NSR Week 5 - Untitled

Thanks to the folks over at Normal Sinus Rythm, I have an outlet for this.




I stood at the sink trying not to let the toothpaste dribble down my chin. I went over the list of nightly to-dos and waited on my routine nightly call from the Lieutenant. The hair on the back of my neck stood straight out when I heard the familiar ring of a text message on my phone. I spit, rinsed and trotted to the bedroom. I flipped my phone open which unleashed the goosebumps as they raced down my spine. I shiver of dread raced after them.

I jumped into my jeans and yanked on my socks. I didn't even bother with shoes as I skipped all three steps from the porch to the driveway. I ducked under the garage door, cursing it's slowness. On went my little red light, doing it's best to alert everyone to the sadness it seems to bring.

My ears were perked as I heard the update. Two cars and a tractor, at least 5 patients. Silently I prayed; for myself, for the patients, for the families. I wasn't sure who I was praying to, but pray I did. Sally and I each spiked a bag and laid out a set of 16's and 14's. The lurch of the brake announced our arrival. Before my purple hand could reach for the door, it flew open to reveal a face of worry, fear and trust. The Chief pointed us to the first car on our end of the county line. Noel and Chad grabbed the jump kit, Sally a few steps behind me. Around the front of the ambulance I saw a vague shape that once was a car. I gulped back the rush of vomit as it rose in my throat. This was not the time.

An off duty duputy slid aside while holding the girls head upright. His calm demeanor permeating my skin and into my soul.

"She has only breathed four times that I could count. Never regained consciousness and is bleeding pretty bad."

I nodded and asked if he wanted to walk away. He shook his head and I was thankful for his steady hand.

I looked behind me for Chad and the backboard. This was no time to stay and play. I sent out directions and in one swift movement, she was free and we were racing our way to the ambulance. All of us begging for her to hang on, some verbally, some just with the burn in their muscles.

The familiar symphony started. This time, an undercurrent of foreboding flogged the beat and stuck in our ears. Tempers flared and egos flexed their muscles all while song played steady, unhampered by the ugliness that threatened it. The tube went in, the IVs were placed, the pulse checked and rechecked, prayers floated towards heaven. Beads of sweat dripped in rhythm all of our hearts beating along with hers. Everything was checked and rechecked.

We handed her off to take the last flight of her life. Our tears went down as the helicopter went up, floating on our thoughts and skattering the pieces of our broken hearts.







I am very thankful and awed that despite their pain her family saw fit to give the gift of life and hope to other families. Learn about organ donation and share your wishes with your family.