#due to potential fatal blood loss

[lost-technology]

Ah, but you see, Legato was so mentally-concentrated, a dick-shot would not have done the job. It was destroying the brain or nothing. Legato is THAT good and was THAT dedicated to making Vash suffer eternally! Now, do I think Vash has handled lots of other bad guys with dick shots? Yes, I do.

If I were vash the stampede I would try to never kill anyone too but I also wouldn't be above shooting a guy in the dick. and basically that's how I would have handled the legato situation

[cravingcoldoreocake123]

Scarlet bullet | Simon Ghost Riley

summary: You take the bullet for Simon saving him from potential death during a mission going south, but he can’t forgive himself nor allow you to die for his sake.

warnings: Mentions of blood / gun violence / fluff / happy ending.

The mission was going south.

Outnumbered and almost out of ammo, you couldn’t help but think of the worst case scenario happening.

You had planned everything and all seemed well at first, but the enemy had the upper hand this time due to minor but fatal details, resulting in you retreating shamefully from the mission.

“Go Ghost! Start the car, I’ll cover you!” You screamed over the chaos that’s the battlefield.

He turned to look at you for a split second before almost spraining his neck turning in front of him and shooting another one down.

“Are you sure?”

“We have to retreat! We won’t make it, Ghost! Just go! GO!” You said frantically as time was running out. Hesitating in your domain could lead to failure, failure meant death, and neither of you could afford even more loss.

Guilt creeped up at him at the thought of leaving his teammate in danger, but one of you had to do it, and it was him. With one last hesitant look, Simon got up sprinting to the door, shoving his hands in the pockets of his cargos to rummage through and get the car keys.

You were busy executing everyone that got in your way or Simon’s, and as he was about to make it out the door, you spotted someone on the ground reaching for their gun and aiming it at Ghost. No words came out at the sight, your brain screamed at you to yell at him, warn him, do something to prevent it. However, silence took over you and you were glued to your place. A sight so shocking you almost felt like you were dreaming, even your eardrums gave up on you as the chaos behind you became a sound so faint that all you heard was constant ringing.

A deafening scream ripped through the air and that was enough to pull you back to reality.

With no ammo left, a voice hidden in the back of your head yelled at you to get in between Simon and the bullet, and with absolutely no hesitation your legs ached as they carried you with speed you didn’t even know you had in you, earning a bullet to your back that fogged your vision a bit and caused you to slow down, but you endured every little jab and sting urging you to stop since the thought of losing Simon alone was enough to put you through excruciating hurt better than any physical pain no matter how great it was.

His head spun around as he was running just as the bullet pierced through your delicate skin resting right in your left rib right under your heart.

To him the scene unraveled itself in slow motion, he saw you plunging with your life to protect his, he also saw your body hitting the ground with such force you stayed limp as a burgundy pool formed around you. “NO!” He screamed as he raised his gun shooting the enemy right between the eyes, but it was all too late.

He ran to you rapidly while angrily blasting his gun at everyone that entered his field of sight. “Widow! Don’t- Stay awake for me, sweet girl!” He picked you up frantically while making sure you both are safe and ran as fast as his trembling legs could to the car. He finally put your limp body down as carefully as he could in the passenger seat and ran to the steering wheel, driving to the safe cabin a couple of miles away from the location of the mission.

As he was driving he constantly and frantically turned to look at you every few seconds to make sure you’re breathing, and he kept his hand pressed on your wound to stop the bleeding, he’d spit reassuring words here and there hoping you’d hear them, but it was truly a comfort to nobody but himself. The whole car ride to the cabin he wondered why you’d do such a thing for him. He believed he wasn’t worthy of any sort of love or protection, and he scolded you the whole ride, you did hear some of it as you were drifting in and out of consciousness. He’d yell out things like “When would you stop making stupid decisions, kid?” or “I won’t forgive myself if you give up on me.” Everything else got drowned out by the beat of your own heart and the rush of blood pumping loudly in you ears.

You’d squeeze his hand slightly or groan faintly to let him know you’re still there, and each time he babbled on and on about how strong you are and that you’ll make it through this.

He stomped on the brakes as soon as you got there making you shriek in pain and discomfort, he murmured soft sorry’s and ran from his side to yours, carefully picking you up again and setting you on the then white couch, you were losing blood quickly and he didn’t know how long till evacuation would come and rescue you both, and letting you die for his sake wasn’t something he was planning on letting you do. So, with trembling hands he started taking off your gear and cutting your shirt so he could take out the bullets and stitch you up.

It took you an hour and twenty five minutes to gain consciousness again, and he was by your side every. single. second. He held your hand gently and caressed it with his thumb all while keeping his eyes on you the whole time, he felt as if you’d somehow die if he looked away. When you did wake up however, he was so ecstatic, and as soon as you raised your eyes to his he let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding, and his gaze softened like it never has before.

“You’re so fucking reckless, widow.” He murmured, but he said it with such care and tenderness that you know he didn’t mean in a mean way, but in a “i-feel-guilty-and-i’m-worried-to-death-about-you” way.

You kept your silence and gripped his hand firmly in an attempt to comfort him.

“Seriously, you shouldn’t have, you could’ve died- I could’ve lost you.” You had never heard him talking to you this way before, or to anyone for that matter. Your lips parted involuntarily, suddenly feeling as dry as the Sahara desert, and you could’ve sworn Ghost's eyes flicked down to them for a moment. You rolled you eyes at him and gripped his hand even harder with the last bit of energy you had in you. “I’m not sorry, and I will do it again if I have to.”

“You’re crazy if you think I’d allow it, sergeant.” He chuckled.

“How about a thank you so much for saving my life? How about that?”

Ghost shook his head and smiled, genuinely smiled. He was used to your snarky remarks and witty replies, and a part of him relaxed hearing them again.

“Okay… here.” He snaked his rough arm as slowly and gently as he possibly could and turned you slightly to your side to inspect your wounds. His calloused fingertips gave friction against the blood pooling on the gauze. Hissing at the feeling, you gripped his shoulder a bit too harsh, “There you go, darling.” You felt a tingle whenever his hand came in contact with an area of your skin, his eyes held remorse and sorrow as he examined your reaction to his touch.

He didn’t notice you staring at him. He looked so godly and unbelievable under the moonlight you couldn’t bring your eyes to tear away from him. You knew it was wrong to feel such a way for your superior, but such feelings can’t be helped nor ignored.

“Why did you do it?” He asked as he draped the blanket over your shivering body.

“Hm?”

“Why did you save me?”

You felt a bit of sorrow at his question. You weakly raised your cold hand to his face, and hesitantly raised his mask just over his nose, and surprisingly enough, he didn’t object and let you do whatever you wanted. You gripped his cheek and caressed it, although the stubble did poke your skin a bit. You raised your eyes to his and silently gasped at how angelic he looked.

“You’re always there for everyone else but yourself, you’re extremely selfless and you don’t mind what you have to do or go through in order to help others, you’re way too harsh on yourself. So allow me to be there for you, allow others to help you, Simon. You deserve it, you deserve every good thing the world has to offer but you don’t realize it.”

He stayed silent for a few seconds, just soaking in your words. Although you weren’t expecting any reaction from him, you understood he wasn’t one for sympathy, but to your surprise, his hands clambered to hold your face as gently as he could, you lean into his hand and all you can do is admire him. You stayed like that for a few moments before he slid his hand down to your jaw and held your face upwards, his head lowered and your lips met in an overdue greeting. The world surrounding you all seemed to fade away and it was only you and him.

A wave of ecstasy rushed through you and you held him even closer than he already was, grasping at his shoulders, pulling his hair, sliding your hands down his chest, you did everything to savor that moment. It was messy, your foreheads and noses bumped a few times from how intense it was, you could also feel the blood from your cut up lips seeping into both your mouths but you didn’t care, all that consumed your mind was him, all of him.

You pull apart, your eyes flutter open and you make eye contact once again.

“You have no idea how much i’ve waited for that to happen.” He whispers.

The corners of your mouth lift in a soft smile at his words, “Why didn’t it happen sooner then?” You ask.

His thumb stopped caressing your cheek for a second, he started the motion again as he pondered deeply and took a moment to gather the right words before replying.

“Because i once was scared of loving you, now i’m terrified of not being able to do so.” He replied.

[digitulworld]

spooky month theories and things i noticed so far lalala

-jack isnt part of the cult, and his actions are not intentionally meant to keep john from his goal, but like captain and shotgun man, he was hired specifically so his weaknesses would slow john down and prevent him from investigating the cult. jack is easily distracted, scared of clowns, and seems to not care enough about the cult compared to john. in one of the endings, although john looks out the window suspiciously, jack has a smug look, as though he isnt taking john seriously. intentional or not, its this action that allows ignacio to burn the evidence

-ignacio was ordered to burn the evidence in johns house, but, presumably by his own decision, kept photos of johns family. it may be to gain further knowledge on his family for potential blackmail. whether the attempt to burn the photo of a younger looking john is for personal reasons or not is also unknown. it is also unknown why ignacio would wait for jack and john to leave the house so that they would survive the housefire, but it might be to eventually indoctrinate or sacrifice them

-the candy dealer, due to having the same va as john, might actually be a relative of john. possibly his brother, because so far, out of all the hatzgang, robert is the only one with unconfirmed parents. he has three confirmed siblings, an uncle, aunt, cousin, and grandparents, but no mom and dad. there is no explanation or reasoning for why roberts parents havent made an appearance or mention yet

-there is a track titled "aeternum" that plays during the spooky month secret endings. aeternum means forever and eternity. this track plays when a cult member or multiple appear on screen, dead or alive. however, this track also plays in strebers rehearsal, when the scene cuts to a closeup of his now cracked photo

-frank is either a victim, servant, or has some affiliation with the cult due to him possibly being part of the undead. we know his black eyes are natural, since we see a small photo on johns corkboard of him wearing a disguise containing a mustache and white eyes. frank also shows a visual similarity to the frankenstein character trope with a massive body and square head. hes also been seen kidnapping children and selling drugged treats, similar to what mr clown and the candy dealer do

-on the topic of the undead, streber is not confirmed to be a part of it, but his short foreshadows the details of his fate, all except livs comment on him becoming a part of the undead. evermores lines on bobs attacks, saying its unknown if anyone got killed or if its just a show, along with strebers theatrical performance as a vampire, and skid and pump believing his injury was faked once they left the haunted house, leaves questions as to why bob didnt kill streber, but rather just ate his arm. i cannot find a reason why he didnt eat him in a way that would be fatal to streber, unless he knew the amount of blood loss caused from losing an arm would kill him. bob is confirmed to dismember his victims after killing them, and streber is foreshadowed to be part of the undead

-semi related to the above observation, bob is confirmed to have a kill count of at least 8, but has only had a single joke killing in his episode with the pelo cameo. bob was specifically targeting skid and pump that night, which is why he stalled and ate candy instead of directly killing lila and kevin. he also only ate strebers arm, and stole the hatzgangs candy instead of murdering them. the only ones he actively stalked and made an effort to kill were skid and pump, even after needing to be revived by the pendant multiple times

-on the topic of the pendant, pumps eyes only turn blue when faced with a supernatural or demonic entity. when bob was run over, pumps eyes turned blue. there is a slight chance that the eyes of the universe was either allowing bob to revive, or was possessing him

-the cult has been creating the happy fella dolls with the sole purpose of being possessed. dexter was forced into the doll, as stated by pelo, and as a result he now sits in a bucket in the attic observing the items around him that he can now conclude are important, especially the mannequin which has been seen moving on its own multiple times. dexter also knows about the spider, and the thieves needing the items not for themselves, but for a higher up. it may be thematically important that the cult created the dolls, so that dexter can use this knowledge against them if he were to make a return

-pump is fascinated by eldritch monsters and befriended one, while susie is infatuated with demons and the underworld, creating a school project themed after hell and drawing demons during her free time. this may or may not be important, but the siblings do share a love for powerful beings and their interests could be relevant to the plot in later episodes

[voltronimus-prime]

Murder Drones Hot Take

Oil does not equal blood 1:1 and worker Drones should not be freaked out by seeing or drinking it.

