Timing

"Can you put in a call to The Holy Hospital please Louise. Thanks"

Stickler* and I had got the patient into the ambulance, it wasn't an easy task. On arrival she had shown signs of a C.V.A. (stroke). She wasn't very responsive, had a sudden onset of weakness before collapsing at home and as she was coming round attempts at speech and movement were significantly impaired.

Even though she appeared to be starting to recover (possibly a signal of a 'mini stroke' or TIA) it was important she was seen quickly.

I was driver for the shift so climbed into position and called control on the radio to relay the message to the hospital (we usually did this direct but the hospital's radio system had been unreliable).

I slotted the key into the ignition and turned it.

'THUNK'

This noise wasn't accompanied by any encouraging sounds from the engine. I tried again.

'THUNK'

The vehicle we were on had been having episodes like this for a while, it had been reported but the mechanics couldn't find anything physically wrong so it had been returned for the crews to face the same problem again.

"Right, you get one more try before I start muttering expletives at you."

'THUNK'

I notice the family are in their car behind the motor ready to go and wondering why I'm not moving.

We have to make a decision...............

"Stickler*............. this motor is at it again, I'm going to request an emergency assist to take the patient in."

The vehicle had been known to wait a good half an hour before deciding it would start properly and we couldn't chance the patient deteriorating as quickly as she appeared to be recovering. I made the call.

"Concrete Jungle 2 to Control"
"Go ahead CJ 2"
"We require an emergency assist to take over transport of this patient. Our vehicle is refusing to start"
"Understood CJ 2, we are currently very busy and have crew from 'Station-in-the-middle-of-nowhere-that-gets-one-job-per-shift' just about to clear at The Holy Hospital, so will get them to you."
"Thank you, control, could you also arrange vehicle breakdown pick up?"
"Roger, will organise once the crew is dispatched to you"
"Thank you, Over and Out"

I climb out and explain to the family what is happening, reassuring them all the time that the patient is doing well and is stable but another crew is on route. I apologise for the delay and fuss being caused by our vehicle.

"How are going to get 0ut though?" A observant member of the group has spotted that we had to park blocking a majority of the entrance to the cul-de-sac.

"I'm afraid we have recovery coming for us as well. I may be able to use the incline to roll back slightly and give you a gap but can't promise I can make it big enough. Sorry"

15 minutes pass and the crew arrive, looking a bit put out at the prospect of 2 jobs within the first 3 hours of their night shift. I explain the situation and the patients stable condition but that the hospital are expecting her as she was significantly worse on our arrival.

We worked together to transfer her between the vehicles and settled her again with the new crew.

As they left we contacted control to let them know our situation.

"I'll give it one more go, if it starts now I'll scream"

Key in, turn ignition......................................

The engine bursts into life, turning over as if it had never had its little tantrum

"AAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH"

Stickler takes the sensible option and informs control that rescue is no longer required as the vehicle has made a miraculous recovery

"Roger that CJ2, I have an emergency for you are you clear to attend"
"Yes"

The screen blinks into blue and white life again along with the high pitched shrill alarm.

The job would have been a lot less embarressing had we not passed the crew who rescued us on the way in to the hospital.

If looks could kill, I wouldn't be writing this!