108
Separated Again
(Winona)
The stillness in the room is deafening, every second stretching out unbearably as I lean over Abby. She isn’t breathing but I can hear a slow, faint heartbeat in my ear as I press it to her chest.
“Call 911!” I cry out as I prepare to get some breaths into Abby. I’m too scared to try compressions as it may do more damage than help.
Phillip’s voice breaks through my fog of panic. I’m on it, calling them now!” His voice is laced with
urgency.
“Tell them she’s under Dr. Green at St. Michael’s hospital. She needs to
go
there.”
His words tumble out as he speaks. “Yes, it’s an emergency. My daughter, she’s… she’s not breathing and she just had heart surgery two months ago. We need an ambulance now!”
I hear him recounting details of the hospital and doctor. He tells them what I’m doing. I’m giving her gentle but regular breaths. Please let it help.
Anne talks now. “I’m calling Sheila Hobbs.”
As I continue the breaths, slowly puffing air into Abby’s lungs, Phillip kneels beside us, his face a mask of
i
fear and resolve. “They’re on their way,” he reassures, his hand finding a spot on my back, trying to offer comfort. “Just keep going. Winona. You’re doing exactly what she needs.”
Thank god for that
Anne ends her call, slipping the phone back into her pocket and moving closer to us. “Sheila’s on her way.
She’ll be here as fast as she can,”
My heart is racing, each beat echoing the terror I feel.
The sight of Abby so lifeless is unbearable, and I’m vaguely aware of the tears streaming down my face as I work to keep her alive. “Come on, Abby, please,” I whisper between breaths, my voice cracking
Phillip’s voice is soft but firm as he tries to soothe Abby, who remains frighteningly still. “Hey, kiddo, you’ve got to come back to us, okay? We’re all here waiting for you to wake up.”
The sound of sirens finally penetrates around me, a sound I’ve never been so relieved to hear.
Paramedics burst through the door, their presence a blur of motion as they took over, their professionalism giving me renewed hope.
The room transforms into a flurry of activity as they swiftly assess Abby’s condition. One of them, a seasoned professional with a calm demeanor, sets up an automatic ventilator, fitting it over Abby’s small face
The device hisses gently, rhythmically and her tiny chest matches with the rise and fall. “We’re assisting her breathing.” he explains to us, his voice steady despite the urgency of the situation. Mumma Bear.” He comes over and gives me a hug then goes back to attending Abby
You sure did well
Phillip hovers nearby, his hands clenched, watching every movement with intense focus. “Will she be okay?” His voice cracks slightly, the fear apparent despite his usual composure.
+25 BONUS
108 Separated Again
The lead paramedic, without breaking his stride, nods reassuringly at Phillip. “We’re doing everything we can right now. This will help her breathe until we can get her under more comprehensive care at the hospital.“.
He adjusts the settings on the ventilator, his eyes flicking to the monitors displaying Abby’s vital signs.
Her heartbeat is slow and weak.
His partner, a younger woman with quick, efficient movements, pulls out her phone to communicate with the hospital. I’m calling Dr. Green,” she announces, her tone professional as she steps aside for a moment of privacy. “I’m not sure how we can help her heartbeat get stronger, especially after the surgery.”
Overhearing bits of the conversation, I catch her saying, “Dr. Green, we have Abby Joseph here with a very faint heartbeat and breathing with assistance only. What are your recommendations for transport?”
I strain to hear more, but her voice lowers, the conversation with Dr. Green turning into a muffled. exchange that leaves me anxiously trying to pick up any piece of hopeful news.
She finishes the call and turns back to us, her expression slightly more relaxed. “Dr. Green is readying his team for her arrival. We need to move fast.”
As they prepare to transport Abby, the paramedics work with a well–oiled efficiency. They secure Abby onto the stretcher, the ventilator still attached, ensuring she receives continuous respiratory support.
They check her IV line and wrap her in a blanket, their actions deliberate and focused.
I’m shaking uncontrollably and I feel so cold.
The man comes and wraps a blanket around me. “You got this.”
I nod but I feel so far from having this.
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