#rapid cpr

[heartshield1]

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[meazalykov]

keys

barcelona femeni x reader

summary: who knew that a pair of keys would save your life

warnings: choking!!, mentions of close death, angst

it was supposed to be a peaceful evening. 

you had settled on the couch, wrapped in your favorite blanket, completely absorbed in your newest favorite movie that came out a few months ago, but you never had the chance to watch it until now due to your busy schedule. 

the glow of the screen illuminated your dark living room, and for the first time in what felt like forever, everything was quiet. your phone lay on the coffee table, screen dimmed, muted by do not disturb (thank you iphone). 

you were oblivious to the flurry of messages in the team group chat about a last-minute gym session before tomorrow's game against atlético madrid at home.

your focus broke when hunger nudged you toward the kitchen. grabbing a bowl of fruit you had prepared earlier, you popped a grape into your mouth. 

however, as you swallowed, something went terribly wrong. the grape slipped down the wrong way. your body froze as panic set in. you began coughing violently, desperate to clear your airway, but the sensation only grew worse. 

you clawed at your throat, tears pricking your eyes as you stumbled against the counter. the air wasn’t coming, and you couldn’t stop coughing long enough to figure out what to do. you tried pressing your fists against your stomach, mimicking the cpr techniques you had seen once, but it wasn’t working. 

the world began to blur at the edges, your chest heaving in pain. 

you were alone. completely and terrifyingly alone.

your face started to lose color, just as your vision started to slip away.

just as your knees buckled and you braced yourself against the counter, you should have heard the unmistakable sound of your front door unlocking. a loud crash as the door flew open due to the loud sounds of your coughing. 

you barely registered it before frantic footsteps stormed into the apartment.

“y/n?!” ingrid’s voice was sharp, panic-laced. behind her, fridolina rushed toward you.

“she’s choking!” fridolina shouted, immediately positioning herself behind you. the scandi’s strong arms wrapped tightly around your abdomen as she began performing the heimlich maneuver with precision and urgency. 

the force of her movements sent a searing pain through your ribs, but the need for air overshadowed everything else. ingrid was on the phone, her voice rapid as she called for help. you could barely focus on anything but the overwhelming pressure in your chest.

after what felt like an eternity, you finally coughed..hard and forcefully. the grape dislodged, falling to the floor as you gasped in ragged, desperate breaths. you collapsed to your knees, trembling, the world spinning as relief and terror hit you all at once.

“you’re okay,” fridolina murmured, kneeling beside you and rubbing your back soothingly as you started to cry. the woman’s tone was firm yet gentle, grounding you in the moment. 

“you’re okay now sweetheart.”

ingrid dropped to your other side, her hand gripping yours tightly. 

“we’ve got you,” she said, her normally calm demeanor cracked with visible worry. she puts away her phone after calling some of the other girls on the team who did not live too far away.

“you’re safe.”

your body hurt..your ribs throbbed from the force fridolina had used, but the tears streaming down your face weren’t from physical pain. you couldn’t stop crying, the sheer fear of what had almost happened consuming you. 

as the adrenaline ebbed, you became vaguely aware of more footsteps. alexia, mapi, esmee, and patri had rushed in, the sound of their voices filling the apartment.

“what happened?!” alexia demanded, her gaze darting between ingrid, fridolina, and you. she looked ready to take control of the situation if needed.

“she was choking,” ingrid explained, her voice shaking slightly. 

“we came over because she didn’t respond to the group chat. we thought she was ignoring us again, but…” she trailed off, her eyes flicking to you with a mix of relief and lingering fear.

“thank god you had the key,” mapi muttered, running a hand through her hair as she crouched nearby, her usual humor replaced by concern.

“y/n,” esmee said softly, kneeling in front of you. her hand brushed a piece of hair out of your face, her touch gentle. 

“you’re okay now. just breathe, literally. we’re here.” her tone was soothing, and despite being younger than you, she carried herself with a maturity that made you feel strangely comforted.

“i… i thought…” you choked out between sobs, your voice barely audible. 

“i thought i was gonna…”

“shh, don’t think about that,” fridolina interrupted gently, her arms wrapping around your shoulders as she pulled you into a hug. 

“you’re here. you’re safe. that’s what matters.”

“your face is getting its color back,” patri noted, her hands on her hips as she observed you closely. 

“you scared the shit out of us, though.”

alexia sighed, her hand coming to rest on your shoulder. “this is exactly why we do the key thing. no one’s ever happy about it at first, but…” she shook her head. 

