802’s

Ok, I sorta got my wish. I ended up riding around not in an ambulance but w/an RC. RC stands for Rescue Captain. Basically, he is a Paramedic supervsior. He was also my instructor for my EMT cert.

Nothing gruesome but my first two calls of the day were 802’s. (Dead on arrival) The first was sad as an 11 year old boy woke up to find his mother had passed away during the night. Truly impactful event for an 11 year old boy wouldn’t you say? The parents were estranged from each other so we had to stand by till the father could come onscene. The boy handled it like a trooper and his giant tomcat seemed to be a huge comfort (that was for you Homer). Having already been predisposed to such tragedies on a daily basis from my current job, I was saddened but very in control. Lets face it, people die everyday. I can think of no better way to go than peacefully in your sleep in your own home.

A couple hours go by and we get another call. A typical man down/3rd party scenario. A “concerned citizen” sees someone and calls 911. In this scenario it was a 915 (aka homeless person) who had passed away. We get these calls every day. Said concerned citizen feels guilty for not taking the time to check on a fellow human all because he happens to be dirty, smelly, and homeless. So they call us to check on him. Nine times out of ten, it’s just a guy or two sleeping off his night of drinking. This guy was found face down in a parking lot w/what few belongings he owned around him. He had some minor lacerations to face/body apparently from sliding over during the night. And he was also completely dead. It was apparent from details I will not disclose his death was caused by an internal bleed. Upon arrival the Medic unit and PD were already onscene. As the RC is the highest ranking officer on scene, decisions are confirmed w/him out of protocol. I only mention it because said person had no ID, no family to notify, no friends to mourn his loss, etc.

While still in control of myself, I was deeply disturbed by the futility of his death. In the first scenario, the person was obviously a wife, a mother, a sister, a friend, etc. She had a home filled w/fond memories of those around her. Plenty would mourn and remember her. Her son while traumatized, still had family and friends to support him thru his loss. What about the homeless guy? Who would remember him? Who would mourn him? Where was his family? Was he any less deserving because he happened to be downtrodden? Why could he not seek medical aid for his obvious injuries? Or worse, had he and been turned away? All of these questions roamed thru my head as I’m helping cover and protect his now cold lifeless body while waiting for the coroner. Here was a man found dead and no one really cared. I was humbled and shamed by the reality of the situation. I was comforted in my belief that he is no longer trapped in ‘this mortal coil’. He is free from the tragic reality of his day to day life.

I don’t know John Doe but he will be remembered, if only by me.