Chapter Twenty-Two
The Navigator pulled to a hard stop, and Wes held up the two IVs as they rushed into the health clinic. Sam Baker pointed, and they pushed the stretcher into the room beside the operator injured earlier. Wes helped move Tobey to the bed and finished removing the rest of his clothing.
“IV ringers times two, ten milligrams morphine on board.”
“I’m Sam Baker. I need you to promise me one thing: if something hurts, or you have trouble breathing, you tell us. No macho BS.” He listened to Tobey’s chest and abdomen. After palpating his belly, he began to examine the burns.
At the same time, Wes placed him on oxygen and attached the monitors. “Here’s my phone, Doc. He needs to make a couple of calls.”
“Three C’s. Catheter, Central line and CT Scan. Then phone,” Sam said. “Wes, I know your skillset. I’ll get you a set of hands ASAP. Would you draw blood, get a blood gas, drop a catheter and an NG tube?”
“Tobey and I will be fine,” Wes said. He forced Eleanor from his mind.
I’m going to check on my other patients. I need to delegate my staffing.” Sam stepped out.
“I didn’t realize you knew how to do all that,” Tobey groaned.
“I don’t. I’ll google it as I go along.” Wes winked. “More morphine first.” He opened the door and called down the hall, “I need someone for a narcotics dose.”
* * *
Sparks flew, and the cabin filled with acrid smoke. The helicopter spun wildly, a piece of the tail gone. “We’re going down hard. Brace,” the co-pilot yelled.
The pilot called out at the same time, “Mayday, mayday, Chase H2DC has lost tail. Going down.”
The helicopter rocked before it dropped from the sky and hit the ground hard. Adina’s hand pressed down on Eleanor’s helmet. Eleanor eked out a small cry.
Josh Stone released his harness and forced open the door. He moved toward the second row of seats.
Adina released her own and then Eleanor’s. “Ellie, come on.” She pulled her to standing.
Once she was lowered into Josh’s arms, he carried her from the smoking helo. “Let’s get you out of this weather. Mr. Bremen advised me to bring you to a guest room in Mr. Crockett’s home,” Josh yelled over the wind.
“I want to go to my apartment,” she insisted.
“Ellie, the Center is on a level-two protocol, shelter in place. There was a second serious incident. Multiple injured and…” Josh stopped himself at Ken Clarke’s stare.
“I need to help, then. Um, I need to change, and then take me to the clinic.” She fought off the headache and ache in her gut. The Center’s needs were more important than hers.
“All right.” Ken rolled his eyes.
“The pilots are clear. I ordered them checked out at the clinic. It’s the same for you three. I’ll notify Mr. Brennan.” TJ turned into the wind and ran back toward the helicopter.
* * *
Wes removed his gloves and tossed them in the pail. “How’s the pain?”
“I’m floating. Wes, can I make those calls?” Tobey cocked his head.
“I tortured you enough. Doc Baker isn’t back yet to put that line in. We got everything else.” Wes handed him his phone and took a seat in the corner.
Tobey called the Marx family first. “He was a fine man, and he loved you very much,” Tobey’s voice cracked. “I’m going to put Mr. Wes Crockett on the phone; he can tell you more.”
Wes took the phone, and after expressing his condolences, he said, “Mrs. Marx, would it be alright if I called you later? Someone will be at your home shortly to help you with anything. Mr. O’Mara was injured tonight. I need to make sure he’s situated.”
“Thanks. Conway family next.” The call went similarly as the call to the Marx family. After the call, Tobey looked at Wes. “I don’t think I can do this.” The monitor alarmed with his increased pulse.
“Nice slow breaths. Close your eyes. I’ll take care of the other calls.” He watched his patient’s eyes shut under the power of the morphine.
