Parade - Alternate Ending

By

Jane Royce

"Roy, would you look at that?" Cried Johnny "We have to do something"

"Johnny, we are hardly dressed for the part nor do we have the right equipment" Roy declared.

"I know, but look, there isn't time, we have to get up there and check it out. What if there is someone up there who needs help??!"

"You're right partner, lets go, but be careful, we don't have what we need." Called Roy after his enthusiastic partner.

"I will Roy, I will, you be careful too" Johnny returned.

The pair made their way to the top of the building with what little they did have, which amounted to a single ladder. Once at the top, they both felt a little foolish as the crowd which began together jeered their uniforms and lack of modern equipment. They were after all, dressed for the parade in their period costumes of a era gone by. Still though, their lack of equipment did not hinder their desire to do their job.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Station 51, respond to structure fire at 145 Mulholland Drive, structure fire at 145 Mulholland Drive. Cross street Pike. Time out, 1405" Informed the impersonal dispatchers voice.

"10-4 county, station 51 responding. Time out, 1405. KMG 365" replied Captain Stanley who jotted down the instructions and handed a copy to the new crew replacing Gage and DeSoto while they represented the station at the parade.

"Lets go men" shouted Captain Stanley as he boarded his engine with Stoker at the wheel.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Roy, I can't go any further without my gear, it's too hot." Johnny observed.

"I agree junior, it's not going to do anyone any good if we get hurt too."

Shouts could be heard from below, the group chanted that the fire department had been called and was en route.

"Oh great, just great. If it's our crew, Captain is gonna have out hides for this" Johnny exclaimed.

"Sit tight partner, it won't be as bad as that I don't think. How could we not stop to help after all"

"I guess you're right, but now we need rescuing as well!" Moaned Johnny.

In the distance, the sound of sirens could be heard. The sound was welcomed, both Johnny and Roy knew they were poorly equipped to deal with this rescue.

The sound in the distance was quickly muted by the sound of cracking structure as both Johnny and Roy were sucked into the roof of the building with a loud splintering noise of cracking wood under stress. The pair did not have time to prepare for their fall but each caught a glimpse of one another as they descended into the darkness. Both prayed that they would live and both prayed that their injuries would not be too major.

Their prayers were not heard by anyone.

~~~~~~~~~~

Captain Stanley was accustomed to seeing a crowd at a fire location, but this crowd was ridiculous. Many members of the crowd were shouting and pointing to the top of the structure, and this made his stomach knot up. This was a clear sign that someone needed assistance and rescues, although part of the job routine, was needed. As usual, he had moments to determine the course of this fire and how to manage it. Right away he knew that another station was required and he called it in.

"LA County, this is Engine 51 at scene, we request another station. We need a ladder truck and a basket truck as well to this location. Also please send another squad and one ambulance."

"10-4 Engine 51"

Satisfied that his orders were being carried out by dispatch, Captain Stanley regrouped and considered the scene again.

"Sir, sir!" Shouted a bystander.

"Step back there sir, this is an emergency scene and more crews are en route." Instructed Captain Stanley to the agitated young man.

"I will sir, I will. I am worried about the other men on the roof, the funny looking men dressed as firemen, one minute they were on top of the roof and the next minute they were gone! It was the weirdest thing ever man, it's like they disappeared!"

"What men, what are you talking about?" Asked a nervous Captain, deep down he felt he knew what had happened but he hoped for a moment that his feeling was wrong.

"I am telling you man, two guys dressed like funny firemen climbed up the side of the building with their ladder and they haven't come down. Their funny looking truck is right over there man!" Pointed the young man enthusiastically.

Captain Stanley knew now that there was no denying it, his men did not make it to the parade, they stopped to help and got themselves involved in a fire. *I don't know if I should strangle them with my bare hands or recommend them for commendations for this* he thought, but worry quickly replaced all emotion as he realized one thing. The men were not equipped to deal with anything like this at all.

"Marco, Chet, Carson and Walters, it seems that Gage and De Soto got involved in this on their way to the parade. They got to the top of the roof says this bystander, so lets get the gear and get up there on the double!" Barked Captain Stanley to his crew and the replacement paramedics.

"Oh man, you've got to be kidding" moaned Chet.

"On the double Kelly" Shouted Cap. "Grab an inch and a half and extra tanks, they are not dressed for the role."

~~~~~~~~~~

Roy's first thought when he woke was that he must by lying on something soft. He was almost comfortable he thought, until he tried to move. Pain lanced through his chest and back at the slightest movement.