“i don’t even want to think about what could’ve happened if ingrid didn’t have yours.”

you nodded shakily, unable to find the words to respond. the fear still lingered, but so did an overwhelming sense of gratitude. you hadn’t realized until now just how much having them in your life meant.

“it’s okay,” esmee said, her voice soft but firm. “you’re not alone. you’ve got us.”

you felt small in her comfort, in all of their care. ingrid squeezed your hand again, and fridolina’s grip around your shoulders tightened briefly. you weren’t sure how long you sat there on the floor with them, your body slowly calming as the realization of your safety sank in.

“i think i’m gonna have a serious hatred against grapes now,” you muttered weakly, earning a soft chuckle from mapi.

“don’t blame the grapes,” she said, her teasing tone lightening the mood just a little. 

“but maybe stick to apples, not the sliced ones though, for a while.”

despite yourself, a faint smile tugged at your lips as you gained color on your face back.

masterlist

[one-chicago-writer]

Holding On

After a severe allergic reaction, you crash in the ED, Will and the team fight to save you, reviving you after CPR and intubation. When you come around, you realize that home is wherever Will Halstead is.

The emergency department at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center was alive with its usual chaos. Machines beeped in rapid succession, the sound of rolling stretchers filled the air, and the scent of antiseptic clung to every surface. You had been working for over ten hours straight, your energy waning, but the rush of the ERkept you upright.

“You still with us, Y/N?” Maggie’s voice broke through your focus as you adjusted an IV drip in Bed 4. “You’ve been running around like you’re on autopilot.”

You managed a tired smile. “Just another day in the ED.”

She shook her head, handing you a new set of patient orders. “At least grab some water.”

You nodded, but before you could follow through, Dr. Halstead’s voice cut through the department. “Y/N, I need 0.5mg of epi for Bed 6!”

You grabbed the medication, handing it over without a second thought. As you moved back toward the nurses’ station, your stomach growled. Without thinking, you grabbed a donut from the break room counter, taking a quick bite. The moment the taste of peanuts hit your tongue, your heart stopped.

You knew you were allergic. You have always been extremely careful. But exhaustion clouded your judgment, and now the mistake was irreversible. Panic set in as the familiar tightness gripped your throat. Your breath came in short, gasping bursts as your airway swelled shut. You started to stumble towards the nurses station and Maggie, but before you could, dizziness hit like a freight train, and before you could steady yourself, your vision swam. A sharp pain erupted as your head struck the desk as you went down, a sickening crack echoing in your ears, followed by Maggie yelling “Y/N!” before the world went black.

Will’s POV

The moment he heard Maggie yell your name, Will’s heart nearly stopped. He turned, spotting your crumpled form on the floor, blood pooling from a deep gash on your forehead. The pallor of your skin sent a jolt of fear through him.

“Somebody get a crash cart!” he barked, pushing past nurses as he fell to his knees beside you. “Y/N! Can you hear me?” He did a sternal rub with no response. He checked your pulse—rapid and thready. Your breathing was shallow, barely existent.

“Severe anaphylaxis,” Natalie assessed quickly as she joined Will. “We need airway support now.”

Will’s hands trembled as he tilted your chin back to open your airway. “Epi, now! 0.5mg IM, and start an IV for a second dose if needed.”

Maggie was already ahead of him, pushing the medication into your thigh. Ethan secured an ambu bag over your face, but your chest barely rose.

“She’s going into respiratory failure,” Ethan warned. “We need to intubate.”

Will’s throat tightened. “No—wait, she’s coding!”

The monitor wailed as your heartbeat flatlined.

“Starting compressions!” Will’s voice cracked as he pressed his hands to your sternum, counting aloud. “One, two, three—come on, Y/N—five, six, seven…”

“IV access is impossible,” Natalie said, voice urgent. “We need a neck IV.”

“Ethan, get an external jugular line in, now!” Will barked.

Ethan worked fast, inserting the large-bore catheter into your neck. The moment it was in place, Ehtan secured it with practiced ease

“Pushing another round of epi,” Natalie confirmed.

“Charging to 200 joules!” Natalie called, placing the defibrillator pads against your chest. “Clear!”

Will pulled back as your body arched from the shock, but the monitor remained still.

“360,” Will ordered desperately. “One more time.”

“Charging—clear!”

A beat.

Then another.

A weak, erratic rhythm flickered across the screen.