While we're not given an exact breakdown of how a Worker Drone's body functions, we know they've got motors, and we know they've got a lot of power running through them.

This means they need to keep cool, and they need to keep their motors and joints running smoothly.

While oil as coolant shouldn't require frequent top ups unless there's a leak, oil as lubricant can require refills as the old oil loses viscosity and as gunk builds up reducing its ability to properly keep things moving.

Worker Drones, particularly the ones on Copper 9, are in a very rough environment, where particulates building up would be a constant issue.

Combined with the temperature flip flops from going between a heavy work environment to the blizzards of the outside, and I'm sure there'd be some interesting chemical results.

Worker Drones would have to top off/change their oil semi-regularly. Contrary to what seems to be a popular belief(?), they wouldn't be able to regenerate their own, they're literally just robots.

Multiple stories have the Disassembly Drones feeding off of workers and simply stopping short of draining them, and then later on the victim is fine, but that only works in vampire stories because human bodies can replenish the missing blood. Worker Drones can't do that.

Worker Drones would have to have a supply of oil they use to keep themselves going, meaning there'd be options for helping Disassembly Drones with their artificially increased consumption without having to do worker blood drives, unless something really goes wrong at least.

On the topic of oil loss, it also wouldn't result in a semi-quick fatal error like a person bleeding out. The two main symptoms would be difficulties moving as the low oil pressure means delicate mechanisms start grinding due to lack of proper lubrication, and a slow increase in internal temperature due to lack of coolant.

However considering these are robots built for industrial use and not purposefully sabotaged robo-vampires, they wouldn't be as vulnerable to that since they wouldn't be generating the same kinds of heat anyway.

As great as the "Pushing through the pain, ignoring overheating warnings and fighting off lightheaded-ness as your cpu underclocks itself to keep the heat down." stories are;

there's a lot of untapped potential in "Pushing through the pain as your joints feel like they're tearing themselves apart, horrible grinding sounds as metal scrapes against metal. Fighting to take one more step as the joints start seizing."

I don't know, it just always bugged me when writers show Worker Drones as horrified or disgusted at the idea of needing to consume oil, usually in the context of getting solver powers and needing to drink oil to keep cool. Obviously the hunger and the predator instincts would be freaky, but seeing a can of oil and thinking "I should drink that." would not be weird.

I'll probably play with the formatting/add and remove things to try to make this more readable later but let me know what you think.

[herr-zyme]

Pookie how fast can someone saw off a leg?,”

asking for a foe

Ah now there's an interesting question and to that I say it depends on who this "someone" is, how steady their hand, anesthesia options, and what tool they have available. With the ideal conditions, give or take about an hour or two.

But of course you did ask for a foe. Take as little or as long as you like. I saw an interesting looking saw blade the other day they use for trees. Double sided. Carved through a branch in a matter of minutes. Of course, if you do an amateur amputation quickly you are running the risk of sending the patient into shock due to a sudden loss of blood pressure and potentially killing them. Even if you do manage to successfully amputate their leg they could still die anyway within a few years. Some mental thing. Not everyone can cope with the "emotional setback" and quality of life change when losing a major limb.

Oh! It also depends on where you want to amputate on the leg that will alter your risks considerably. The higher up the amputation, the higher the risk. Above the knee has the highest risk of fatality due to blood clotting and infection. Keep it clean!

[whumpookies]

General hospital Jason Morgan's whump list...

Suffered permanent brain damage following a drunk driving car accident caused by his brother, A.J. [Dec 28, 1995]

Hospitalized after being beaten up by men working for Sonny Corinthos [Aug 23, 1996]

Fell when the ground caved in beneath him while trying to rescue Sonny and Brenda; pulled back up [Mar 3, 1997] **giffed**

Shot in the abdomen by The Tin Man [Jul 11, 1997] **giffed** here

Shot in the side by Moreno's men when their mob meeting went wrong [Dec 1, 1999] **giffed**

Attacked with a knife by Lucky Spencer, who was brainwashed by Helena Cassadine [Mar 20, 2001Held at gunpoint by a cemetery 

Cut his hand after breaking a glass window at Kelly's to unlock the door [Aug 13, 2002]

Jumped overboard Luis Alcazar's yacht and was subsequently shot at by his men; suffered a laceration to his forehead as a result [Sep 5, 2002]

Renrered unconscious after being hit over the head by Coleman Ratcliffe [Oct 23, 2002]

Hit over the head with a candle stick and tied to a stair banister by Jax [Dec 23, 2002]

Injured in a car accident with Courtney Matthews while headed to tell Sonny about them [Feb 5, 2003]

Had emergency surgery for injuries sustained in the car crash [Feb 7, 2003] **giffed**

Knocked unconscious [Apr 15, 2003]

Knocked unconscious [Aug 14, 2003]

Engulfed in a backdraft that separated him from Courtney and Brian Beck during the PC Hotel Fire [Feb 11, 2004]

Shoved down stairs by Andy [Feb 13, 2004]

Left handcuffed to a pipe to burn to death during the PC Hotel Fire by Andy [Feb 13, 2004]

Caught in an explosion during the PC Hotel Fire after Nikolas accidentally broke a gas pipe saving him [Feb 16, 2004]

Caught in an explosion that occurred in the courtroom during Sonny and Carly’s custody hearing due to a bomb being planted in Sonny’s car; not injured [Mar 15, 2004]

Knocked unconscious by Courtney [Apr 12, 2004]

Shot in the side by FBI agent Reese Marshall [Feb 2005] **giffed**

Injured his arm after falling from a balcony at the Quartermaine Mansion [Apr 2005] **giffed**

Crashed his motorcycle [Aug 2005]

Almost poisoned to death by Asher Thomas [Aug 2005]

Began suffering from a potentially fatal brain aneurysm which was causing him severe headaches and seizures after taking an experimental drug [Aug-Dec 2005; Jason was revealed to be suffering from a brain aneurysm on Sep 6, 2005; he survived]

Suffered from amnesia as a result of the brain aneurysm [Aug 24-Nov 28, 2005]

Shot in the leg by Manny Ruiz [Oct 13, 2005] **giffed** here

Injured in a train wreck [Nov 2005]

His heart stopped [Nov 2005

Began suffering extreme seizures as a side effect of the drug and required surgery [Dec 2005]

Shot in the shoulder by Manny Ruiz while attempting to rescue Sam McCall [Jul 4, 2006]

Shot in the knee by police [Nov 2006]

Hit over the head with a tequila bottle and rendered temporarily unconscious by Lulu Spencer [Nov 2006]

Suffered burns to his hands while trying to save a women in a burning ambulance [Jul 2007; GH:NS]

Severed tendons in both of his hands from shards of glass being embedded in them[43], while rescuing Elizabeth (and Sam) from Diego Alcazar (aka the Text Message Killer) and required three reconstructive surgeries[44] [Mar 2008; suffered from severe blood loss due to his hand injury

Almost smothered to death with a pillow in his sleep by Claudia Zacchara (it looked like she was about to but when he woke up she just told him she was giving him an extra pillow) [Jun 23, 2008]

Trapped in a cave with Sam [Dec 2008]

Accidentally shot in the shoulder by Sam McCall during the hospital bio-toxin crisis [Feb 4, 2009] 

Injured in a car bomb explosion [Apr 23-24, 2009

Developed an infection after Jerry Jacks shot him in the clavicle and trapped him underneath the rubble of an abandoned church, leaving him for dead; he suffered from hallucinations as a result the infection [Aug 2009]

Suffered a head injury after a car accident [Aug 2011]

Underwent a brain biopsy [Aug 2011]

Has a seizure [Aug 2011]

Underwent brain surgery to remove a piece of dashboard from his 1995 car accident with A.J. [Aug 2011]

Passed out in his hospital room [Aug 2011]

Drugged and trapped in a room by Franco and was forced to watch what he believed was Franco raping his then wife, Sam [Nov 2011; Sam learned that she hadn't been raped in May 2013]

Rendered unconscious after running into Michael while on his motorcycle [Dec 2011]

Passed out in the hospital corridor [Jan 2012]

Passed out [Feb 2012] Underwent surgery to relieve the swelling on his brain [Feb 2012]

Experienced a fever after ingesting the toxin Jerry Jacks had placed in the Port Charles water supply [Sep 2012]

Shot in the leg by Ewen Keenan while rescuing Elizabeth Webber [Sep 2012]

Presumed dead after being shot in the back by Cesar Faison (disguised as Duke Lavery) and kicked into the harbor [Oct 19-22, 2012; Jason was revealed to be alive in 2014]

Held captive at a clinic in Russia by Dr. Klein under the orders of Peter August [Oct 2012-Oct 2017; as Patient 6]

Given a sedative [Sep 25, 2017; as Patient 6]

Jumped into the water to save Sam [Oct 30, 2017; as Patient 6]

Ran into Charlie's pub to save Kristina and was caught in an explosion [Sep 10, 2018]

Assumed hypothermia and bruised ribs after falling into the catacombs [Jan 22, 2019; escaped and made it into cold waters of Pier 55 on Jan 23, 2019; rescued by Sam on Jan 24, 2019] **giffed** here

Infected by a latent virus and rendered temporarily blind [Feb 22-25, 2019] 

Attacked and nearly bludgeoned to death by Shiloh after losing a fight to him [Sep 25-26, 2019]

Rendered unconscious after a motorcycle crash caused by Cyrus [Aug 6-11, 2020; Cyrus' involvement revealed on Aug 7, 2020; had exploratory brain surgery on Aug 10, 2020]