"Oooh, oh that hurts" Whispered Roy as he struggled to breathe amid panic. "J Johnny, where are you" he whispered, not thinking that his partner could hear him.

Suddenly the soft moss beneath him began to move, intensifying his pain and bringing about a gasp of shock and indescribable pain.

"Roy, Roy, get off me man, I c can't breathe properly" rasped Johnny as he struggled to make himself more aware - but was aware enough to know that Roy was lying across his chest.

"Pl please Roy, get off, I c can't breathe!"

Panic rose in Roy's throat, he needed to move but feared a back injury in himself and knew that he couldn't move.

"Joh Johnny, please don't move. I've hurt my back and can't move. Please I am so sorry, please do not move, the pain!" whimpered Roy.

If he wasn't fully awake earlier, Johnny felt himself come to a greater awareness now. His friend was in trouble, he was in trouble and they both needed help right now.

"O OK Roy, don't worry. You aren't so heavy, I'll be fine. Let me try to check you out though, damn I wish I had some supplies." Johnny suggested.

Johnny tried in vain to lift his arms, but pain raced through him that took his breath away. He could not move his arms and for the first time, he realized that he did not escape the fall without injury as well. Johnny stifled a gasp from his partner, but it did not go unnoticed.

"Johnny, what's wrong?" Asked Roy.

"It's OK partner, my arms hurt at the elbows, but it's OK. I think I am gonna hold off on examining you for a bit though if that's OK with you" Johnny rasped. His voice betraying his pain level.

"Oh god Johnny, I am sorry I can't move. We need to get out of here, I hope someone called this in."

"They did already, I remember that was the last thing that the crowd was shouting at us . Help is on the way, we just have to relax and wait for them" Whispered Johnny, aware that he was unable to keep conscious any longer, especially with the rising smoke that now surrounded their area. He knew that with his partner on top of him a cough from smoke inhalation could kill him if he had a spinal injury. Unconsciousness would be a blessing for him if it meant saving his partner.

"Johnny, Johnny! Please don't fall asleep, you gotta stay with me partner!" Rasped Roy as he felt Johnny's breathing diminish and dialogue stop.

It was too late, Johnny was pulled into the darkness of a unnatural dream-state. Roy grasped Johnny's arm in a pinch to arouse him, with no success.

"Oh god, what have I done, I have to help him" cried Roy as he again struggled to get up, but the pain was so severe that it rendered him unconscious as well.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Cap this is HT 51, we are at the top of the roof and see where the roof collapsed. Gage and De Soto must have fallen in here. It's too dark and smoke is rising. I do not see any flames but we need a pair of stokes up here." Relayed Carson to an anxious Captain.

"10-4 HT 51, we will send them up now with some extra hands." Replied Captain Stanley from below.

"Man Walters, this is one helluva fall, I hope their landing was not too far down" Observed Carson as he readied himself to go down his rope.

Together the pair of paramedics worked to get ready to descend into the collapsed area of the roof. The 'extra pairs of hands' could not arrive fast enough.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Leave it to Gage to find himself in this kind of situation" groused Chet as he and Marco made their way to the top of the building.

Marco could only scowl at Chet's remark, he did not feel it was appropriate at this time. The pair made the rest of their journey in silence.

"Glad you're here guys" called Carson, "help us tie off our lines to we can descend, I have no idea how long they've been down there."

The men worked quickly to tie off the lines and offer line support. Carson was in a hurry to get down there but knew that to add more victims was not smart.

After a few more moments, both men were ready to go and began to slowly feed out their lines. Chet and Marco were at the ready as well.

The initial part of the decent was smooth, with the day's sunlight allowing good visibility, this quickly changed however as the path stole the light and smoke made visibility difficult. The pair has descended about 50 feet when they hit bottom, and they gasped when their eyes adjusted tot he lack of light. Their victims looked too still to be alive, and Roy was covering Johnny.

The men worked quickly to get out of their lines and gear and began their assessments. Roy would have to be moved to get to Johnny, but neither Carson or Walters liked the angle that Roy was in, but they liked the position of Johnny less.

"Carson, lets take a look at Roy and move him off Johnny, they must have not regained consciousness since the fall because I can't see Roy staying on Johnny like this." Walters observed.

"Roy, Roy! Can you hear me?" Walters asked.

"uuhn, oh god, don't move me don't move me!" cried Roy as his world began to swim into focus. "I think I have a spinal injury, do not move me until you have me stabilized, please"

"Roy Roy, we wont' move you, we will get you stabilized as fast as possible and get you out of here. We have to get you off Johnny, we can't assess him properly from this point of view." Carson said.