“She’s back,” Ethan confirmed, releasing a breath. “Let’s get her tubed before she arrests again.”

Will reached for the laryngoscope, carefully guiding the ET tube past your vocal cords with some difficulty due to the swelling. “Tube’s in. Confirm breath sounds.”

Ethan listened with his stethoscope. “Equal breath sounds bilaterally. Secure it.”

Will clenched his jaw as he secured the tube, watching the ventilator deliver each breath for you. The worst was over—for now.

Your POV

You surfaced from the darkness slowly, awareness returning in fragments. A deep ache pulsed through your skull, and your throat burned. Something was in your mouth—blocking, suffocating.

Panic surged through you. Your body fought against the intrusion, hands weakly moving toward the tube. Before you could pull, strong hands caught your wrists.

“Y/N, stop.”

Will’s voice.

You tried again, your body instinctively rejecting the tube. The alarms blared.

“Lets get some soft restraints in here,” Ethan instructed, securing your wrists to prevent another attempt. “She’s too agitated.”

“She needs some sedation,” Natalie said. “Pushing 2mg Ativan.”

A haze settled over you as the medication took hold, your body sinking into slumber. Will’s fingers brushed against your wrist, grounding you.

“You’re okay,” he murmured, his voice softer now. “Just rest.”

When you awoke again, the panic was gone. The tube was still in place, but the fear had dulled. Your hands remained bound, though the restraints were loose enough to provide comfort rather than restriction.

Will sat at your bedside, dark circles under his eyes. When he saw you awake, relief softened his expression.

“Hey,” he whispered. “You scared the hell out of me.”

You blinked sluggishly, your muscles too weak to respond.

He squeezed your hand. “We’re gonna take the tube out soon, okay? Just a little longer.”

You nodded faintly, exhaustion pulling at you again.

Hours later, Natalie and Ethan returned. Will was still at your side.

“Alright, Y/N,” Natalie said gently. “Time to get this tube out.”

You swallowed, eager but anxious.

“Deflating the cuff—when I count to three, I want you to cough, okay?” Natalie instructed.

You braced yourself.

“One… two… three.”

A sharp pull. Burning. A choking gasp as the tube slid free, leaving your throat raw. You coughed hard, body shuddering as Will steadied you, his hand warm against your back.

“Easy,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing. “Just breathe.”

Your throat ached fiercely, every swallow a raw, stinging reminder of the ordeal. Will noticed the discomfort immediately. He reached for a cup of ice chips from the bedside table, scooping a few with a spoon.

“Here,” he said softly, bringing the spoon to your lips. “Small bites.”

You parted your lips, the cool ice melting instantly on your tongue, soothing the burning rawness. Relief was immediate, and you sighed quietly, your heavy eyelids fluttering shut for a moment.

Will gave you another spoonful, watching you carefully. “Better?”

You nodded weakly, voice barely above a whisper. “Yeah… thanks.”

He offered a small smile, brushing a damp strand of hair from your forehead. “Anytime.”

By morning, you were cleared for discharge. Will wheeled you toward the exit, his hand resting lightly on your shoulder.

“Ready to go home?”

You turned your head, exhaustion weighing on you and evident in your features from the ordeal, but you mustered a small smile. “As long as you’re coming with me.”

His chuckle was soft, affectionate. “Yeah, I think I can manage that.”

For the first time in days, you felt safe. Because home wasn’t just a place—it was him.

TAGLIST:

@knbubbles @zoeykaytesmom

[cabin13cappuccino]

coming out of my well to shame the fandom re: treating Nico like he's from 1840 rather than 1940 in terms of living with medical innovations

Vaccines for the following diseases were available during this time:

Smallpox- first generation vaccines were available and work on second generation vaccines occured in the 1930s with production of an egg-based vaccine begun by the Texas Department of Health in 1939. DC schools required smallpox vaccination for children to be allowed to attend by 1930, so Nico would have gotten immunized for this even if he didn't get anything else.

Diphtheria- first vaccine was developed in 1913, then a cheaper version in 1924. Yep, it's the "antitoxin" they call for in Balto (1995)- it can be used to either treat active infection or immunize.

Pertussis (whooping cough)- first vaccine was licensed in the US in 1914, then another in 1931, and another that became the basis for the modern vaccine in 1932.

BCG vaccine for Tuberculosis (TB)- first available in 1921, but neither the US nor Italy mandated it. This vaccine is still given around the world today.