Left the hospital prematurely [Aug 24, 2020] 

Jumped into cold water in an attempt to find Sonny, who disappeared after a bridge collapse [Dec 21, 2020]

Stabbed in the stomach by Shawn Butler under Carly Corinthos's orders to get him out of Pentonville [Apr 22, 2021]

Shot at by Carl Pine, one of Cyrus' men, while escaping with Dr. Britt Westbourne [May 3, 2021; saved by Brick]

Shot in the back by an unknown person while escaping with Britt [May 3, 2021]

His blood type is O- [revealed May 4, 2021 Received a blood transfusion from Carly [May 4, 2021]

Tied up and held hostage at gunpoint on Cassadine Island by his twin brother, Drew Cain, who was being programmed by Peter to do his bidding [Nov 2, 2021]

Held hostage with Drew in a wine cellar on Cassadine Island by Peter [Nov 2-18, 2021; revealed on Nov 8, 2021; Jason escaped] 

Presumed dead after being caught in a tunnel collapse which was caused by his shootout with Peter [Nov 19, 2021; Jason was legally declared dead on Mar 15, 2022; ]

2024! March 7th Shot (gifset here )

March 8th reunion with carly, injury treated and suspect (gifset here )

[tsarisfanfiction]

Eclipse: Chapter 14

Fandom: Trials of Apollo Rating: Teen Genre: Family/Adventure Characters: Apollo, Hades Are we getting somewhere? Is this... progress? Nah, don't be ridiculous - we're not even halfway through yet! I have a discord server for all my fics, including this one!  If you wanna chat with me or with other readers about stuff I write (or just be social in general), hop on over and say hi! <<Chapter 13

HADES XIV Apollo Makes the Sound of Fear

Clang.

Orion’s hunting knife swung up, blocking Hades’ strike, and he frowned.  There was a tremble in the blade, fear not so easily dismissed when the Helm was active, although Hades had to keep its full power in check so as not to incapacitate Apollo, whose pale face was clearly not just due to the sheer volume of golden ichor in places that were not inside his nephew, where it was supposed to be.

Gods did not experience blood loss the way mortals did – the loss of ichor was not fatal, or at least Hades had never heard of a god losing enough to die – but the precious golden liquid was still important to their reserves of power and the godly feats they could do.  Apollo wasn’t shaking, not even from fear, and his reflexes seemed to be as sharp as ever as another arrow hurtled towards Orion, forcing the giant to disengage from where his blade was locked with Hades’ in order to bat it away, but his quiver was empty and it seemed an eternity before a new arrow materialised in his hand.  He’d been comparatively slow in summoning arrows throughout their time in Tartarus already but this was practically glacial for the god of archery.

He was also the god of healing and ought to replenish what he’d lost faster than most, but Hades was conscious that he was going to have to be the primary offensive force against the giant, regardless of whose bane Orion was.  Apollo had clearly proven that he could outsmart Orion, based on both the giant’s own words and the fact that Apollo and presumably Asclepius had managed to escape an earlier encounter, but the severe injuries the younger god had received while the giant appeared mostly unharmed also lent credence to Orion’s boast that Apollo was not his match.

Hades slashed at the giant once more, irritated when Orion again managed to fend him off despite the fear permeating through him and the fact that the Helm was rendering Hades invisible, and then a third attack proved beyond a doubt that, somehow, Orion was detecting his movements.

No doubt in time he could wear down the giant, but this was not a battle he wanted to allow to drag on any longer than necessary – a confrontation of this calibre was powerful enough that it could alert and potentially even attract other, powerful, opponents, and Hades would rather get through their mission with the least fights possible.

He temporarily fell back, away from the giant to instead hover – still invisible – immediately behind Apollo.

“Find a way to defeat him,” he ordered.  Apollo flinched, almost imperceptivity but enough to tell Hades that, unlike Orion, he could not detect him while he was invisible, which brought a flicker of a thought to the back of his mind to be addressed in a moment.  “I will not let him pass.”

It was not a boast, but a statement of fact.  Objectively, he was stronger than the giant, even if the covenant that he required a demigod to defeat him meant that he was frustratingly unable to win, no matter how great the power gap between them was.  Orion would not pass him unless he allowed it.

Even if the giant could track him.

Hades allowed the seed of a thought to swell and grow as he headed back into the fight, not waiting for any acknowledgement from his nephew.  Apollo, for all he acted otherwise, was not a fool and would understand it was their best option to finish the fight before they gained too much unwanted attention.

Some was, sadly, inevitable.

Orion had taken his brief respite as a chance to materialise more arrows and retrieve his bow, and Hades had to hack two arrows before they whistled through his intangible self and slammed into his nephew behind him.  Then, he stepped around to the side of the giant and slashed again.

Once again, the hunting blade caught his swing, and Hades regretted that he had to be tangible in order to make contact with others, because Orion’s blade was far, far too fast.

It was also purely reacting to his attacks, as though it was the attack rather than Hades he could detect, and the seed of suspicion continued to grow.

With the archery and good looks, the connection to Apollo was blatant, yet Orion was not just Apollo’s bane, but Artemis’, too, which meant he must also have aspects of the goddess to oppose.  Archery was no doubt for both of them, but he was certainly also a hunter to rival the huntress and, it appeared, hyper-vigilant to anything that might treat him as prey – such as an invisible Hades.

Arrows whizzed towards Orion, who was once again forced to disengage from Hades in order to deflect them, and Hades refused to let such an opening pass, pressing the giant back and forcing him to dodge rather than parry.

From there, the tone of the battle was set.  Hades pressed Orion, refusing to permit the giant to try and get past him to Apollo, despite that being his clear intent – Orion, like Apollo, was clearly no fool and knew that he was not a match for Hades, despite Hades’ unfortunate handicap without a demigod present.  Apollo, however, was the most vulnerable of the three – no protection from an irritating covenant, as well as being the weakest.  If there was anyone who could lose, it was Hades’ nephew.

Arrows flew, golden ones passing though Hades’ invisible, intangible self while black ones were knocked out of the air.

Ichor spilt, Orion’s skin splitting open as the points of arrows caught it in passing and gaining trails of gold down his face, his arms, every exposed patch.  Hades caught him more than once, too, but never more than a glancing blow – the giant’s reflexes were too fast, his reactions appropriate for the bane of two of the nimbler Olympians, and whatever antithesis to Artemis’ hunting he had seemed inclined towards preventing himself being prey.

He was also swift.

Hades had said Orion would not get past him, and they were words he stood by, but whenever the giant had a moment’s reprieve from both his and Apollo’s attacks, he was pressing forwards, the bane of the swiftest god (even Hades had heard about Hermes’ defeat in a footrace), bow in one hand and vicious knife in the other as he tried to open another deep wound in Apollo’s form.

More than once, Apollo had flinched back, out of the way, as though he feared that Orion would pass Hades, and the older god reminded himself that even Apollo could not see him, did not know where he was and therefore had no way of knowing for certain that he would always be there, blocking the knife and pressing back against the giant.  Even though he was.

Orion’s mocking grin had disappeared a long time ago, replaced by a vicious scowl of fury as he leaked more and more ichor.  That, at least, was some degree of victory – Orion felt threatened by their combined forces, despite the lack of a demigod in the vicinity looming over all of them.

But it wasn’t enough.

The giant was not retreating, did not even be appearing to consider the potential to disengage and bide his time for later.  That seemed rather un-hunter-like of him, but there was nothing Hades could do about it except keep fighting, keep pushing, and find a way to keep him down – or hope that Apollo could come up with something.

So far, there were no pearls of wisdom on the subject coming from his nephew, who was continuing to fire arrows into the fray, a barrage far too slow to be worthy of the god of archery but unfortunately understandable considering both their location and his wounds.  Hades could not spare the attention to check how quickly Apollo was healing, but between Tartarus and his bane, it was no doubt far too slowly.  The too-long pauses between arrows only confirmed it.

Orion was also fast-healing, and unlike Apollo was clearly drawing strength from being in Tartarus as his wounds kept sealing up, leaving fading trails of ichor across his skin as the only evidence they had existed.  His laser eyes – Hades had wondered, briefly, if Hephaestus’ technology was enough to surpass the Helm of Darkness, but dismissed the thought within less than a second; Hephaestus was good, but he was not an Elder Cyclops – seemed focused almost entirely on the younger Olympian, other senses guiding his defences against Hades’ attacks.

Then the battle changed.  A new edge to Orion’s stance manifested, a shift that had Hades on fresh alert and slashing forwards with the certainty that he needed to stop whatever was coming.

He stopped the first knife.

The second skipped past, hidden until the last possible second by the first.

Apollo would shoot it down, Hades reasoned as he pressed his attack; it was only a projectile, his nephew could handle that with ease, even in his current condition.

Except he heard no sign of an arrow colliding with a knife.

Instead, Orion’s laser eyes lit up, a flash of vibrant red that certainly meant nothing good, and behind Hades, something hit the ground.

He couldn’t afford to look, but he glanced anyway.

Apollo was down, pushing himself up with arms that trembled as a fresh wave of ichor flowed onto the surface of Tartarus and looking worse than Hades had ever seen him.  The bone-handled blade was buried in his throat, straight through the jugular, and it still wasn’t enough to kill Apollo, not by a long shot, but it was concerning.

Hades barely had time to register the half-manifested golden arrow on the ground beside the god before he was drawn back into combat with Orion.  The giant had gained a major advantage and there was no doubt that he knew it as he kept lunging forwards, his focus on Apollo appearing to be almost single-minded, save for his near-instinctive blocks of Hades’ own attacks.

It was no longer a case of simply holding Orion in place as he waited for inspiration to strike – either himself or Apollo, he hadn’t been picky.  Now, Hades was forced to the defensive, with no other possible explanation save that he was whole-heartedly defending his fallen nephew.

He could sense the flickering aura of Apollo behind him – still very much alive, still conscious, but weak and struggling nonetheless – but couldn’t turn to look.  Instead, he prompted the Helm to stop holding back and allowed a fierce aura of fear to surround him, feeling somewhat regretful that Apollo, too, would be receiving the full blast but knowing that he would need everything he had to keep Orion away from his nephew long enough for Apollo to find his feet again.

And, more importantly, finally come up with a way to eliminate Orion as a threat to them, both now and for the rest of their time in Tartarus.  Hades refused to be hunted for the duration of their mission; he was no weak prey and he would ensure Orion knew it.

The wicked grin was back, a flicker of self-satisfaction on the giant’s face even as he kept trying to pass Hades, kept trying to finish the job he had started with far too much of what seemed like success, and Hades hated it.  He was used to disrespect – his brothers, much of the rest of his family, giants and titans and others who would oppose the gods – but this was more than simple disrespect.  This was disregard, the cockiness of someone who fully believed they were superior to the point of dismissing those around them.

