Chris jumped into the captain’s seat and took over ventilation from Tina.   Chris set up the portable ventilator and then got out and jumped into the driver’s seat.  Bette climbed onto the crew bench to help Tina.

“How’s he doing T?

“He’s stable right now, but we need to get him into the OR and get this stump cleaned up and get some antibiotics into him.  The bleeding seems to be pretty well controlled with the tourniquet and pressure dressing, but I’d like to elevate it.  Can you help me with this long board?”

Bette helps Tina raise the foot end of the litter and elevate the injured leg.  She then checks the cardiac monitor, prints copies of the tracings and performs serial vital signs.  Tina checked the flow on the IV fluids.  Bette double checked the Auto-vent settings and oxygen supply.  They both checked to make sure Mark was secured to the litter.

Tina turned to the front of the rig and shouted,”OK Chris, let’s get moving.”

Bette and Tina continued to monitor Mark’s status during the transport to Community Medical Center.  He started to wake up during the ride, so Tina gave him some more sedatives to keep him comfortable.  The trip took about fifteen minutes.  When they arrived at the hospital, they went directly to the OR.  Tina briefed the orthopedic surgeon who was taking over on Mark’s case and he was taken in to the surgery suite.  Bette and Tina stood outside the OR and watched as the orthopedic surgeon started his procedure.

As they peered through the glass of the operating suite, Tina said, “You were great Babe, thanks.”

“I really didn’t do that much T.  You did all the work,” replies Bette.

Tina turned to Bette and placed her hands on Bette’s shoulders.  “Bette, you were amazing.  You just jumped in and took control of the scene.  You and Chris started to get everyone out of the building”

“T, you were right there with us,” interrupted Bette.

“Yes, but I was just following your lead, said Tina.”  She leaned and gently kissed Bette on the lips. “Your ability to take chaos and make it flow smoothly is what saved all of those people, including Mark.”

“Tina, you saved Mark,” said Bette.

“No Bette, I may have facilitated his extrication, but you saved him.  It was your knowledge and expertise in emergency medicine that made you catch the early signs of shock.  If you hadn’t called me in and nudged me into performing the amputation, he would have probably died on the scene.  No Babe that was all you.  You are truly amazing; you just continue to impress me.  You know Bette; you don’t have to keep doing that on my account.  I’m pretty much a sure thing as far as you are concerned,” snickered Tina.

“Really,” asks Bette as she places her hands on Tina’s hips and smiles.

“Yes Bette, your wish is my command,” says Tina.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” smirks Bette as she leans in to tenderly kiss Tina’s lips.  “T, I have to get back to work, remember I’m working my 24 hour shift and I still have seven hours left.

“Yeah, I remember.  OK I’ll see you later.  I’m going to check in on some of my patients while I’m here.  Call me later and let me know what you’d like for dinner,” says Tina.

“Why don’t you surprise me,” says Bette as she gives her one final kiss before she leaves.

Tina thinks to herself, “What can I do to surprise her and show her how fantastic she really is? Hmmm, I’ll have to do a little planning to make this just right.”  Tina goes on her way to see some patients before she starts planning Bette’s special night.

TBC