are just plain hard to stick. You also have to factor in the patient's stress and pain levels and whether or not they are in shock. Oh, by the way, if it hurts they will let you know!" Roy looked at the class, "Now let's break down into groups of two. Get with your assigned 'partner'. It's easier and less stressful that way. Once you get the hang of it, we'll trade off. Let's see..." He did a quick head count. "We have one missing today. Who's partner is out?" John Gage raised his hand. "Okay. I'll be your partner for the day," replied FF/PM DeSoto. John didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He was already stressed out and now the man who talked him into this was going to be his 'partner' for the day. The butterflies started to feel like 747's. Roy approached Gage and noticed that he looked nervous. "Hey, relax. I don't bite---usually," he chuckled. Gage just looked at him and he could have sworn the young man standing before him was about to pass out. "Why don't you take a slow deep breath and sit before you fall down. It's not as hard as you think. You'll do just fine, Junior." "Gage. John Gage," he replied softly. "Excuse me?" "My name's John Gage, not Junior." "Oh, sorry. I know your name. Since I'm already certified that makes me the senior," he paused, "and you the junior partner. It's an old habit. I didn't mean to offend you." "You didn't. Can we get this over with?" "Wait a minute. Slow down, Junior. First, I want you to relax. Second, I want you to tell me what's got you so uptight. An IV stick isn't all that difficult but it is required to pass. If I didn't have confidence in you, I wouldn't let you practice on me." John sat down and took a slow, deep breath as instructed. He let it out slow. "Good. Do I make you nervous?" "No. It's just..." his voice trailed off. "Just what?" John leaned forward and quietly asked, "Can we talk about this outside?" "Okay, I guess. C'mon I need to get some more supplies anyway. You can talk and help at the same time." Roy informed Brackett that he and his 'partner' were going for more supplies. "Sure Roy and thanks. Don't get lost okay?" he added with a wry grin. "Don't worry. We won't." Gage and DeSoto left the classroom and headed for Central Supply. When they got on the elevator Roy punched the first floor button. "Aren't we going to the wrong floor?" asked Gage. "Huh?" "I thought Supply was on 2." "It is. We're going to talk first. I would rather do it over coffee. Wouldn't you?" "Sure. Sorry," he mumbled looking at the floor. "It's okay John. I told you I don't bite. I'm glad you were paying attention," he replied as the elevator doors opened. They walked towards the ER. A nurse seated at the desk smiled and said hello to the two men. Roy stopped and introduced his student. "Hi Dix! I'm sure you remember John Gage. He's one of our new paramedic students." "Nice to see you again John," she said. "John, as you know Dixie McCall is the head nurse here at Rampart General. You'll get to know her real well when you do your rotation in emergency." "Hello," he responded shyly. She looked at Roy. "Still doesn't talk much does he?" John looked at the floor and Roy shrugged. "We're starting IV's today and we're on our way to Supply," the paramedic responded. "Now, Roy, you know Supply is on 2," she shook her head. "I know, but I needed some coffee first," he inclined his head towards his silent partner. Dixie nodded in understanding and suggested they try the doctor's lounge which had a fresh pot. "Thanks Dix. C'mon Junior," he said to Gage. John rolled his eyes and followed. Dixie smiled and returned to her paperwork. In the doctor's lounge they both grabbed a mug, poured some coffee and sat down. "Sure you're old enough to drink that?" asked Roy with a grin. John looked up from his mug. He carefully studied the older man and a devilish smile slowly spread across his handsome face. "No, but I'll give it a try," he quipped. Roy wasn't sure what to make of that and started laughing. "Okay. Now seriously, you ready to tell me what's got you so nervous?" "You'll think its really dumb. You'll laugh at me." "No I won't. I promise. What's wrong?" "I hate needles," he mumbled. "Pardon me? I didn't hear you." He stared at DeSoto and repeated a little louder, "I hate needles." "None of us really like them John." "What I mean is I can't be on the receiving end of them. I can stick someone else but when it comes to being on the other end...I can't deal with it." "Oh. Well, that could be a problem. We'll work it out somehow. It's nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. We all have our fears." "I know. It's just not something you want to get around. Know what I mean? A paramedic who's afraid of needles? I'll never hear the end of it." "Don't worry about it. I'll go easy on you. You'll get used to it." "I doubt that." "Is there a particular reason?" The question caught him a bit off gaurd. "Hmmm?" he