Orion fully believed he was winning this fight.

Hades refused to lose.

One of his strikes caught the string of Orion’s bow, slicing cleanly through and causing the ends to recoil violently against the giant’s face.  He hadn’t been using it much, mostly because Hades had not granted him the space and time to do so, but it was still enough to once again wipe the arrogant smirk from Orion’s lips.

Tension gone, the bow seemed to shatter, and Orion discarded it on the ground without a second thought.  Instead, a third hunting knife leapt into his hands from somewhere in his quiver, leaving him with two blades to Hades’ one.

Hades’ sword was the far superior of the two, however, and he remained relentless in his attack, waiting for Apollo to drag himself to his feet again and finally come up with a way to defeat his bane, because inspiration on the matter was clearly evading Hades with practised ease.

Perhaps if he managed to hack him into enough pieces and then scattered them across the Pit, Orion would be unable to reform by the time they were done with their mission and out of Tartarus.  It had not succeeded so far, but Hades had no intentions of giving up.

Behind him, he could feel Apollo’s essence straining, as though the god was trying to pull off one of his more powerful feats despite the amount of his ichor glistening across his body and pooling around him on the surface of the Pit, none of it where it was supposed to be - inside his form.  What he was hoping to achieve, Hades had no idea, but he was too busy keeping a violent giant back, hacking and slashing at his limbs in an attempt to sever them and begin the process of disassembling Orion’s body.

For his part, Orion seemed more determined than ever to get to Apollo.  Perhaps he considered whatever Apollo was attempting to do to be a real threat, but Hades was careful not to pin his hopes on that.  In his condition, it was unlikely that Apollo would be able to succeed at whatever it was he was trying to achieve and Hades could not rely on the younger god to pull through.

Then Apollo began to sing.

His voice was not as strong as Hades had heard it before, but it was not as weak as his condition implied it ought to be, and the familiar tones of his nephew’s singing voice washed over both of them.

It was not one of his modern menaces, to Hades’ relief.  He did not recognise the song, although he was aware he had only ever heard a small selection of the god of music’s vast repertoire, but it had the sound and tone of an ancient Hellenistic epic, if not older.

More surprising than Apollo’s sudden inclination to burst into song – which, under normal circumstances, would be no surprise at all – was the underlying sound beneath it.  Hades had not noticed it to begin with, either because Apollo had begun his song unaccompanied, or because it had been too quiet to catch his attention, but there was an undercurrent of some instrument or other.

Orion turned near incandescent, pushing forwards with a fresh wave of viciousness born of what felt like desperation, and Hades focused all of his attention on keeping the giant back, away from Apollo and whatever he was doing that seriously threatened Orion.

Even so, Apollo’s music was never something that could be simply ignored.  He could be known to sing about anything, from great battles to the ideal cut of a chiton, and yet no matter how ridiculous the subject matter, it seemed to insist that everyone in earshot pay attention.

He was singing about fear.

Hades felt it coil up his back, whispering and hissing, reminding him of Kronos’ stomach, of his last trip to Tartarus, of other moments he had no desire to ever recall again.

Music was never something to be underestimated; Hades himself had faced the power of music before, in Orpheus as he forced his way into the Underworld with nothing but song and almost succeeded in getting back out again.  It was simply common sense that Apollo could evoke and manipulate emotions to his choosing with nothing but his voice, and perhaps whatever instrument he chose to accompany his singing, but Hades’ previous exposure to music had always been other emotions – grief, sadness, regret, love, celebration, happiness.

He had never heard Apollo focus on fear before.

It was not as potent as the Helm – nothing was as potent as the Helm at full power – but the effect it had on Orion seemed to be just as great, if not greater.  Hades didn’t know why that was, if it was because he and Apollo were linked in that irritating way their banes had, but any cockiness had been stripped away from the giant in a sudden shift.

Now, Orion was desperate, his swings losing precision but getting more and more vicious as he pushed and pushed and pushed, even more disregarding of Hades as he threw himself in the direction of Apollo and his music with the frenzy of one whose sanity had suddenly disappeared.

Hades dismissed his invisibility to stand firmly – visibly – in the giant’s way as he lunged, driving him back with his blade and making deeper cuts as Orion’s blocks became sloppier.  Sadly, for reasons Hades wasn’t certain on but could perhaps make an educated guess, the Stygian Iron wasn’t able to absorb the giant’s essence and eliminate him from existence for ever more, but it was still a wickedly sharp blade and Orion’s skin split with no resistance beneath it.

All the while, Apollo continued to sing.

The sound moved, as though the younger god had finally managed to make his way to his feet again, and Orion let out a bellow of an injured – dying – animal.  Hades did not turn to look behind him, not even when the sound approached, old words in a tongue not spoken by any deceased soul to have arrived in the Underworld for several centuries singing of things that provoked nothing but the deepest, most crawling fears the mind could conjure.

Then there was gold in his periphery, the gold of ichor glittering across the body it decorated, but also the spun gold of hair, the blinding gold of the sun, the gold of Apollo.  From what Hades could determine without turning his head away from Orion, who lunged again, more a rabid animal than an intelligent being, and was once more driven back by Hades’ blade, Apollo was far from healed.  The golden ichor still covered his form liberally, and the bone handle of the hunting knife still protruded from his throat.  His face was too pale, and arms trembled despite the surety of the fingers on whatever that thing in his hands was.

It was not an instrument Hades recognised, but that was hardly relevant.  What was relevant was that Apollo had managed to put Orion on the back foot in their fight, and Hades had every intention of capitalising on that fact as much as the Fates allowed.

The next slash of his blade felt different as it made contact with Orion’s form.  The subtle resistance that had served as a constant reminder that the giant could not be killed had gone, and Hades saved the questions for later as he brought his sword back before driving it forwards, just as the giant made another frenzied lunge for Apollo.

Whatever Hades had expected to happen, it wasn’t for Apollo, still singing, to grasp the unfamiliar instrument tightly before swinging it up and, with a sudden burst of light as his form grew to match the giant’s height, smashed it down on Orion’s head.

Less than an instant later, Hades’ sword rammed straight through Orion’s armour and buried itself right to the hilt against his chest, the blade directly through the giant’s heart.

Orion stopped moving.

One moment, and then another passed, all three of them seemingly frozen in position, before the giant slumped forwards, boneless.

Hades stepped to one side, withdrawing his sword in a single, smooth moment, and watched him crash to the ground.  Spiked black hair was matted with gold, the skull seemingly caved in from Apollo’s blow, and more ichor oozed from the exit wound from the tip of Hades’ sword in his back.

Not one to take risks, Hades slashed down and clove the head from the body, confused but certainly not complaining when it rolled a pace away before the giant disintegrated into ash.

That appeared to be Apollo’s cue to crash to his knees, the younger god’s chest heaving as though he was struggling for breath, despite being a god who didn’t need such frivolous things.  He was coated in ichor, which was steadily dripping down to the sharded surface of Tartarus, and shaking in a very un-god-like manner.

The instrument in his hands more closely resembled a mangled invention of Hephaestus’ than something that ought to be capable of producing the emotion-inducing music Apollo had drawn from it during the battle.

Hades had several questions, but he was all-too conscious that the conflict had drawn the eyes of every monster in the vicinity, and that Apollo was giving off the impression of a god brought down low – an easy kill, to the monsters of Tartarus.  It didn’t matter that he had just brought down a giant – not just any giant, but his own bane – with those wounds.  Monsters were opportunistic, and even the stupidest amongst their number would know that this was the weakest they would ever see a god.

“Stand up,” he ordered his nephew, shelving the questions until they were out of their current situation – it was not a predicament, that would imply that Hades couldn’t eliminate every single monster before they could even approach.  “This is no place to rest.”

“I know,” Apollo replied, his voice quiet in a way that implied exhaustion.  Hades was not surprised; the amount of ichor he had lost certainly justified that, let alone whatever feat he had pulled off – presumably summoning the instrument from the Overworld – in that condition.  Despite his words, however, he didn’t rise.

Hades recalled his struggle in the middle of the battle, when Orion’s knife had struck his throat – there was no sign of the blade now, clearly disintegrated along with its master and leaving a waterfall of gold spilling down Apollo’s chest.  His condition was nothing short of bad, even for a god, and he found himself moving before the thought had completely coalesced in his mind.

He moved to stand directly next to Apollo, whose hands appeared to be locked around the instrument.  This close, the tremor in his legs as he tried to get his knees to co-operate were visible, but it was clear that his final blow against Orion had taken a considerable amount of his strength.  Hades didn’t let himself wonder if it was the physical exertion or the mental toll of the encounter.

“Come,” he said, reaching down and hooking his hand beneath Apollo’s shoulder, hauling him up and tightening his grip on his nephew’s upper arm as the younger god shakily got his feet under him.  As soon as he sensed Apollo was balanced, he released him and took a half-step away, reinstating his personal space.  “Follow me.”

Apollo needed to rest.  Hades was well aware of that – he didn’t even have the strength or wherewithal to clean himself up and dismiss the ichor staining his form, despite the weakness it projected to the hungry eyes watching them.  For the briefest of moments, Hades considered dismissing the gold himself, but discarded the thought before it finished appearing.  Changing another god’s appearance was not something to be done on a whim.  It was not, strictly speaking, something to be done at all.  There was an intimacy to that action that went beyond even anything he had with his beloved wife, Persephone.

It was certainly not an intimacy to be shared with his nephew.

The younger god did not protest as Hades forged a path forwards, away from the lines of monsters seeking to leave for the Overworld, and fell into a half-step behind him.  The mangled instrument remained clutched in his hands, and Hades decided to allow himself that one curiosity as they walked.

“What is that?” he asked, gesturing at it so Apollo knew exactly what he was referring to.

“This?” his nephew asked anyway, lifting it slightly.  “This is the Valdezinator.”  Hades had certainly never heard of that instrument, and did not miss the similarity to the name of a certain death-defying demigod.

Demigod.

“Created by one Leonidas Valdez, I presume?” he observed, still unimpressed with the creator in question despite the realisation why it was that instrument, out of all of them, that Apollo had chosen to summon and wield against Orion.

“Yes.”  There was a hard edge in Apollo’s tone suddenly.  Hades ignored it.

“I did not know something crafted by a demigod would be enough to fulfil the covenant,” he said instead.  Apollo shrugged.

“It’s as much help as we ever gave them in the war,” he replied.

Hades couldn’t deny that, and allowed the conversation to lapse away into silence.  Injured, Apollo seemed content to let silence wash over them, too.

There was nothing to be done about the trail of ichor Apollo was leaving in his wake, so Hades discounted it from his considerations as he looked around for a part of Tartarus that would be appropriate to stop for a while.  The jagged cliffs that marked the edge of the highest area of the pit were filled with craggy caverns, and once they were far enough from the Overworld exit for Hades’ liking, he led Apollo straight into one.

