As I run toward the accident on the corner of 12th and Violet, I know it isn’t going to be a pretty sight. With my first step my stomach gets queasy. With my second, I have my cell phone out and dial 911, give the little I know to the operator as my shoes click on the pavement. Whatever I can do, I will do but cross myself that I should be able to do what I should, what I must. No one is getting out of the car, at least not on the side visible to me. A loud cry, a child’s cry, reaches me. So far so good. The toddler is firmly strapped in his car seat. No glass is broken. No blood is evident.
A loud moan from the driver’s seat takes my attention from the child. When I open the front door I see the driver’s foot twisted almost backward. It must hurt like hell. Sobbing, her eyes dripping tears, she asks me if Tommy is alright. ‘As far as I can tell, Miss, but medics are on the way. Don’t you try to move.’ Sirens wail, one from the north and one from the east. They join forces close to where I am standing. It looks to me that the lady’s car was hit broadside.
The medic who seems to be in charge comes to me before seeing the injured person, people? I feel like I am on trial. ‘What did you see, Miss?’ ‘Nothing, nothing at all.’ ‘Were you in either car?’ ‘No, I got here as fast as I could. I think the driver has a broken foot or leg. She’s in a lot of pain. The child seems safe but I’m not a doctor.’ ‘Why didn’t you tell me there is a child in the car? The medic asks and I ask him, ‘Why didn’t you look? Are you blind?’ I hit a nerve.
In the other car 2 attendants have extricated an elderly man and a teenager. Neither looks to be the picture of health. The old man is on a stretcher, one arm hanging down, almost touching the ground. It is thin and lined with bulging veins. The teen is conscious and begging a medic to call his mom and grandmother.
The first medic is still with me. He has done nothing to help the injured. ‘Your name, address, phone number, please. Tell me again exactly what you saw.’ ‘ Put a simple big zero. I told you ‘nothing’. I heard the crash and ran towards it, calling 911 on the way.’ ‘Well, what did you do when you got here?’ ‘I did more than you are doing. I tried to help and you stand here asking me the same questions over and over. I must say, though, that you did make good time, time that I think you are wasting.’
He doesn’t like my tone and I don’t like any part of him. Nevertheless, I try to be civil. ‘I have to be getting home now but want to thank you and your crew for the wonderful work you do. You are great guys. Goodbye.’ I turn, look inside the two cars. Both are empty. One ambulance is gone and a driver is at his post waiting for instructions and for ‘the boss’ to get in.
As I go to my car I wonder was I too harsh on the medic or not harsh enough. I really don’t care and go home to tell my neighbors to drive carefully.
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