No More Shackles
Timothy sat hunched over in a wheelchair at the entrance to the prison hospital. Wrapped in a white blanket, shivering, pale, and emaciated, the long-awaited day had finally arrived. He was going home. The state prison in Florence sits like an old fortress atop a hill in the middle of the Sonoran desert. Outside the city limits are miles and miles of sand, saguaro, and sun-baked reptiles. Not a hospitable environment for a would-be escapee….
Her Best Shift
Kari was my partner for the next 8 hours. My regular partner wasn’t able to work, so Kari filled in. We had a slow day—just two transports. That gave us time to talk. Kari told me about her life. She’s interested in archaeology and earned a Master’s degree then began working on her Ph.D. Near the end of the process, she ran into funding problems and never completed her doctorate. As a temporary way to…
Miracle at the Wound Care Clinic
One of the more common problems with being bed-confined is the prevalence of decubitus ulcers – more commonly known as “bed sores.” Just a short time spent in the same position puts pressure on tissues of the body. The pressure reduces blood flow. Reduced blood flow impedes the exchange of oxygen, nutrients and the removal of waste products. All these conditions will, if not reversed, result in the death of body tissue. The death of…
The Ortho Appointment
Vanessa sat on the gurney as the doctor examined her. He asked questions as he tested her ability to flex and extend her feet. Her tracheostomy made it difficult to hear the answers. Her words came out in a muffled whisper. It was easier to read her lips. She’d been brought to an orthopedic appointment by another crew that had been held past the end of their shift and they needed to go home. We were taking over…
The Waiting Room Miracle
Surrounded by others seeking relief from aches and pains, Patty sat in a wheelchair in the Emergency Department waiting room. We picked her up at a clinic, where she was evaluated for a possible head injury. She struck her head on a door and had blurred vision and a headache. We talked on the way to the hospital. She shared the following story: Patty had great plans as a young woman. She dreamed of working in…