The monsters that had made it their home were eliminated from existence before they could even register the presence of the two gods, and Hades turned to face Apollo, who was glancing around at their new surroundings.

“Rest,” he ordered, and his nephew startled.  “You look pathetic.”

“What about the quest?” Apollo asked.  His voice was still quieter than Hades was used to, with a slightly rough edge that sounded out of place against the otherwise melodic tones.  “We need to-”

“You need to rest,” Hades overrode him sharply.  “As it stands, you will invite any cocky monster to try its luck, to say nothing of worse opponents.  Orion is far from the strongest occupant of the Pit.  Attempting to continue when you cannot even make yourself look presentable is the height of foolishness.  We will take a pause here.”

For a moment, it looked as though Apollo was about to protest, but then his shoulders slumped and one hand finally disentangled itself from the mangled metal – the Valdezinator, or what remained of it after its collision with Orion’s skull – to cover the still-leaking wound in his throat.

“I see your point,” he said after a moment, before sitting down on the floor of the cavern and leaning against the side.  “Sorry.”

Hades turned his back and looked out of the cavern’s entrance.  “Orion was your bane,” he said after a moment.  “Exhaustion is to be expected.”

“You’re not even injured,” Apollo protested, and Hades rolled his eyes, despite knowing Apollo couldn’t see the action.

“I am more powerful than both of you,” he reminded him.  “He was not my bane.”

Silence settled between them.  Content that the conversation was over, Hades set his attention to watching for anything that might approach, regardless of how little a threat they might be.

Then Apollo spoke again, his voice soft, almost as though he wasn’t planning for Hades to hear his words.  “That was the first time I’ve ever defeated him,” he murmured.  It sounded almost like a confession.  “Neither of us have ever defeated him.  He drives us apart.”

Hades had nothing he wanted to say to that, so he pretended he hadn’t heard, despite the fresh questions sprouting in his mind – if the Twins had never defeated Orion, who had?

Whispered confessions seemingly over for good, Apollo lapsed into a silence behind him again.  The sensation of his essence seemed to slow, shimmering into something steady and calm, and when Hades glanced back out of the corner of his eye, he saw that the younger god’s eyes had closed.

Good.

Content that Apollo was, in fact, doing as he was told – and should be doing – and resting, Hades let him be and returned to watching for potential danger.

They would move on once Apollo was sufficiently regenerated.

Chapter 15>>

[jitendrasm]

Understanding Venous Air Embolism: Timeframe and Potential Risks

Introduction

In the world of medical emergencies, knowledge can make all the difference. One critical condition that demands immediate attention is venous air embolism (VAE). Understanding the timeline and potential risks associated with VAE is essential for healthcare professionals and individuals alike. In this article, we'll delve into the question, "How long does it take for a venous air embolism to be fatal?" while shedding light on what VAE is, its causes, symptoms, and preventive measures.

What is Venous Air Embolism (VAE)?

Venous air embolism (VAE) is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when air enters a person's bloodstream through a vein. The presence of air bubbles in the bloodstream can disrupt normal blood flow and lead to various complications, including organ damage and, in severe cases, death.

Causes of Venous Air Embolism

VAE commonly occurs during medical procedures that involve the manipulation of veins or when the body is in a position that allows air to be drawn into the bloodstream. Common scenarios where VAE may occur include:

1. Surgical Procedures: Surgeries that require the use of central venous catheters, cardiopulmonary bypass, or any procedure where veins are exposed can potentially introduce air into the bloodstream.

2. Invasive Medical Procedures: Insertion or removal of central lines, hemodialysis, and certain obstetric procedures can create opportunities for air to enter the veins.

3. Childbirth: During childbirth, especially if a woman is in certain positions, there is a risk of air embolism.

Symptoms and Immediate Risks

The onset of symptoms due to VAE can vary depending on the amount of air that enters the bloodstream and the patient's overall health. Common symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, dizziness, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or cardiac arrest. 

As for the question, "How long does it take for a venous air embolism to be fatal?" the timeline can be swift. In cases where a significant amount of air enters the bloodstream and reaches vital organs, the effects can be fatal within minutes to hours if not promptly addressed.

Preventive Measures and Treatment

Preventing VAE involves careful attention to procedural techniques and patient positioning. Here are some preventive measures:

1. Proper Positioning: Keeping patients in positions that prevent air from entering veins is crucial. This is particularly important during surgeries and procedures.

2. Central Line Insertion: Using proper techniques for central line insertion and removal can minimize the risk of air embolism.

3. Alertness: Vigilance among medical professionals is essential. Monitoring patients for signs of VAE during procedures can lead to early detection and timely intervention.

Conclusion

Venous air embolism is a serious medical condition that demands swift action and knowledge from medical practitioners. While the time it takes for VAE to be fatal can vary, the consequences of not addressing it promptly can be severe. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures associated with VAE can save lives and enhance patient safety during medical procedures.

For more information or if you have concerns about VAE, consult with a medical professional or visit reliable medical sources. Remember, knowledge is a powerful tool when it comes to medical emergencies like venous air embolism.

[emcscared-whumps]

Character Profile: COLE NELSON

Shifting Phases Masterpost Last updated: 06 May, 2023

Name: Cole Nelson Name Meaning: Coal/swarthy/coal-black, champion

Age: 35

Height: 186cm/6'1" Weight: 82kg

Birthday: 31 Aug Star Sign: Virgo MBPT: ISTJ

Pronouns: he/him Sexuality: straight

Species: belunae, enhanced (need to find a good name for this sort)

Abilities: Cole is far stronger than even the strongest of humans, and his differences in his biology and anatomy allow him to perform feats such as easily picking up people twice his size, lifting cars, and bend metal bars. He also has a naturally higher endurance, allowing him to do hard manual work and run for great distances, and combined with his strength, run long distances at speed for extended periods.

For short periods, Cole is able to block any pain he experiences, from only dampening to it, to outright stopping it. This can be dangerous, particularly if he sustains potentially life-threatening injuries and doesn't notice and stop what he's doing to treat them. Blocking the pain is not the same as removing it. Eventually, he must let the barrier go and experience the pain, but he is able to control how much he lets out.

Cole also has a powerful healing factor, enabling him to heal roughly three times faster than shifters (which usually heal twice as fast as humans, given good health), and even from debilitating injuries, such as spinal damage, and completely crushed bones, all while leaving minimal to no scarring.

He cannot heal from extreme blood loss and immediately fatal injuries, such as a severed artery, or a wound to the heart or other vital organ. Generally though, if he can survive the first day, he can heal from the injury.

His skin is impervious to the burn of candinium, however, his flesh is not. Wounds created by candinium both burn and scar, and have the potential to give him afterburns.

Due to his fast metabolism and higher muscle and bone density, as well as a specific ability, Cole has a strong resistance to all drugs he ingests (e.g. alcohol, semi-paralytic darts, painkillers, and various poisons).

He is the absolute strongest that a belunae of his kind can get.

Personality: Though he is reserved with a cool, tough, even secretive exterior, Cole is very much a family man, and that is where the softer, kinder side of his stoic personality shines through.

During his time with Johnstone, he became withdrawn, and played his cards even closer to his chest in an attempt to detach himself from his 'work', and keep his abilities secret. This placed a great strain on his and Mel's relationship, and he couldn't stand it; it tore him up inside to hurt his family this way, when he was supposed to keep them safe.

By complying, he was giving them the longest time he could have with them, so Penny got to have a father.

Appearance: Cole has cool, dark blue eyes, and dark brown hair, which he keeps tidy, which he washes irregularly. He prefers to be clean shaven, but often ends up with stubble when his 'work' gets hard and exhausting. He has a somewhat broad build, and is fit and well muscled.

(He'll get proper art one day :') )

Clothing: Often has to wear the hunter uniform, but as soon as he doesn't have to, he will strip straight out of it and wear his own clothes, especially if he needs to calm down from upsetting experiences. After he started 'working' for Johnstone, he started wearing turtlenecks a lot.

(I haven't really thought about his normal clothes, ideas pending).

Brief Background: Cole used to work in a factory for years, until one day a workplace accident involving heavy suspended pipes occurred. The pipes were suspended using a crane to transfer them to a different section, but there was a failure and the pipes came crashing to the ground. In there path was a human coworker who Cole had been working with for the entire duration of his employment, they were good friends. Seeing the disaster unfold, Cole used his abilities openly for the first time and rushed under the pipes and flung his coworker as hard and fast as he could to get them out from under the pipes, which would have killed them.

In the process, Cole accidentally injured them with the force of the impact and acceleration, and then when they hit other obstacles, but Cole was caught under the pipes himself and his entire lower body was crushed.

He was able to heal from his injuries with difficulty, but this revealed his abilities to his entire workplace and someone ratted him out to the hunters. This betrayal was how Johnstone came to acquire him.

Relatives:

Melanie 'Mel' Nelson (human, romantic partner, 34)

Penelope 'Penny' Nelson (human, daughter, 6)

Trivia:

Cole will do almost anything in his power to protect his family.

Cole often pretends that he's weaker than he really is, and tries to play it up especially for Penny. It is sometimes comical given the knowledge of what he is really capable of.

Other Art:

--

[salinewater]

Enhancing Patient Safety with Luer Filters: A Comprehensive Guide

In modern healthcare, patient safety is the cornerstone of effective medical treatment. Among the many innovations that contribute to this goal, luer filter play a crucial role in reducing risks during intravenous (IV) therapy and medication administration. Though small in size, these filters have a significant impact, preventing harmful particles, bacteria, and air embolisms from entering the bloodstream.

This comprehensive guide explores how Luer filters work, their different types, and how they contribute to improving safety outcomes across healthcare settings.

What Are Luer Filters?

Luer filters, also known as Luer lock filters or in-line filters, are small medical devices integrated into IV lines, syringes, and infusion systems. Their primary function is to filter out particulates, microorganisms, and air during fluid or medication administration. They are typically used with Luer-lock or Luer-slip connectors, which are standardized fittings that ensure secure and leak-free connections between syringes, catheters, and tubing.

These filters are commonly used in:

IV infusion therapy

Chemotherapy drug administration

Neonatal and pediatric care

Blood and plasma transfusion

Laboratory and pharmaceutical compounding

Why Patient Safety Depends on Luer Filters

Administering fluids or medications intravenously bypasses the body’s natural barriers, making any contamination potentially life-threatening. Luer filters serve as a critical line of defense by:

1. Preventing Particulate Contamination

Medications and solutions may contain microscopic particles due to packaging, improper storage, or manufacturing residues. Luer filters trap these particulates, protecting patients from complications such as thrombosis, phlebitis, or organ damage.

2. Blocking Microorganisms

Sterile environments are vital in healthcare. Some Luer filters are equipped with 0.2-micron membrane filters, which are fine enough to block bacteria and prevent infections like sepsis or hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).

