“Good afternoon, everyone. I know everyone has been busy, and I am glad that you have allotted some of your time for this meeting. As you can observe, we lack in numbers.” Mr. Jobs, the Hospital Head Administrator, said in a little gloomy tone.
“We used to have great doctors, but we now have a few. Unfortunately, Dr. Carlton just added to the list. We found out that he moved out of the town with his family this morning.” He continued.
Joseph was stunned by the news. He couldn’t believe that they spoke early today, but couldn’t be honest with him. He understands that Dr. Carlton wants to save his family’s life, but he felt betrayed. Joseph dropped the idea shortly before it consumed him. He shifts his focus to the meeting as Mr. Jobs discusses the new responsibilities, terms, and contracts to the Doctors. They had to make some amendments and extra security for their safety.
“We all have priorities in life and families to protect. Everyone has been working at their best in this hospital, and I salute all of you for staying up to this point. Let’s keep on working together as a team, and support one another. In the end, we only have ourselves to count on. Our patients need us, and the institution needs each of you. Let’s stand for what we believe is right.” He knows that Doctors are very much aware of their duties and that he just needed to remind them. More than anything, they need emotional support.
Dr. Steve is a General Doctor and Anesthesiologist. One of the few people that Joseph treats as his best friends because they have the same work ethics and beliefs. He is tall with fair complexion. His almond-shaped black eyes match his blonde hair. He has a slightly curved lip that goes along with his pointed nose and an oval-shaped face. Dr. Steve began working at Southcrest Community Hospital when he was twenty-eight years old. Three years after his service, he has been a notable doctor. He went to the cafeteria to grab his lunch as Mrs. Daniels, one of the remaining canteen servers, greeted him with a huge smile.
“Good afternoon, Doctor Steve.” Mrs. Daniels said.
“Hi Mrs. Daniels, what do we have for lunch?” Dr. Steve asked plainly.
“Well, we have Salad, Roasted Turkey, Beef Stew, Potatoes, Eggs and some not-so-good news.” Dr. Steve looked curious and surprised as if it was the first time he heard that there’s some bad news.
“What’s on the news?” Dr. Steve while he gets a tray, plate, spoon, and fork.
“I’ve heard on the TV that the riot is getting worst, and the rebels are slowly making their way closer to our town. They’ve been burning down properties, taking and killing people for food.” Mrs. Daniels said while serving Dr. Steve’s plate.
“Nothing’s new.” Dr. Steve can do was a deep sigh.
He might not have a family to save, but he worries about innocent people and his country. Steve’s parents died in a car accident, and his older brother committed suicide after three months of their parent’s fortune. Dr. Steve gained a brother in Joseph since he began serving at the hospital.
Joseph seats in his clinic while doing paper works, and checking the records of his patients. He had no appetite and only had coffee and banana muffin to fill in his stomach. After sipping his coffee, he heard his name being page throughout the hospital.
“Paging Dr. Joseph Brave’s attention, please come to the ER right now. I repeat, calling Dr. Joseph Brave. Please go to the Emergency Room Right now. Thank you.”
Without hesitation, Joseph hurried directly to the ER. He has no idea what is it right now, but he’s been doing it half of his life. He’s used to those types of situations, but he suddenly remembered his family. Joseph hasn’t heard updates from Maxine, yet. What if it’s them? What if they didn’t make it to the farm? His were full of uncertainties, but he calmed himself as he tried to focus on the present. From his clinic on the 4th floor of the hospital building, he ran downstairs fast as he can until he finally reached the ER.
“What’s the status?” Joseph said as he approached the nurse.
“Dr. Brave, a mother, and a kid with gunshots. The mother has two gunshots on her abdomen, while the kid has one on the right hip.” The nurse said.
A mother and a kid, Maxine. My boys. He was looking for signs, but bloody sheets covered the patients.
“How’s their vitals?” Joseph managed to ask the nurse.
“Both vitals are unstable.” Nurse answered.
Just after a few minutes, another patient brought into the Emergency Room.
“We’ve got another critical patient. A man with three gunshots with very unstable vitals. One at the head and two at the chest.” The nurse shouted.
Dr. Tommy Ames attended the new patient. They immediately put it oxygen, and fluids while other nurses stop the bleeding.
“The bullet is too close to his heart. We have to remove it now, or he could die.” Dr. Ames announced. However, the cardiac monitor showed a straight line followed by a flatline beep. Dr. Ames immediately performed CPR and Defibrillation to send electric shocks to the patient’s heart.
Joseph, on the other hand, checked on the mother and the kid. He hoped that it’s not any of his family. As he removed the bloody sheets, he was grateful that it’s not Maxine nor his sons. However, Joseph felt terrible about the little girl and his mother that are full of blood.
“Monitor their vitals. Stop the bleeding, and we have to operate them both.” Joseph said to the other doctors and nurse.
“But doctor, we only have you as the remaining surgeon. Dr. Ames is still attending the other patient. We can’t operate all of them at the same time.” The nurse said. Joseph looked at Dr. Ames who’s performing CPR to the man. He knew he had to make a choice. After a few seconds, the mother showed cardiac failure.
“Hold the girl’s condition the best that you can do. Maintain her vitals, request for x-ray, and other lab tests.” Joseph requested the nurses.
Both Dr. Ames and Joseph are doing chest compressions to their patients trying to save their lives. However, the poor man died, then the mother followed. Both doctors couldn’t do anything because the patients were not responding to shockwaves anymore.
“Time and Date of Death,13:36, April 11, 2014. Cardiac Arrest due to complications.” Joseph and Dr. Ames announced with heavy hearts to their attending nurse. Joseph looked at the kid, whose vitals were still unstable. The battle is not yet over.
“Dr. Brave, according to the records it’s a five-year-old girl, and you know that we don’t specialize in that type. It’s a different matter.” Dr. Ames said.
“It’s a pediatric trauma. I’m afraid we are far capable of performing such operation.” Dr. Steve added.
“So you’re saying that we wait until the kid is dead? She just lost his mother for God’s sake!” Joseph also doubts to do the operation, but it’s the only option they have.
“Doctor Ames, Doctor Brave. Upon checking the records, the man who just died is the father of the kid. Jay also confirmed that they were all together when the riot happened. They had to be apart because they didn’t fit the ambulance.” A nurse said as she approached the debating doctors.
“Don’t let your feelings overpower you. It’s a huge sacrifice, or can only complicate things.” Dr. Ames reacted. For once, Joseph has thought of the Pedia surgeons who left the town. If only they stayed, things might have been more controlled.
“I will do the surgery, and I will save that poor girl’s life. That’s what we do as doctors.” Joseph said with dignity. He has no idea where he gets his will to be a hero, but he knows that the girl needs him.