Tetanus ("lockjaw") - first vaccine was produced in 1924, then a more effective version in 1938. The combo DTP (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) vaccine was first released in 1948 and was used all the way up to 1996 when a new, safer version was released.

Anthrax- the veterinary vaccine in use today is based on the one developed in 1935 in South Africa. The Soviet Union developed a human vaccine that was available beginning in 1940.

Yellow fever- the vaccine still in use today (17D strain) debuted in 1939.

The first rabies vaccine was developed in 1885, for crying out loud!

Penicillin was used to cure infections as early as 1930, though it didn't hit mass-production until 1945. Other antibiotics (Salvarsan and Prontosil) were in use in the early 1900s (by 1910 and 1935, respectively).

Thyroxin (1914) and insulin (1923) were known quantities for treating endocrine disorders.

Medical radiography (x-rays) was a thing before 1900. There were portable ECG/EKG machines as early as 1927.

Cocaine was taken out of Coke in 1903. Like, not even Maria di Angelo would remember that.

Yes, a whole bunch of things changed in medical science between 1942 and the mid-2000s- plenty of fodder for "Will blows Nico's mind with modern medicine." I will even provide suggestions!

Vaccines for major childhood illnesses: polio (1952), measles (1962), mumps (1967), rubella (1969). IMO the polio thing is way slept on given how big the March of Dimes got in the public consciousness.

Closed-chest defibrillation (1950s) and CPR (1970s for the public)

Organ transplants (1953)

Ultrasound (1949/1961)

Not giving aspirin to anyone under 16 due to Reye's Syndrome risk (1980s) and the advent of other OTC painkillers (ibuprofen, 1969; paracetamol/acetaminophen, 1952; naproxen, 1976)

Insulin that comes from genetically engineered E. coli instead of purified animal pancreases (1978) so as to keep allergic reactions from happening

Rapid strep or flu tests (1980s/1990s) rather than waiting days to culture stuff

If y'all want a "they took the cocaine out of Coke" moment, might I suggest "what do you mean cigarettes/asbestos give you cancer" and/or "they took the lead out of the gasoline"?

But yeah...we've made a lot of progress since 1942 but it wasn't "you got ghosts in your blood and bad air do some drugs about it" back then- not by a long shot.

Wah wahwah wah wah back in my day we scoured Wikipedia and the rest of the internet to do background research on fandom-related minutiae and we liked it

[thinkinonsense]

Magnetic ──★ Logan Howlett x fem!oc: Chapter One

╰┈➤Summary: After years of torture, Daphne decides how she wants to spend the rest of her life; at the bottom of a lake. Out of nowhere, Logan pulls Daphne from the water and finds her help. Now they must navigate how to live with their decisions.

╰┈➤C/W: mentions of death, suicide, cursing, age gap, mild violence, issues with infertility, slight sexual themes. ᯓ★ mdni.ᐟ ᯓ★word count: 2.1k+

ᯓ★ reply to be added to the tag list <3 ᯓ★ spotify playlist link

ᯓ★ next chapter

✮⋆˙ At the bottom of the lake was cold water and silence. Years of running can bring you to the edge of a cliff. A lifetime of pain needs to be healed somehow and suddenly, life never felt so peaceful for Daphne.

Finally Free.

Until someone jumps in, wrapping his arms around her unconscious body; lifting her to the surface. Panic began to run through the man's veins as he laid her on the ground. Her heart is beating slowly which helps steady his own.

Daphne coughed up some water while blood rushed to the cut above her eyebrow. The man uses the sleeve of his brown flannel to soak up some of it.

Without a second thought, he scoops her up in his arms again; knowing exactly where he must take her.

──★

"Where did you find her, Logan?" Jean asked, watching over one of the monitors.

"Down by the lake," Logan answers, tapping his foot impatiently.

Daphne's body has barely regained consciousness before her mind starts racing as memories flood yet none of them answer her questions. Logan carefully runs his calloused fingers down her left leg, knee to ankle. 

"Charles was able to build a report on her. She's a mutant." Jean explained. "Her mutations can cause agonizing and illusionary pain, self-healing, telekinesis, and attraction control. She is quite powerful."

"Attraction control?" Logan tilts his head, never having heard of the ability. Jean bites back a smile.

"People find an attraction and gravitate towards her."

"Just sounds like an attractive woman." Logan shrugs, still not quite understanding.