3. Avoiding Air Embolism

Accidental air infusion into the bloodstream can cause an air embolism, a potentially fatal condition. Air-eliminating filters can automatically vent out air before it reaches the patient, offering an extra layer of safety.

4. Enhancing Drug Safety

Some medications, especially biologics and chemotherapeutics, are highly sensitive and prone to degradation or precipitation. Using Luer filters during preparation and administration helps ensure that only properly mixed, safe medication reaches the patient.

Types of Luer Filters

Choosing the right Luer filter depends on the intended clinical application. Here are the most common types:

1. Particulate Filters

These are designed to remove particles from solutions, often with pore sizes ranging from 1 to 5 microns. Common in general IV therapy.

2. Bacterial Filters

Featuring 0.2-micron membranes, these filters prevent bacterial contamination. Ideal for neonatal or immunocompromised patients.

3. Air-Eliminating Filters

These combine particle or bacterial filtering with an air venting mechanism to remove bubbles before fluid enters the patient’s bloodstream.

4. Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Filters

Hydrophobic filters repel water and are often used in air elimination or gas sterilization.

Hydrophilic filters attract water and are more suitable for filtering aqueous solutions.

5. Low Protein-Binding Filters

Used in administering protein-based drugs (like insulin or monoclonal antibodies) to minimize loss of active ingredients.

Applications in Clinical Practice

1. Neonatal and Pediatric Care

Infants are especially vulnerable to infections and fluid imbalances. Luer filters ensure that even the smallest doses are free of contaminants and air bubbles, helping prevent critical complications.

2. Oncology

Chemotherapeutic agents require strict filtration due to their cytotoxicity and sensitivity. Luer filters help maintain drug integrity while ensuring safe delivery.

3. ICU and Critical Care

Patients in intensive care units often receive multiple medications and continuous infusions. Luer filters help manage risk in these complex therapeutic environments.

4. Home Infusion Therapy

As more treatments shift to home settings, the use of Luer filters supports sterile and safe delivery for patients managing chronic conditions outside hospitals.

Best Practices for Using Luer Filters

To maximize the benefits of Luer filters, healthcare professionals should adhere to the following best practices:

Verify compatibility with the medication or solution being used. Some drugs may be absorbed by certain filter membranes.

Monitor flow rate, as some filters may slightly reduce fluid flow, especially in low-pressure systems.

Replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer, especially in continuous infusions.

Inspect filters regularly for blockages, cracks, or signs of compromise.

Train staff in proper filter selection, priming, and disposal techniques.

Regulatory and Quality Considerations

In many countries, the use of Luer filters is guided by safety recommendations from agencies like:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

European Medicines Agency (EMA)

These filters must meet stringent ISO standards for medical devices and are subject to quality control to ensure sterility, efficiency, and mechanical integrity.

Conclusion

Though small and often overlooked, Luer filters are essential tools in the medical field. They support safer drug administration, reduce infection risk, and enhance the overall quality of patient care. As healthcare continues to evolve, incorporating simple yet effective technologies like Luer filters into everyday practice can make a big difference in outcomes.

Whether in a hospital, clinic, or home care setting, understanding and utilizing Luer filters is a smart step toward advancing patient safety, treatment accuracy, and clinical efficiency.

Learn more about company : https://www.linkedin.com/company/kangyi

[nursingwriter]

Addison's disease is basically an endocrine disorder in which the normal functioning of the adrenalin gland is seriously affected. This disorder affects 1 in 100,000 people and occurs equally among men and women and across different age groups. Among the important functions of the adrenal gland is the secretion of Cortisol and Aldosterone, two important hormones that are essential to regulate blood pressure, cardiovascular function, inflammatory response, as well as protein and carbohydrate metabolism of the body. Aldosterone belongs to a class of hormones known as mineralocorticoids and plays a big role in maintaining the potassium sodium balance in the body. This salt balance is critical to maintain healthy blood pressure. Since the kidneys require aldosterone for sodium absorption and potassium excretion aldosterone insufficiency critically affects the kidneys ability to regulate the salt balance in the body, which in turn affects the blood pressure. Also referred to differently as Hypocortisolism or chronic adrenal insufficiency this disorder is potentially fatal if left untreated. The main cause of Addison's disease is the underfunctioning of the adrenal gland. This maybe due to the damage to the adrenal cortex by the inflammatory response of autoimmune disorders, infections, or neoplasms of the adrenal gland. Of these, adrenal gland damage by autoimmune disorders is known to be the primary cause of Addison's disease. When normal cortisol synthesis is affected directly due to the adrenal gland dysfunction the disorder is termed as primary adrenal insufficiency. However, since cortisol secretion is also dependent on the performance of another endocrine gland, the pituitary gland, pituitary anomalies will also affect the adrenalin cortisol secretion. The pituitary gland secretes ACTH (adrenocorticotropin), the hormone that triggers the adrenal to secrete cortisol. The ACTH secretion by pituitary in turn is controlled by another hormone CRH (Corticotropin releasing hormone) that is secreted by the hypothalamus in response to stress. Thus insufficient production of CRH would affect ACTH production and consequently cortisol secretion by adrenalin. Tumor or any disease of the pituitary gland may thus affect the normal adrenalin functioning. This is known as secondary adrenalin deficiency. Also, sometimes, prolonged corticosteroid therapy and some specific drugs used for the treatment of fungal infections affect natural cortisol secretion. The Typical symptoms of Addison's disease include fatigue, muscle weakness, appetite loss and severe weight loss. Also, some patients may have (low blood sugar) hypoglycemia, fainting and development of dark patches on the skin (hyperpigmentation). Loss of sodium is a common problem among patients with Addison's disease and this requires the use of more salt in the diet. Treatment of Addison's disease involves addressing the hormone deficiency using "replacement dose." The drugs that are used as replacements for cortisol functions are known as glucocorticoids. Hydrocortisone or Dexamethasone or Prednisone is the drugs of choice. Since blood levels of Hydrocortisone can be directly measured it is an excellent choice for treatment and it makes drug dosage adjustment very easy. Patients with Aldosterone deficiency are treated with fludrocortisone (Florinef). Inside the human body the secretion of cortisol is affected by stress. More cortisol is secreted during stress, fever, vomiting, etc. Therefore during periods of stress or physical ailments patients may require additional dosages of cortisol therapy. During sick days it is therefore necessary to consult with the physician, as a higher dose of cortisol therapy is essential. "Sick day rules" are different from normal days for glucocortisoid treatment dosage. Also, if the patient suffers from severe vomiting that would make the tablet form of cortisol therapy ineffective it is necessary to immediately administer cortisol in the form of injections. (Injectible glucocorticoid) Addison's disease patients should do regular physical activities that reduce stress. Also regular meditation that helps reduce stress is strongly advocated by many physicians. Patients with Addison's disease should always carry a Medic alert tag (a bracelet) that would inform a physician about their condition. This is very important under emergency circumstances as it alerts the physician of the underlying condition enabling him to provide appropriate intervention. Addison's disease can be effectively managed with appropriate dose of hormone replacement medication, dietary changes and by maintaining an active life style. Bibliography 1) NIDDK, 'Adrenal Insufficiency and Addison's Disease', Accessed March 24th 2010, available at, http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/addison/addison.htm#treatment 2) AAFP, 'Addison's disease: What is Addison's disease', Accessed March 24th 2010, Available at, http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/hormone/910.printerview.html 3) NIH, 'Managing Adrenaline Insufficiency', Accessed Mar 25th 2010 available online at, http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/pepubs/mngadrins.pdf 4) Mark Rosenberg, M.D., 'A stress related Disease you should know about', Accessed Mar 25th 2010, available at, http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Stress-Related-Disease-You-Should-Know-About&id=1189301 5) Sarah Baker & Katherine White, 'Living with Addison's Disease', Accessed Mar 25th 2010, Available at, http://www.addisons.org.uk/info/manual/adshgguidelines.pdf Read the full article

[tobrukonly]

Amniotic Fluid Embolism (Anaphylactic Syndrome of Pregnancy)

Introduction Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), also known as anaphylactic syndrome of pregnancy, is a rare but life-threatening medical condition that can endanger both the mother and the fetus. This syndrome occurs when amniotic fluid or fetal cells enter the maternal bloodstream, triggering a severe immune response that can lead to sudden cardiovascular and respiratory collapse.

Causes and Pathophysiology The exact cause of amniotic fluid embolism is not fully understood. However, it is believed that the entry of amniotic fluid components into the maternal circulation induces an excessive immune response similar to anaphylaxis. Predisposing factors include:

Rupture of fetal membranes.

Vaginal or cesarean delivery.

Placenta previa or placental abruption.

Use of oxytocin or other medical interventions during labor.

Symptoms AFE symptoms appear suddenly and severely, including:

A sharp drop in blood pressure.

Shortness of breath.

Rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Loss of consciousness.

Excessive bleeding due to coagulation disorders.

Cardiac or respiratory arrest in severe cases.

Diagnosis There is no specific test to diagnose amniotic fluid embolism. Physicians rely on clinical symptoms and the rapid exclusion of other causes. Common tests include:

Blood tests to assess coagulation and oxygen levels.

Electrocardiography (ECG) to evaluate heart function.

Imaging studies such as X-rays or ultrasound to rule out other conditions.

Treatment There is no definitive cure for AFE, but supportive management aims to stabilize both the mother and the fetus. Treatment includes:

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in emergency cases.

Oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation if needed.

Intravenous fluids and medications to raise blood pressure.

Blood or plasma transfusions to manage bleeding disorders.

Prognosis and Complications AFE is a life-threatening condition, with maternal mortality rates ranging from 20% to 60%. The fetus is also at high risk of severe oxygen deprivation. Potential complications include:

Multiple organ failure.

Brain damage due to reduced blood supply.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Prevention Since the exact cause of AFE remains unknown, there is no guaranteed way to prevent it. However, risk reduction strategies include:

Careful monitoring during labor and delivery.

Avoiding unnecessary procedures that may increase the risk of amniotic fluid entering the bloodstream.

Conclusion Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare but potentially fatal condition requiring immediate medical intervention. Prompt recognition and intensive supportive care are crucial for improving survival rates and minimizing complications associated with this syndrome.

[safetylearning-blog]

First Aid Courses: A Smart Investment

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. Knowing how to respond effectively can mean the difference between life and death. First aid training equips individuals with the necessary skills to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, from minor injuries to life-threatening situations. Investing in a first aid course is a smart decision that benefits individuals, workplaces, and communities alike. This article explores why first aid courses are a valuable investment, the essential skills they cover, and how they contribute to overall safety and well-being.

The Value of First Aid Training

First aid training is an invaluable investment for several reasons. It enables individuals to provide immediate assistance before professional medical help arrives, reducing the severity of injuries and increasing survival rates. Understanding first aid can also help prevent minor injuries from escalating into serious conditions. Additionally, being trained in first aid fosters confidence and readiness, ensuring that individuals can respond quickly and efficiently in emergencies.