"I know, he's in bad shape he complained that he was having difficulty breathing before he went out.God, please let him be all right, it's my fault that he's in such rough shape!" wailed Roy.

"Listen to me Roy, you both fell and the fall likely did the damage, we just need to get you off him so we can take a closer look. Don't beat yourself up over this, lets just get you both out of here."

"K OK, hurry." Roy whispered.

The paramedics moved quickly to get Roy stabilized and into the stokes on a backboard. Roy was in considerable pain and this took some time to keep the pain levels tolerable. Once secured though, Roy had to admit that he felt more confident and comfortable. With Roy safely in the stokes and on his way up to the waiting hands of Marco and Chet, the pair could focus their attention on Johnny.

"OK Johnny, it's your turn. Can you hear me?" Carson asked the unconscious paramedic. Johnny did not answer.

Palpation was the only way to observe Johnny's injuries in the dark space, and neither was surprised to find that Johnny had many broken ribs and a head injury. Roy had been spared the head injury, likely thanks to his landing across Johnny, but Johnny unfortunately was not so lucky.

"Johnny, hey Johnny, can you hear me?" Carson asked again.

"R Roy, ROY! Johnny attempted to bolt upright but was met with the strong hands of Carson and Walters. The stunned paramedic was gasping for breath and each inspiration was ragged and wet sounding. With a deep and angry cough, Johnny vomited blood.

"Lets move him out now!" Walters shouted to his partner, "keep him on his side and get him up to the roof, we have to get him to Rampart now."

The men moved quickly to get Johnny on his side and stabilized with straps to the stokes. Time was important and they both knew it. As quickly as was possibly safe, the men were all hoisted to the roof and awaited assistance to get to the ground to begin treatment. After what seemed like hours, but was really only minutes, they were all safely on the ground. Chet was clearly pale and shaken to see his friends in such rough shape.

"Oh man, they are in bad shape, I can't believe I was such an ass earlier with my stupid comments." Said Chet to no one in particular. Marco responded in silence with a supportive hand on his friends shoulder.

"Lets let Carson and Walters get to work here, we have a fire to put out." Pointed out Marco.

~~~~~~~~~~

Once in the daylight, it was easier to assess the injuries of the two fallen paramedics. No comment could be made about their attire as the feeling that permeated the scene was one of pride for the fearless men who did their job regardless of their own safety. It was the stuff that all fire fighters were made of and one which may have cost these two, their lives.

Carson was working on Johnny, who's injuries upon closer examination were grave. Johnny's entire chest was covered in massive bruises and his breathing was irregular and ragged. It was clear to all that he had punctured a lung with a broken rib.

Walters was stunned to reveal Roy's massive bruised chest as well and his back definitely incurred an injury, he could feel the protruding vertebra with his fingers. He shuddered at the knowledge that this could be a career or life ending injury.

"Rampart, this is squad 51, do you read?" Carson asked.

"Squad 51 this is Rampart, we read you loud and clear." Answered Dr. Brackett.

"Rampart, we have to injured paramedics who responded to a fire out-of uniform. Both appear to have fallen approximately 50 feet through a collapsed ceiling structure. Victim 1 landed on top of victim 2.." Carson continued.

"Victim 1 is Roy De Soto, he has massive bruising across his chest and is semiconscious. He made us aware of a potential spinal injury at the scene and vertebral palpation is positive for displaced vertebra. He is responsive to pain. He has no evidence of head injury, he is suffering from mild smoke inhalation. He is secured to a back board with full spinal precautions. We have him on 4 litres of oxygen. Sensory exam has not been carried out yet, please stand by for vitals.

"Victim 2 is John Gage. He was found beneath victim 1 and was unconscious when found. He was raised to a semiconscious state and vomited approximately 200 cc's of frank blood. His chest is extensively bruised with obvious rib fractures. His breathing is labored, he is dusky in color and is sweating profusely.Stand by for vital signs."

"Squad 51, get the vitals as soon as possible and prepare to begin IV's on both victims. I want them transported as soon as possible and full spinal precautions maintained.." Stated an anxious Dr. Brackett. He hated it when one of his men were injured.

"10-4 Rampart, vitals are ready. On victim 1, BP is 140/100, respiration are 15 and labored, pulse is 120. On victim 2, BP is 90/40, respiration are 6 and labored, pulse is 90." Carson stated.

"Victim 1 has responded positively to painful stimuli in his lower and upper extremities Rampart." Carson announced happily as he witness his partner stick his nametag pin into Roy's feet and hands, this was a good sign.

"10-4 squad 51, start IV's left wide open on victim 2, ringers lactate on both. On victim 1, just to keep vein open. Maintain 4 litres of oxygen on both but watch victim 2 for further episodes of vomiting. Transport as soon as possible. What is your ETA?" Asked Dr. Brackett.

"ETA is approximately 15 minutes Rampart" Carson reported, pleased with the knowledge that Roy was close to the critical care he needed for his spinal injury and knowing that Johnny could crash at any moment if further blood loss occurred, and was also close to better treatment.

The two paramedics went into the ambulances with their patients and headed to Rampart with lights and sirens blaring. Time was ticking and it was Roy's golden hour to get treatment for his spinal injury.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Dix, I need treatment two and three setup. I need orthopedics and neurology here for Roy, he may need to go to the OR. I need X-ray on standby for both of the guys and bloods need to be drawn for the full series and type and cross-match for both in case they need to go to the OR. Get Joe down here too, we need more hands." Recited Dr. Brackett.

"Will do Kel, it's a bad one thins time, isn't it." Dixie stated, rather than asked. Deep down, she knew the answer already. She quickly hurried off to take care of what was needed.