"The government created her years ago; tortured and altered her as they pleased. Magneto was even after her for a while. He wanted to create a weapon out of her. She finally ran away a few months ago. I'm not sure what she was doing at the lake. Perhaps she accidentally fell in the water? I don't believe she was pushed or-"

"She was trying to kill herself," Logan states, eyes not leaving Daphne's soft features. "I saw her jump. I-I wasn't sure what she was doing at first and then..."

Jean places a hand on Logan's back, rubbing a smooth circle.

"She is going to be fine, Logan." She assures him.

He nods, trying not to worry anymore. Honestly, Logan wasn't sure why he was worried. In the past, he's felt protective over Rogue and his teammates but this woman was a stranger. It must've been due to the nature of her attempt to take her own life, he justifies.

Daphne's hair rests damp and curly against the table Logan laid her on when they arrived. On one of the monitor screens behind Logan, Jean notices a rapid change in breath, and the tables around them begin to shake. Before Logan could get his claws out, Jean and him hit the floor, groaning in pain. 

Charles had been right, the pain was agonizing. Jean felt as if someone was closing her throat; making her unable to focus and stop Daphne. Logan's pain was in his chest and abdomen. His claws break through the skin of his knuckles but he can't move.

"P-Please.." Jean begged, gasping for air. "Let us e-explain."

Reluctantly, Daphne releases them both. Logan and Jean noticed her glowing eyes as they shifted back to normal. Her top was ripped from when Logan tried to give her cpr and her pants were still soaked. She was shivering like a dog, Logan thought. Quickly, he shrugged off his flannel and offered it to her; an olive branch. Daphne knew better than to take offerings from handsome strangers. 

"Where am I?" She asked.

"Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters," Jean answers, catching her breath. "You were found unconscious at the bottom of a lake. Do you remember any of that?"

Daphne's gaze lands on the floor. She remembered all of it.

"No." She lies. "Who are you?"

"I'm Jean and he is Logan." Daphne flickers her attention to both of them as Jean continues. "Logan pulled you from the lake."

Before Jean or Logan could ask her anything else, the doors opened revealing Professor Xavier. The man in the wheelchair rolls next to the table where Daphne sits. 

"Hello, Daphne. I am Charles Xavier." The older man says to her. "Can we talk?"

"A-About?" Her voice comes out broken and shaky. 

"What were you doing at the bottom of that lake?" 

In all truth, he already knew. He could see those last moments before she jumped and he knew the pain that lived inside of her. 

"I don't know." She lies again, this time more effortlessly. "I already told them. I don't know why I am here either."

Charles was aware that it would be difficult to get her to admit why she wanted to end her life. His heart ached for her. Similar to how it did for all the other children here. Carefully, he placed a hand over her own.

"You're safe now, dear." He says. "Get some rest." 

As he turned away, he ushered Logan to follow him; leaving Daphne and Jean alone. Jean helped Daphne change into a white tank top and pajama bottoms with the school's logo on the pocket. Now, that Daphne is awake, all of the cuts and bruises that adorn her body can heal themselves. Once dressed, Jean led her to one of the empty bedrooms. As they exited, Daphne snatched the flannel left on the table.

"Some of the older children are on a mission right now but they should all be back soon for dinner." Jean's voice echoed ever so slightly down the empty hallway. "It's quite incredible to watch them and their powers evolve."

Daphne couldn't help but mumble, "I wish I had something like this when I was a child."

"You're welcome to listen in on one of the classes if that interests you." Jean smiles. "There's a lot to learn about yourself and your powers."

Daphne nods as they approach one of the bedroom doors. Jean unlocks it and both women step inside. The room was comfortable, Daphne thought. A real bed and some privacy. She was lucky to get even three hours of sleep a night due to frequent nightmares or someone pulling her for testing. There were no glass cages or lingering eyes. 

──★

On the other side of the mansion, Logan sat in the chair by Charles' desk. He wasn't sure what the other man would have to say. Instead, his thoughts moved towards Daphne and how she must be doing; If she was still cold and shaking from the lake. 

"You did the right thing by bringing her here, Logan" Charles said, capturing Logan's attention again. "She's going to be fine."

"Why'd she do it?" Logan grunted. 

Charles sighs, unsure if he should tell Logan. 

"She was tortured and used as a weapon for decades, finally having made her escape from them she discovered that they stripped away her ability to have children too." 

Logan wasn't sure if he understood exactly. He knew that the government had done that to female mutants in the past to eliminate the rise of mutant children but this girl was still young. Why would she be worrying about having children right now?

