Page 49 of Hearts on Fire

Naomi didn't know what to say any after hearing that formal greeting, and she didn't know what to expect, so she was glad that Scotti went straight to the point with what she had to say.

“Don't bother going to the office. There's a fire at St. Mike's. The trucks are on their way there, but the EMS truck will be coming by your street and pick you up in five, if you're ready.”

There wasn't much thinking to do. Scotti's call was work-related, and Naomi got focused. “Honk when you're at my place. I’ll be ready.”

15

Scotti

Although they arrived at the scene of the fire as quickly as they could, the fire's damage had already spread. From information gathered, the people had assumed they could put out the fire in the beginning. This had been entirely unsuccessful as the fire had grown rapidly. Most of the people had gotten out but there was an injured person trapped upstairs and the entrance was blocked by the fire.

Scotti set up a stationary hose that would continue to spray water at the door while another firefighter setup the ladder platform that would take some firefighters up the roof where they could fight the fire from above.

They needed Naomi to enter the building and stabilise a casualty. Scotti wasn’t at all happy about it, but it was about saving lives and that was what they were both there for.

It was one of things that made Naomi stand out in her medical profession. They had trained Naomi in the use of breathing apparatus and basic firefighting at the fire station. She knew how to maneuver and adjust more than the average emergency medical specialist.

So, not only was she a world class research doctor and cardio-thoracic surgeon, she was also fast becoming an exceptional field medic.

Scotti watched as Naomi donned fire gear and breathing apparatus as though it was something she did every day.

That was the thing about Naomi. She calmly and capably took on any challenge in front of her. Scotti had worked with many doctors in her time and didn’t know any others who would happily take on the challenges Naomi had.

“I’ll lead Doctor Crane in to the casualty,” Scotti offered and her team knew better than to challenge her decision.

Naomi’s bright green eyes met hers momentarily as she put her mask on and started breathing through it.

“OK, I’m ready,” she nodded.

The ladder platform team got Scotti and Naomi an entrance point in via the attic- it was the most direct route to the casualty. Naomi landed in the cleared attic behind Scotti, her medical kit clanking by her side.

“Come with me!” Scotti told Naomi as soon as she landed behind her. Naomi followed as Scotti carefully navigated a path in the building. It was hard to tell which room they walked into because the fire's soot and smoke had clouded everywhere.

They reached the casualty finally. An unconscious man on the floor in the smoke.

Scotti took to her radio as Naomi began examining and working on the man.

“We are with the casualty. White male. 50s. Unconscious. He is trapped under some metalwork.”

“His breathing is shallow.” Naomi pointed out to her. “He won’t make it out alive without treatment. It looks like a hemothorax. I’m going to need insert a chest tube between his ribs to drain it which will hopefully stabilise him and then you can cut him free. Ok?”

Scotti nodded. “Got it.” Scotti watched Naomi work with the scalpel cutting through his skin and intercostal muscles and then inserting a tube. She was calm and confident in her work and it was a beautiful thing to watch.

Oh how she wished everything had ended differently. Or more accurately, not ended at all.

“Doctor Crane is inserting a chest tube to stabilise the patient and then I am going to cut him free.” Scotti radioed back to the Captain.

“OK, great. Pulse has improved, breathing is much better. He is stable. Go for it with your cutting.” Naomi rocked back onto her heels and gestured for Scotti to get involved.

Scotti already had her tools ready and wasted no time in cutting him free.

They strapped him to the spinal board they had brought in with them ready to get him moved. It was all going so smoothly. The smoke was clearing greatly.

Scotti smiled at Naomi and Naomi met her with a smile more genuine than anything Scotti had seen from her since the break up. Even though a mask, Scotti could see the light in her eyes.

“We make a good team.” Naomi said. “Well done. That was impressive.” Was Scotti imagining things or was Naomi looking almost flirtatious behind her mask.

“You are the impressive one. You are so smooth and so skilled in your work. It is an honor to watch you. This guy is lucky to have you in his corner today.”

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