Free Rescue Heat by Nina Hamilton Page A

brief her.
    “A forty-three year old man with possible crush injuries from a tractor roll. Local rescue still stabilising the scene, so we’re waiting to get obs.”
    Brigid maintained a fast pace towards the group of about twenty people clustered around a turned over tractor. A scatter of vehicles and multiple uniform types told her that the police, ambulance service and SES were in attendance.
    Brigid’s uniform had the word ‘doctor’ emblazoned across her chest and back. As the doctor in charge of patient evacuation, she was the senior medical officer. However, when those evacuations and extractions were difficult and potentially dangerous, it was Matt’s job to co-ordinate with the various agencies. As it was his first time on such a scene, Brigid was concerned about how he would cope.
    Brigid could see a large yellow tractor upturned awkwardly. From her position on the road, she couldn’t see the man who was trapped.
    Matt quickly put the medical equipment on the ground next to two police officers. “Matt and Brigid, rescue. What’s being done to stabilise the tractor so we can get some obs?”
    Brigid could see a quick exchange of glances between the two local policemen that told her they had noted Matt’s strong American accent but his air of command must have been convincing enough to overcome any doubts.
    “We’ve got chains attached to the tractor. But because of the way it rolled and the boggy ditch it rolled into, we can’t guarantee it won’t roll again,” the senior constable replied with respect.
    “What can we do to stabilise it?” Matt asked.
    “We’ve called a local property to get them to bring some heavy moving equipment but they’re still twenty minutes away.”
    Brigid was listening as the officer conferred with Matt. At the same time, Chris and Dave arrived, laden with extra equipment.
    Brigid immediately crouched down and pulled on her hard hat. Realistically, the protection it would provide in the situation was minimal but she was happy to comply with protocol when it didn’t compromise the wellbeing of her patient.
    Brigid’s quick hands prepared the IV and cannula and she scooted around to get her first look at her patient. She felt, rather than heard, Matt come up behind her.
    “We need to get an IV and monitor on him immediately,” she said, as she finished preparing the equipment.
    “You can talk to the patient from out here, but don’t even think about going under that tractor until we manage to stabilise it further,” said Matt, with a flat note of finality in his voice.
    Brigid couldn’t believe his message. Aware of interested ears, she kept her voice low and urgent.
    “Matt look at the way he’s pinned,” she said. “If we don’t get some fluids into him quickly, he might not be here to see the equipment arrive.”
    “If treating him requires you crawling completely under five tonnes of unstable metal, I just can’t let you do it,” Matt said, quietly and firmly.
    Brigid was furious. Very few people were game to question her authority, especially when it came to patient care. The much more relaxed Todd, while professional, had been more inclined to abide by her judgement.
    “I’ll give you ten minutes but then I’ll need to begin treatment,” Brigid said, tensely.
    Matt lowered his head near to her ear to ensure not even those closest to them could hear. “You so much as put your arm under that tractor and I will have you on report.”
    Matt turned on his heel and raised his voice, getting the attention of the personnel who surrounded them.
    “Anyone who is not doing a specific task, I want you at least three metres clear of the tractor. If it moves again, I really don’t want to be dealing with more patients.”
    Most of the emergency service personnel moved with a speed that surprised Brigid. They might have slightly discontented looks upon their faces, but the fact they did not openly rebel was a strong testament to Matt’s authoritative air.
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