From a financial perspective, first aid training can reduce healthcare costs by minimising the need for extensive medical treatment due to delayed response. Many employers recognise the importance of workplace safety and encourage employees to become certified, leading to a safer work environment and potential reductions in insurance costs.

Essential Skills Covered in First Aid Courses

First aid courses cover a broad range of skills that are essential for handling medical emergencies. Some of the key areas include:

1. CPR and Resuscitation Techniques

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique used in cases of cardiac arrest. It involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood circulation and oxygen supply to vital organs. Learning CPR can significantly improve the chances of survival for someone experiencing cardiac arrest.

2. Wound Care and Bleeding Control

Proper wound care is crucial in preventing infections and excessive blood loss. First aid training teaches individuals how to clean and dress wounds, apply pressure to control bleeding, and use bandages effectively.

3. Choking Response

Choking can quickly become fatal if not addressed immediately. First aid courses teach the Heimlich maneuver and other techniques to clear airway obstructions in adults, children, and infants.

4. Fractures and Sprains Management

Knowing how to stabilise fractures and sprains can prevent further injury. First aid courses provide instruction on using splints, slings, and other support techniques to manage musculoskeletal injuries until professional medical help is available.

5. Treating Burns and Scalds

Burns can cause severe pain and complications if not treated properly. First aid training covers the different degrees of burns, how to cool and dress them, and when to seek further medical attention.

6. Recognising and Managing Medical Emergencies

First aid courses also educate individuals on how to recognise signs of common medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, seisures, allergic reactions, and diabetic emergencies. Quick recognition and response can be life-saving.

Who Should Invest in a First Aid Course?

First aid training is beneficial for everyone, regardless of profession or background. However, it is particularly valuable for:

Parents and caregivers

Teachers and school staff

Workplace employees and managers

Sports coaches and fitness instructors

Healthcare professionals and first responders

Community volunteers and social workers

Many businesses and organisations now require first aid certification as part of their safety policies. Whether you are a professional seeking career advancement or an individual looking to be better prepared, first aid training is a worthwhile investment.

The Benefits of First Aid Training

Taking a first aid course offers numerous advantages, both personally and professionally:

1. Saves Lives

The most significant benefit of first aid training is its potential to save lives. Immediate action during emergencies can prevent fatalities and serious complications.

2. Increases Safety Awareness

Training instills a greater awareness of potential hasards and how to prevent accidents, creating safer environments at home, work, and public spaces.

3. Enhances Confidence and Readiness

Knowing how to react in emergencies reduces panic and hesitation, allowing individuals to provide effective assistance quickly.

4. Improves Workplace Safety and Compliance

Many workplaces require employees to undergo first aid training to comply with safety regulations. Trained employees contribute to a safer work environment and can reduce the severity of workplace injuries.

5. Boosts Employability

Holding a first aid certification can enhance job prospects, especially in industries that prioritise health and safety, such as healthcare, education, construction, and sports. Employers value individuals who can contribute to a safer work environment and respond effectively in emergencies.

6. Provides Peace of Mind

Being equipped with first aid skills offers peace of mind, knowing that you can handle emergencies effectively. This sense of preparedness is invaluable in both personal and professional settings.

Choosing the Right First Aid Course

There are various types of first aid courses available, ranging from basic training to advanced medical response. When selecting a course, consider the following factors:

Accreditation and Certification: Ensure the course is recognised by reputable organisations such as the Red Cross or the American Heart Association.

Course Content: Choose a course that aligns with your needs, whether it's basic first aid, CPR training, or workplace-specific programs.

Training Format: Courses are available in in-person, online, and blended formats. Select the one that best fits your schedule and learning preferences.

Instructor Expertise: Verify that the trainers are qualified professionals with experience in emergency response.

Conclusion

First aid training is a smart investment that equips individuals with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in emergencies. Whether at home, work, or in public spaces, having first aid skills can make a critical difference in saving lives and preventing complications. Beyond its life-saving potential, first aid training enhances workplace safety, improves employability, and provides peace of mind. Investing in a first aid course is an investment in safety, preparedness, and the well-being of individuals and communities. Take the step today to become trained and ready to make a difference when it matters most.

[aegislifescience]

From combat to operating room: The lifesaving potential of absorbable hemostats

Introduction

Uncontrollable bleeding is one of the leading causes of fatalities in military and hospital settings. In combat scenarios, up to 50% of deaths result from exsanguination, with 80% attributed to noncompressible injuries. In civilian emergencies, hemorrhage accounts for one-third of prehospital deaths, a statistic that remains largely unchanged over the decades. Additionally, surgeries like cardiovascular and orthopedic procedures often involve significant blood loss, creating critical challenges for patient safety [1].

Effective hemostasis — the process of stopping bleeding — is essential to improve surgical outcomes and save lives. In recent years, absorbable hemostats have emerged as an effective solution to manage bleeding. These tools reliably control bleeding without requiring removal, minimizing complications and supporting faster recovery.

This brings us to a key question: what exactly are absorbable hemostats?

What are Absorbable Hemostats?

Absorbable hemostats are medical devices used in surgery to control bleeding, especially when traditional methods like ligature or pressure are not enough.Unlike traditional agents, these hemostats are biodegradable and are naturally absorbed by the body over time. This eliminates the need for removal, making them especially useful for deep or hard-to-reach surgical sites.

How Do Absorbable Hemostats Work?

Absorbable hemostats function by supporting the body’s natural haemostatic processes. To understand their action, it’s essential to know the key steps of haemostasis [4]:

1. Vasoconstriction

When an injury occurs, the blood vessels narrow in a process called vasoconstriction. This initial response reduces blood flow to the affected area, minimizing blood loss.

2. Platelet Activation and Plug Formation

In the first stage of haemostasis, known as primary haemostasis, platelets are activated upon exposure to collagen at the injury site. These small blood cell fragments become sticky, adhering to the damaged vessel wall and to each other, forming a temporary platelet plug to seal the wound.

3. Coagulation Cascade and Fibrin Clot Formation

Secondary haemostasis, or the coagulation cascade, involves a series of reactions among clotting factors that stabilize the platelet plug. Fibrinogen is converted into fibrin, creating a mesh-like structure that reinforces the plug and traps red blood cells, forming a durable clot.

4. Clot Retraction and Stabilization

After the clot forms, it undergoes retraction, where it contracts and pulls the edges of the wound together. This process helps limit further bleeding and supports the healing of the injured vessel.

5. Fibrinolysis

Absorbable hemostats work in two primary ways to mimic or enhance these natural steps [5]:

I. Coagulation Activation

Some absorbable hemostats actively interact with blood components to accelerate clot formation.

These agents stimulate the body’s natural coagulation cascade by engaging platelets and clotting factors at the site of bleeding.

By promoting the rapid conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, they facilitate the creation of a stable clot that effectively seals the wound.

Such hemostats are classified as active agents due to their biological activity while directly participating in the coagulation process [6].

II. Barrier Formation

Other absorbable hemostats such as SURGISPON® and Surgi-ORC® function passively by providing a physical structure that promotes platelet aggregation and clot development.

These devices act as a mechanical barrier, blocking blood flow at the site of injury.

The structure serves as a scaffold, allowing platelets to adhere and aggregate, forming a protective clot.

These are referred to as passive agents because they do not directly interact with the coagulation cascade but instead support the natural clotting process [7].

These agents are gradually absorbed by the body, making them ideal for surgeries where removal is impractical.

But what makes a hemostat truly effective? Let’s take a closer look.

Characteristics of an Ideal Absorbable Hemostat

When selecting an absorbable hemostat, the following attributes are important:

Excellent flexibility for good handling

Promptness and effectiveness in control/cessation of bleeding

Ease of preparation

Ability to make effective contact with the bleeding surface

Stable absorption by the body

Components that do not cause an immune response

Trimming adaptability to fit the wound precisely

Non-adherence to instruments for smooth surgical handling

Antimicrobial effect against resistant microorganisms

An acceptable adverse-event profile

Availability in various sizes, shapes, and forms for different surgical needs

The outcomes of haemostatic agents vary depending on their specific characteristics [5, 8].

Absorbable hemostats are used across various surgeries, making them a versatile tool in modern healthcare.

Understanding their qualities helps explain why they’re so valuable in surgery.

Advantages of Absorbable Hemostats

Absorbable hemostats have transformed surgical practices due to their numerous advantages:

No need for removal: Their biodegradable nature ensures they dissolve naturally, making them ideal for complex or deep surgical sites.

Reduced risk of Infection: Leaving foreign materials in the body can increase infection risk, but absorbable hemostats reduce this concern by disappearing over time [9].

Rapid action: Surgeons can quickly achieve hemostasis, allowing them to focus on other aspects of the procedure [10].

Enhanced patient outcomes: With fewer complications, patients often experience faster recovery times and better overall results.

High absorption capacity: Absorbs several times its own weight in fluid, making it effective for heavier bleeding.

And while they’re already making a difference, their future holds even more potential.

Future Trends and Innovations

The future of absorbable hemostats looks promising, with several exciting advancements on the horizon [11]:

Development of advanced biomaterials

Research into advanced biomaterials, such as nanocomposites and bioengineered polymers, focuses on enhancing hemostatic efficacy by incorporating agents like tranexamic acid and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), offering improved outcomes in diverse conditions, including coagulopathies and anticoagulant therapy [12].

Minimizing adverse reactions

Efforts are focused on reducing immunogenicity, toxicity, and infection risks while maintaining high efficacy, particularly in sensitive applications like neurosurgery.

Integration with regenerative therapies

Hemostats are combined with wound-healing agents, such as growth factors or stem cells, to accelerate tissue repair and improve long-term outcomes.

Multifunctional hemostats

Hemostats are designed to incorporate antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic properties, addressing multiple clinical needs simultaneously.

All of this points to one thing: absorbable hemostats are here to stay.

Conclusion

Absorbable hemostats are redefining bleeding management in surgical and emergency care by providing effective, natural, and reliable solutions. By reducing the risk of infection and eliminating the need for removal, these hemostats contribute to smoother recovery and promote safer surgical environments. Additionally, their ease of use and adaptability across various procedures enhance operational efficiency, allowing surgeons to focus on other critical aspects of patient care. With advancements in biomaterials and technology, absorbable hemostats are paving the way for more streamlined, patient-centered surgical practices.

[hilleysolislaw]

How San Antonio Auto Accident Lawyers Handle Drunk Driving Cases

Drunk driving is a major cause of devastating accidents, injuries, and fatalities across the United States, including San Antonio, Texas. Victims of drunk driving accidents often face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges, making it essential to seek legal assistance. San Antonio auto accident lawyers play a pivotal role in helping victims navigate the complexities of drunk driving cases and secure justice. This comprehensive blog explores how these attorneys handle drunk driving cases, from the initial investigation to the final settlement or trial.