"The attraction control was only further torment installed on her," Charles explains. "They trained her to cause pain knowing how gentle her heart is. She was forced to take the lives of people she wanted to help. She is afraid to live, that's why she jumped."

Logan exhaled sharply. He wanted nothing more than to rip apart the people who tortured her with his claws. Daphne's image appears in his head again; soft features and shivering hands. How peaceful she looked with her eyes closed; and beautiful. Logan brushed the last part as the attraction control got to him. 

"She is young. She can still live a full life, get married, and settle down if she wants." Logan said. 

She looks incredibly young, Logan thought when he first pulled her from the water. Old enough to live alone but not nearly as old as him. 

"Daphne believes that she is cursed. Everyone that she has ever caused pain to has left her."

"The pain was bearable."

Charles stares at Logan and then says, "If you think so, tell her that."

"It's not like that." Logan squints at him while lighting the cigar that was in his pocket. "She's too young."

"She stops aging in two years at thirty." Charles lets slip.

"She isn't even thirty?" Logan mumbles to himself. "Jesus."

"I can see how you found her and brought her here."

"You said it yourself, I was just doing the right thing."

Charles chuckles, letting it go. Logan gets up and leaves since they both know there are more important things to worry about.

──★

The mansion is dead silent. Odd considering how many people live here, Daphne thought while staring at the ceiling. All the children were in bed by nine while the adults roamed the halls until midnight. She wrapped herself up in the flannel and locked herself away shortly after Jean left her alone. Around six, Jean knocked on the door a few times to invite her to dinner but Daphne didn't move from under the warm beige sheats. She lay there for hours staring out the window or at the ceiling. Sometime at four in the morning, Daphne figured it was a safe time to make a run for it. This place was lovely and so were the people but she had already decided where she wanted to be. 

"Where do you think you're going, bub?" Logan's voice made Daphne spin on her heels to face him. Her gaze moves up his body he's dressed in a fitted white tank top and plaid pajama pants. It was difficult for her not to stare but she fought the urge. 

"Making your life easier and leaving," Daphne responds, reaching for the door when his hand lands on her wrist with a small pull. 

"I can't let you do that." 

"And why can't you?"

Daphne glared into his hazel eyes, trying to intimidate him but he only found it amusing. 

"Because I don't want to have to save your ass again."

Daphne couldn't help but laugh. Did he seriously think she cared about how this affects him?

"I don't need you to 'save my ass'."

"You sure did earlier." He cockily adds. "Plus they want you to stay."

"Why? So they can use me how they want and discard me when they are done? Look, I've done that whole thing before and it never ends well." Unknowingly to Daphne, her eyes glow maroon again, causing Logan's claws to peak out a bit in case.

"I get it. Trust me, I do but running won't help you either." He says, attempting to calm her before deciding to jump into action. "These people won't hurt you, Daphne."

Daphne's hand drops from the door, releasing his grip and her eyes roll back to their original shade of green.

"Are there any leftovers from dinner?" She asked, seeing one corner of his mouth curl up a little.

Logan led the way into the kitchen, pulling out the leftovers and a beer. Daphne made a plate and warmed it up while he pretended not to watch her. So many questions left unanswered about each other yet neither of them wants to be the first one to ask. It was silent while Daphne twisted spaghetti on a fork and Logan slowly drank his beer.

"Where are you from?" He asks, breaking the silence.

"Not entirely sure." She shrugs. "How old are you?"

 He didn't look much older, she thought. Maybe mid-thirties?

"What's it matter to you?" He answers in a rough voice, almost sounding irritated by the question.

"Curiosity."

"Curiosity killed the cat, ya know?"

"Good thing I'm no cat." Daphne smiles for the first time. Now he knew he had to give in.

Logan sighs, looking defeated. "I'm over 200 years old."

He moves on immediately, not giving Daphne any time to respond.

 "Parents?"

"None."

"None?"

"Nope. I'm nobody's daughter." 

Daphne avoids Logan's stare. He thinks back to his talk with Charles earlier about her life; isolated, tortured, and trained to cause damage. How lonely she must be.

The grandfather clock reads five forty-five. Everyone would be awake soon. Daphne had to ask this question while she had the chance.

"Why did you bother to save me in the first place?" She asks quietly, not looking up from her plate. 

Logan didn't answer for a minute but he watched her intensely. Something about being under his microscope intimidated me.

"You were dying." He states in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Regular people die every day. I bet you don't save all of them." The response flies out of her mouth before she can catch it.