~~~~~~~~~~

A loud crash of the doors and shouting voices heralded the arrival of both Johnny and Roy. They had made good time and this was all critical for both men.

"Treatment room two for Roy, three for Johnny." Brackett ordered.

Carson and Walters deposited their charges into the skilled hands of Dr. Early and Dr. Brackett and finally allowed themselves to take a few deep breathes. Calls like this one got their adrenaline pumping but when it was treating their own, they tended to second guess themselves until the doctors took over. There were just too many variables to think about and this created too much stress. Both felt the drain of adrenaline at the same time and sank into the chairs in the doctors lounge as they quietly awaited word of their comrades.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Dix, this is a mess" stated Dr. Brackett as he looked over Johnny's chest x-rays. "He has massive bleeding from punctures lungs, broken ribs and I do not like the look of his aorta, he has to get to the OR STAT, these are not good at all."

"Call the OR and get thoracic up there. I will scrub in and assist" Dr. Brackett barked.

Dixie grabbed the phone and hurriedly informed the OR staff of their new arrival and set to help Dr. Brackett ready Johnny for his surgery. *He looks so pale and frail* she thought to herself. She did not want to consider the possibility that this may be Johnny's final injury, he was so young and vital!

~~~~~~~~~~

"Carol, we have to get Roy to the OR right away. This spinal injury can be treated but it's his chest that concerns me. The chest films reveal a slow bleeder that has to be tied off. Lets get him up there now and have ortho meet us there." Dr. Early explained.

"Yes doctor, I will call the OR now." Replied Carol.

"Thanks Carol."

~~~~~~~~~~

The operating room staff was superb and at the ready for both of their new patients. Some of the staff was familiar with Johnny and Roy and wanted to be at their best for them. It was hard on the staff when they had to treat member of the service community but they worked as professionals to get the job done.

Johnny was the first to go in, and had briefly regained consciousness to ask about Roy. He was assured that Roy was in good hands and that he too would be in the best hands on the thoracic team. It was doubtful that Johnny would remember that brief dialogue.

Surgery progressed with Johnny, slowly. With the opening of his chest, it was observed that there was massive bleeding from his lungs and his aorta had been slightly lacerated. All could be repaired but his blood loss left him weak and unable to resist infection. Prophylactic antibiotics had been ordered and he swiftly transferred to the intensive care unit for recovery.