The Severity of Drunk Driving in San Antonio

Understanding the Impact of Drunk Driving

Drunk driving remains a leading cause of traffic accidents in San Antonio, with alcohol impairing a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Key statistics include:

Increased Risk: Drivers with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher are significantly more likely to cause accidents.

Fatalities: The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports thousands of annual fatalities statewide due to drunk driving.

Economic Costs: Medical bills, property damage, and legal expenses heavily burden victims and their families.

Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries, including:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

Spinal cord injuries

Broken bones

Internal organ damage

Emotional and psychological trauma

Steps San Antonio Auto Accident Lawyers Take in Drunk Driving Cases

1. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

The process begins with a detailed consultation, where the attorney:

Review the details of the accident.

Assesses the strength of the case.

Explains the victim’s rights and potential legal options.

Key Questions Addressed:

Was the at-fault driver’s BAC above the legal limit?

Were there any eyewitnesses or police reports documenting intoxication?

What damages (medical expenses, lost wages, etc.) has the victim incurred?

2. Gathering Evidence

Building a strong case requires comprehensive evidence collection. San Antonio lawyers use various methods, including:

Police Reports

Police reports often contain crucial details, such as:

The driver’s BAC level.

Field sobriety test results.

Arrest records and citations.

Eyewitness Testimony

Eyewitnesses provide firsthand accounts of the driver’s behavior, such as erratic driving or visible intoxication.

Surveillance Footage

Traffic cameras, dashcams, or nearby business surveillance can capture the events leading up to the accident.

Medical Records

Medical documentation proves the extent of injuries and connects them to the accident.

3. Establishing Liability

To secure compensation, the attorney must prove that the drunk driver’s negligence caused the accident. This involves demonstrating:

The driver’s duty of care.

Breach of duty through impaired driving.

Direct causation of the victim’s injuries and damages.

4. Filing Insurance Claims

San Antonio auto accident lawyers handle communication with insurance companies to:

File claims promptly.

Negotiate fair settlements.

Counteract lowball offers or bad-faith tactics.

5. Pursuing Compensation for Damages

Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages: Medical expenses, lost income, property repairs.

Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship.

Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, such as drunk driving, punitive damages may be awarded to deter future misconduct.

The Role of Texas Dram Shop Laws in Drunk Driving Cases

What Are Dram Shop Laws?

Texas’s dram shop laws hold bars, restaurants, and other establishments accountable for overserving alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons who later cause accidents. Attorneys may pursue claims against these establishments in addition to the drunk driver.

How Dram Shop Laws Help Victims

Increased Compensation: Holding alcohol providers liable can expand the pool of available compensation.

Shared Responsibility: Establishments share liability for enabling drunk drivers.

Example:

A San Antonio bar served an already intoxicated patron, who later caused a fatal crash. The victim’s attorney successfully pursued compensation from the driver and the bar.

Challenges in Drunk Driving Cases

Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers

Drunk drivers often lack adequate insurance coverage. Attorneys help victims explore options such as:

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.

Filing lawsuits directly against the driver or other liable parties.

Proving Intoxication

While BAC tests and police reports are strong evidence, some cases lack these elements. Attorneys may:

Use circumstantial evidence, such as erratic driving patterns.

Call expert witnesses to interpret behavior or chemical tests.

Emotional Toll on Victims

Drunk driving accidents leave lasting emotional scars. Attorneys provide compassionate support, ensuring victims feel heard and empowered throughout the legal process.

Why Hire a San Antonio Auto Accident Lawyer?

Expertise in Drunk Driving Laws

Local attorneys understand Texas-specific drunk driving statutes and how to leverage them effectively in court.

Access to Resources

Experienced lawyers have access to accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other resources to strengthen cases.

Negotiation Skills

Insurance companies often undervalue claims. Skilled attorneys negotiate aggressively for fair settlements or prepare for litigation when necessary.

What Victims Should Do After a Drunk Driving Accident

1. Seek Medical Attention

Immediate medical care ensures proper treatment and records injuries linked to the accident.

2. Report the Accident

Call law enforcement to document the crash and initiate an investigation into the driver’s intoxication.

3. Collect Evidence

Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses.

4. Avoid Speaking to Insurers

Do not provide detailed statements to insurance companies before consulting an attorney.

5. Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer

The sooner you hire a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case and securing fair compensation.

Real-Life Case Studies

Case Study 1: Multi-Vehicle Collision

A drunk driver caused a multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 10 in San Antonio, resulting in severe injuries to several victims. The attorney:

Worked with accident reconstruction experts to establish fault.

Negotiated a settlement covering medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Case Study 2: Fatal Crash Involving a Repeat Offender

A family lost a loved one in a crash caused by a repeat DUI offender. The attorney:

Pursued a wrongful death claim against the driver.

Filed a dram shop lawsuit against the establishment that overserved the driver.

Final Thoughts

Drunk driving accidents are tragic and preventable, often leaving victims with life-changing injuries and financial burdens. San Antonio auto accident lawyers play a critical role in holding drunk drivers accountable and securing justice for victims. By navigating complex legal processes, gathering evidence, and pursuing maximum compensation, these attorneys provide the support and expertise victims need to rebuild their lives.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving accident in San Antonio, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. An experienced auto accident lawyer can help you take the necessary steps toward justice and recovery.

To learn more details contact with us

Name of Law Firm: Hilley & Solis Law, P.L.L.C.

Address: 6243 I-10 Ste 503, San Antonio, TX 78201, United States

Phone: 210-446-5000

Website URL: https://www.hilley-solis.com

[bharathomeopathy2]

Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment: Effective Methods for Managing and Slowing Progression

How to recognize kidney failure? 

The most frequent medical issue in all of them is kidney failure. It's similar to a partial loss of kidney function which renders a person's kidneys unable to remove excessive fluids or waste out of the blood. The majority of the time, this condition results in the build-up of toxins within the body, causing extreme health problems. For patients who suffer from kidney failure, the survival of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease treatment and recovery are often the most important items in the list of priorities.

What is the chance of survival with kidney failure?

A successful recovery from a failure of the kidneys is possible. However, a cure from these potentially life-threatening ailments is only possible with the right medical attention and care. There are two types of renal failing: chronic and acute. Although acute renal failure can occur suddenly most likely because due to one or several reasons like trauma, dehydration or even severe infections the majority of patients suffering from this type of kidney disease can be reversed by the proper treatment for kidney failure and therefore can be fully recovered.

A chronic kidney failure disorder is a slow-growing condition that develops in the course of time. It can be due to certain major diseases of the background like hypertension, diabetes, or diabetes as well as other conditions. Although chronic kidney disease is typically irreparable It is possible that patients take care of their lives, particularly by adjusting their lifestyles medications, lifestyle, and dialysis. This allows for a fulfilling life.

What happens when you have kidney failure?

If the kidneys fail it becomes impossible to maintain the equilibrium of fluids and electrolytes within the body. The sudden failure could result in a myriad of symptoms that are linked to the condition. Among the most common are fatigue and swelling of ankles and legs and a change in the amount of urine produced and mental confusion. The accumulation of toxins that must be eliminated by the kidneys within the bloodstream could cause grave complications, like heart diseases and organ damage. The end result is that patients are forced to search for a cure for chronic kidney disease.

The loss of function of the kidney could be compensated by the body. However, should the intervention not be performed at the appropriate moment, the condition can turn into a fatal situation. In this regard, it is that understanding the cause of kidney failure is crucial for the affected person as well as their relatives.

Lifestyle changes are crucial to kidney failure treatment without dialysis. You should follow a healthy diet as well as physical activity, the elimination of toxins as well regularly scheduled check-ups with medical professionals.

The benefits of Homeopathy Treatment

In addition to medications There are also homeopathic self-treatment solutions and kidney problems treatment, kidney problem medication, that aid in keeping kidneys in good health. Homeopathy is actually described in accordance with that "like heals like" rule and aims at enhancing the naturally healing abilities in the body. So, homeopathic treatments can reduce symptoms and assist in making kidney function better since they tackle the root of the problem more effectively.

Benefits of homeopathic remedies:

The individual who is using homeopathy will decide by looking at particular signs and symptoms along with a detailed medical history before deciding on the best treatment. A majority of homeopathic remedies consist of natural substances, which is why they are thought to have less adverse effects than regular kidney problem medication. This treatment can be used in conjunction with conventional treatments for support needed to the overall health and overall quality of life.

Can Kidney Failure be treated?

The cause and type, thus, determine the probability of treating kidney failure. It's dependent on the time how an acute renal failure has been identified and treated. Therefore, generally there is a high chance that the kidneys will function normally following the disease is taken care of. It is presently incurable, however, the health is improved with controlled stages that are well-managed and can slow down disease progress. It is necessary for treatment for kidney failure as well as lifestyle modifications and a regular check-up for kidney functions.

Kidney Failure Cure

The process of recovering from kidney failure is different depending on the individual case due to various reasons, including the causes and how far advanced the problem is, as well as the time of intervention. If treatment for intervention is given to the patient who has experienced severe kidney disease, there is a high chance of recovering. Patients who experience acute failure, recover and return to normal function of their kidneys after appropriate medical high creatinine treatment.

Patients with chronic kidney disease are no longer well, a significant portion of them can live their lives thanks to successful management of their illness and thus lead normal lives. This usually requires medical treatment for high creatinine levels, along with lifestyle changes along with ongoing assistance.

Can the Kidneys Be Restored at Bharat Homeopathy, Gurgaon?

Bharat Homeopathy in Gurgaon has experience in treating the most prevalent health issues that include conditions of kidneys. The centre is focused on a holistic approach for kidney failure treatment without dialysis and managing lifestyle with homeopathic treatments. Patients at Bharat Homeopathy benefit from an accurate assessment from an expert kidney specialist who is well-versed in the specifics of kidney. By utilising customised homeopathic remedies the clinic will attempt to ensure that the kidney is functioning properly and effectively treat the symptoms of kidneys.

Although the clinic doesn't have the ability to "restore" the kidneys in the traditional sense, it offers an environment that is needed for patients to explore alternative therapies along with the regular treatments. Patients who have been treated in Bharat Homeopathy have said that it has improved their symptoms and health, while also providing an effective cure for chronic kidney disease.

Conclusion

Kidney failure can be a difficult situation, however many sufferers can live life to the fullest if they follow the right chronic kidney disease treatment and management plans. Anyone who is aware of the causes of kidney disease, and explores potential chronic kidney disease treatment alternatives, including homeopathy and seeks specialist care is more likely to overcome the health issue. No matter what degree of optimism or desperation and whether they opt for holistic or conventional approaches can lead people to a healthier lifestyle and enhanced level of living.