"You aren't a regular person."

"Right," She sighs. "The mutant of it all."

Suddenly, she rises from the stool and places the plate in the sink, no longer feeling hungry. Logan calls after her twice but neither time does she turn back. Instead, she shut the bedroom door and crawled back into the bed alone again.

[sparkletastic-cookiedough]

I’ve seen a number of imagines where due to interdimensional shenanigans or being liminal, Danny Phantom is more durable than most people in the dc dimension.

And those are cool and fine and all, but imagine if it was the opposite?

Danny Fenton gets punched twice and dies.

Which is fun on its own, but Danny is half ghost. He’s cursed to an existence where he can never truly be alive or dead for all eternity. Meaning that after a little while, Danny is back at it again, on the streets of Gotham in the same fleshy body he just died in.

He has to turn into ghost form first, but he can turn invisible as a ghost, so it’s fine, no one sees him glowing before he heads into an inconspicuous alleyway to return to life.

The blood stains would be a problem, but it’s Gotham so no one bats an eye.

Except for the bats.

(Warning: some death, corpses, and gore ahead)

—————

It always haunts Duke when he fails to save someone. He’s a hero now, and that’s part of the gig, but still.

He keeps wondering if maybe he had been faster, or stronger, or just a moment sooner, maybe then the civilian would’ve lived.

He sees the corpse in his nightmares, a reminder that he wasn’t good enough. It’s not rational, but Duke can’t get the image of the dead teen out of his head- the lifeless blue eyes, the dark hair, the…

… is that him?

No, it can’t be. It looks a lot like the kid, but his mind must be playing tricks on him or something. Because he saw that kid die. This kid, across the street, they must be someone else. Maybe they’re related?

Duke hears a commotion down a nearby alley, and leaves the mystery for later.

—————

Cass is concerned about this dead body.

In her line of work, it’s normal to see a lot of corpses. What’s strange about this one is that it makes no sense.

It’s splattered on the ground like it fell from a skyscraper. The tallest building in the area is five stories high.

The body is too fresh to have been from a while ago. It doesn’t show signs of having been moved. There weren’t any helicopters in the area recently it might’ve fallen from.

She surveys the area again. Perhaps this is a trap?

No security cameras or bad guys in sight.

She turns back to the body-

It’s gone. Only a pool of blood remains, undisturbed.

No one could have snuck past her. Something strange is going on.

—————

The bullet Jason shot shouldn’t have done this much damage.

The teenager was accidentally hit in a hostage situation. Usually Jason doesn’t miss like that, but the bullet should have just nicked him. A bandaid should have done the trick.

But this kid is leaking blood like a fire hose. It’s absolutely gushing out.

You never realize how much blood a human body has in it until you see it spread out all over the floor.

Jason puts pressure on the wound, damn the bad guys he is not having a dead civilian on his hands if he can help it.

He grabs a tourniquet from the first aid pack he carries. Fastens it around the kids arm-

- and the kid’s arm flops off. Not normal. Either Jason has just gotten Superman-levels of strength, or something is wrong with the kid.

The kid’s rapid breaths devolve into quick gasps. The blood from his wound slows to a trickle. Jason feels the kids heart go from pounding to nothing-

Fuck.

Instinct driving Jason more than any sense of reason, he puts the kid on his back to do chest compressions.

Jason pushes down. He hears a loud Squelch. His hands go through the kid’s torso.

Double fuck. Jason might know CPR, but he doesn’t know how to deal with this. His panicked-brain remembers he’s in a fight right now, and Jason turns towards the people who held the kid hostage.

They immediately surrender.

[specialmedicalcentre]

Cassie Codes in the ICU

Nurse Farah watched quietly as Cassie's chest rose, then fell, as the ventilator breathed for her. There was an intermittent whoosh-click that came from the vent each time Cassie's breasts rose. Farah could not remember how many times she had checked on Cassie today, and she knew this would not be the last.

A quick succession of sounds from the vitals monitor shook Farah out of her reverie. Bip-bi-biiip-bipbipbip-biiip. Cassie's heart was threatening arrhythmia again. Instinctively, Farah placed her finger against Cassie's neck, feeling directly for her pulse. The skin was cool and a little clammy. Farah felt Cassie's heart trying to push blood, but she feared that Cassie would probably fall back into arryhthmia and, from there, into V-fib again.

Just as soon as it began, Cassie's cardiac rhythm corrected itself.