Roy's surgery was technically more difficult as his chest did reveal a small bleeder that was quickly tied off. It was his spine that posed a threat to the progress of all procedures. Upon investigation, it was noted that he had a severely dislocated vertebra which was reduced with the help of a traction apparatus. He would need to be in traction for five days to allow for proper healing. Roy was transferred to the orthopedic floor for monitoring where his wife Joanne waited anxiously for him.

~~~~~~~~~~

Five days later, Roy was removed from the traction and encouraged to begin some physiotherapy designed to get him to sit up. A special back brace for support was created and his first desire was to go and see Johnny.

"I am going up there, and that is final!" bellowed Roy as his agitation grew.

"That is enough from you Roy, do not yell at me. I am worried about him too, five days is too long for him to not have waken up, but it is not enough time for you to have healed properly either!" Answered Joanne with conviction.

"Honey, I am sorry. I am just so frustrated! You have no idea what it was like, I am responsible for Johnny being in the condition that he is in. I weight more than he does and I landed right on top of him. When we came to, I was in too much pain to move myself, I smothered him!" Cried Roy. His voice giving away emotion he wasn't ready to face.

"Enough of that Mr. De Soto, I will not allow that kind of talk in my hospital" bellowed Dixie, who responded as soon as she heard Roy raise his voice in the hallway. As per her usual routine of late, she visited both her favorite men on her breaks. She knew this was coming as soon as she learned from Carson and Walters how the two were found.

"Roy, you are not responsible, the roof collapsed and you both fell at the same time. You could not possibly have changed any one thing that happened that day. I do not think that Johnny would want it any other way either. You have to get past this Roy, you need to heal and you need to help Johnny heal." Dixie continued.

"Have you been up to see him yet? I think it will do him a world of good for him to hear your voice." Dix suggested.

"So he is still in a coma then I assume" stated Roy flatly.

"Yes he is. He has battled the infection in his lungs and his healing has been difficult, but you know your partner, he is a fighter and he would want to know that you are all right. Lets go up and tell him, shall we?"

"OK Dix, you win. I want to see him, I am just afraid to face him." Roy whispered.

"I can understand that Roy, but you two have to heal together, and this is the first step."

With that, Dixie offered a wheelchair to Roy and a hug to Joanne, who witnessed the softening of her husband by this wonderful insightful nurse. *No one in the world is like Dixie* Joanne thought to herself.

~~~~~~~~~~

The machines were all things that Roy was familiar with but what made them feel intimidating was the fact that they were hooked up to his friend.....and that he may be responsible for all of this. Roy struggled to hold back the tears of frustration and sadness that threatened to overtake him.

"Joh Johnny....I am so sorry" sobbed Roy. "I am responsible for all of this and I can't stand that I may have hurt you this way."

Roy could not find the words to continue so he resigned himself to just sit quietly for a few moments beside his friend.

He was not prepared for the gentle touch of his hand by Johnny and questioned whether it happened or not, until he saw it happen again. He excitedly rang the nurses call bell.

"Johnny, can you hear me partner? Can you hear me? You are going to be all right now. You had major surgery but came through with flying colors, you are gonna be just fine!" enthused Roy.

The activity in Johnny's room increased ten fold as Dr. Brackett ran into the room followed by three nurses. "What's happened Roy, are you all right?" Dr. Brackett asked.

"It's not me doc, it's Johnny, he's coming awake now he touched my hand, twice!" Roy excitedly relayed.

Roy was pulled from the room to give the doctor more room to work and to let the nurses in to check their patient. He anxiously awaited news outside of Johnny's room and was soon greeted by the smiling face of Dr. Brackett.

"You two never cease to amaze me. You are like twins, when one is hurt the other tunes in. He's going to be fine Roy, he is coming out of it and is beginning to respond. If all goes well, he will be out of this unit in a couple of days and into a regular room. He's shown us again just what he's made of!"

"This is great doc, just great" laughed Roy as he beamed with pride at the knowledge that finally, he was able to do something for his partner. "I am going to call the guys and let them know!"

~~~~~~~~~~

Three days later found Johnny safely ensconced in the bed next to Roy's in the hospital. Roy was well on the road to recovery and was enjoying success with his physiotherapy. Johnny was getting stronger with each passing day and was responding well to rest and encouragement from the litany of pretty nurses who came by to offer their support.

"Roy, there is something I want to talk to you about" began Johnny during a quiet time of the day "the accident, the accident was not your fault, nor was it your fault that you ended on top of me. In fact, I would not have wanted it any other way. You have a family who needs you and you have so much to do in your life yet" stated Johnny.

"Johnny, so do you, you are a part of my family and a part of the family at the station. I smothered you Johnny, this is something I will have to deal with. If something had happened to you in the OR......I could not ever forgive myself. I was hurt and knew it, but you were so much worse. I felt so helpless and selfish." Roy whispered.

"OK, but it's over now. We are both lucky to have made it, and are both going to heal well and get back to work. Lets put this behind you and walk forward, together." Johnny planned.

"Johnny, if I do not say it enough, you are my best friend, partner, and brother." Roy choked.

"And I feel the same about you Roy, brother......but as a brother, the next time I find myself getting into trouble, pull me back huh?" Johnny smiled.

"You bet partner, you bet!" Laughed Roy.

The healing began.

The End