Sommer had grossly underestimated the effort that it would take.
The students’ faces were red with exertion.
“Keep going. Keep going. Gravity will make it harder the farther we move him off the ground. Eighteen inches. We can do it.” Their fingers wrapped stiffly in the cotton; Sommer could almost see the fibers stretching and straining.
“Closer. He’s getting closer.”
Sommer reached out her hands as if somehow, she could catch the guy before he hit the ground.
And then it was done!
Success.
Sommer would try it here.
But policy was policy.
Darlene was back, and Sommer took control of the spine board, while Darlene clasped the C-collar in place.
Between them, they rolled the patient to his side.
“Darlene, it looks like he’s lost bladder control and could use a chuck to catch that. We might as well get the underpad in place with the board.”
The two were positioning the board against the patient’s back so they could roll him into place when the curtain swished back.
Sommer’s body dynamics wouldn’t allow her to turn. “Whoever just showed up, we could use some help.”
Shoshana rounded into view. “Where do you want me?”
“I’ll stabilize his head,” Darlene panted. “Sommer needs help lowering him.”
Shoshana rounded to the man’s feet, grabbed the spine board, and with another countdown, the three women lowered the patient safely into place.
Sommer stood and covered him with a blanket.
“Good timing,” Shoshana said.
“Welcome to the Emergency Department set to the overflow cycle.” Sommer reached out to give Shoshana a hug. “Perfect timing. Thank you.”
Darlene had her hands on her knees. “Whew.”
“Is this one of mine?” Shoshana asked, looking from the patient to the puddle of dried blood rehydrating with the pool of urine.
“He’s Darlene’s.” Sommer caught the woman’s eye. “Do you have this, or do you need more help? I have patients waiting.”
“No, go,” Darlene waved a scoot hand her way. “Thank you!”
“Come on, Shoshana, let me run down the report.”
Shoshana pulled the privacy curtain closed behind her.
“Good evening with the family?” Sommer asked as Shoshana took control of the supply cart.
“Excellent, thank you. I put a slice of triple chocolate cake in your locker.”
“I’ve been looking forward to it all night.”
Very quickly, Shoshana was brought up to speed, and the handoff was made.