frowned. "Any particular reason for your aversion to needles?" "Oh. Well, yeah. I was sick a lot as a kid. They did all kinds of tests including those horrible allergy tests. It seemed like they used hundreds of needles and every one of them hurt. I was only four or five at the time. They had a heck of a time with me when it came time to get shots after that." "Sounds about normal to me," Roy replied. John hesitated before continuing. He wondered if he should go on. "When I was seven we were in a car accident. Drunk driver. It was pretty bad. My Mom and I were in the hospital for quite a while. Dad didn't make it. The accident was in town so they took us to the local hospital. The pediatric nurse didn't like Indians. Let's just say that I'm not too fond of hospitals either." "Sorry to hear that. I can't say that I blame you though." They finished their coffee in silence. "Well, we better get those supplies before Brackett comes looking for us. Ready Junior?" "Guess so...Pally." Roy looked at the younger man and saw him break into a grin. He did too. "Where'd that come from, Junior?" "Well, you remind me of a guy I grew up with on the Res. That's what we called him. His name was Joseph Pallowanset. We called him 'Pally' for short. Real nice guy. Soft spoken.....but kind of bossy," he paused and looked DeSoto in the eyes. "Since you're so fond of nicknames, well...it suits you." Roy laughed as he got up to put his coffee cup in the sink. "You know, I think I like that! It means a lot coming from you." "How so?" John asked as he ran some water over the dirty cups. It was Roy's turn to hesitate. "You're so quiet and seem so serious all the time. I just wasn't sure how to take you. Now that I know you've got a sense of humor, and a voice, it'll be a lot easier." "What will be a lot easier?" "They're building a new station in Carson and I'm thinking of transferring to it. I'll need a partner that I can get along with and you just might be the one." "I haven't passed the class, yet." "Oh, you will." "How do you know?" "Same way I know we'll make great partners. A gut feeling, so to speak." "Maybe we better get back upstairs." "Let's go." The two headed towards the elevator, got their supplies and returned to class. John Gage passed the paramedic class. He and DeSoto became partners at the brand new Station 51. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Johnny's eyes opened and slowly came into focus on the concerned face of Dr. Mike Morton. "Good to see you John. We were beginning to think you weren't going to come back to us. Just take it easy. You've got one hell of a concussion. I'm going to go get your partner, okay?" Johnny nodded slightly, grimacing in pain and closed his eyes. Morton patted his shoulder before leaving the room. He had Dr. Joe Early paged to the 3rd floor nurses station and gave him the good news. "Hey Joe! Guess who's finally awake?" he asked with a grin. "Johnny?" "Yeah. I'm on my way to get DeSoto. He's still pretty out of it but he is awake." "That's great news Mike. I'll go run the neuro check, then I'll find Kel and Dixie." Roy looked up from his coffee as Mike Morton entered the lounge. "Good news. That stubborn partner of yours is finally awake." "You're kidding." "No. He's conscious but not coherent. It's a step in the right direction." "This really is good news! I'm gonna call Cap and then I'll be up to see him." "I figured as much. I'm really happy for you Roy. Believe it or not I really do care." "We know," he smiled. "Thanks for coming to tell me." "No problem Roy. I wanted to be the one to give you the good news. Now, go see your partner." Roy walked to the nurses station and called Hank Stanley at home. He was glad to hear that John was awake. "Tell him I'll be by later to see him, and thanks." "Sure thing Cap." Roy hung up and hurried to the elevator. He entered John's room to find Dr. Early finishing the neuro check. His partner's eyes were closed. "Johnny?" he said as he approached the bed. "Can you hear me?" "I'll leave you two alone. Don't over do it. He's still pretty groggy." Roy nodded his understanding and sat in the chair by his friend's bed. He leaned forward, placing his hand on Johnny's arm he softly repeated, "Johnny?" A moment later, with a great deal of effort, Johnny opened his eyes. Slowly he shifted his gaze towards Roy. "Hey Junior. Good to have you back with us. How do you feel?" He thought for a moment before answering, "Like hell Pally. Like hell." Roy laughed, "I don't doubt it!" A smile began to form on Johnny's lips. The friends knew that eventually everything would be okay. (The End) [Author's Note: This is my first fanfiction that I have completed. I'd like to thank my family, without their support I never would have sent this in! I'd also like to thank my Mom for her help in coming up with a title and Janet for her great site, this contest, and for reminding me of a few key things I forgot! :) Thanks!] |