Farah pressed a button on the monitor and began a blood pressure reading. She heard the familiar sound of the pump, grinding away inside the monitor. She saw the cuff bulge on Cassie's slim arm - bruised and sweaty from the abuse - and heard the pulling and straining of the velcro as the cuff reached its limit. With a few deflations, and a long beeeep, the machine deflated the cuff.

102/70. Cassie was not doing well. Her pressure has been dropping and her heart wasn't doing its work. Cardiomyopathy? Some kind of rhythm problem?

The attending physician had told Farah that Cassie had come in to the Emergency Department the previous night complaining of light-headedness, headache, chest pains. Naturally, they processed her immediately as a potential cardiac case. Slim, 22, possible anorexia…the case almost wrote itself. Her low blood pressure wasn't unusual for a woman her age and build, but a 5-lead EKG gave some ominous signs. They shifted her to a 12-lead and got her a bed. After several hours in observation in the ER, it seemed that she was stable, although still weak and hypotensive. The arrhythmia was already obvious.

Then she coded. For the first time, at least.

It was unexpected and very sudden; Cassie's cardiac deterioration was very rapid - she complained of a flutter, which was probably A-fib, and then she lost consciousness and seized briefly. After a short round of CPR and a 120 J cardioversion, they had a rhythm and she was breathing on her own, although she was not conscious. They decided to move her to ICU.

That's when I first saw her, Farah thought to herself. Farah had immediately found herself suddenly fond and protective of Cassie. Maybe more than other patients; she couldn't be sure.

Still unconscious during Farah's morning shift, Cassie coded again, briefly. Farah performed CPR this time. They got her back on rhythm again and decided to intubate for safety, given her uncertain condition. The ER team had left her in her bra and panties; when Farah's team decided to put in a Foley, she decided that she would leave Cassie as dressed as possible.

Farah looked away from the vitals monitor and its terrible information, and looked down at Cassie, her body uncovered for observation.

Cassie was reclined in the ICU bed, slightly head-up for postural circulation. Her arms were laid away from her body. She was on a vent, the tube holder creasing her face where it had been quickly strapped in place. Her hair fell in disheveled curls out of the bouffant cap they had put on her. As her chest rose and fell, Farah ran her eyes slowly down Cassie's body, thinking about how she looked. EKG electrodes pressed quickly to her chest, IVs in her wrists. The thick yellow cath clumsily running out of her panties to the collection bag.

They had done all the necessary things, and now Cassie was totally transformed from how she was when she came in. Farah's fascination was deep. She found herself staring at the catheter bulge in Cassie's panties.

"Farah?" Nurse Yasmin's greeting startled Farah, and it probably showed. She tried to stifle her gasp, but she was unable to hide her blushing.

"H…hi, Yas. What's up?" Farah smiled at the junior nurse.

Yasmin looked briefly at Cassie, then up at the monitor. "How is she?"

"Same. BP is down some, and she's still throwing PVCs." Farah sighed. "What's up?"

Yas looked at Farah. "Attending told me to tell you that we should put an AED on her and prep for corrective cardioversion. The team is on the way."

Farah looked at Cassie again. Here we go.

"Can I help out?" Yasmin asked.

"Of course," Farah smiled. "Let's get her prepped."

=====

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[frownyalfred]

Hey Res! Please ignore this ask if it's too troublesome or bothersome

I saw you had an guide for non-drikers writers that wanted to write about a character who drink. I was wondering if you could the same about guns?

I read synchronicity and I loved it how you used Jason's knowledge with guns to control the narrative and pacing. I don't know if you have actual technical knowledge on handguns (I think it's a no? But maybe you do?) But any tip is nice

Thank you a lot 🩷

Hi anon! This is such a fascinating question and I hope I can provide a somewhat plausible answer. I am familiar with some guns and have shot a few in my lifetime, but I am far from an expert.

Some things I think writers need to keep in mind while writing their firearm-related scenes. For clarity, I'm just going to call them guns below.

Are you thinking of a specific gun? Make sure you know its full name but ALSO make sure you know its nickname. Your character might think of it as "the Berretta" instead of its full name, etc.

What does your gun fire? Does it take shells, bullets, cartridges, etc? Shotguns, for example, don't fire bullets. That's a common mistake I see.

How do you reload said gun? Is it easy? What parts of the gun do you have to touch? Reloading a shotgun is MUCH different from reloading a handgun, for example.

Most guns get hot and release gunpowder residue when shot. They're LOUD. You can have several cascading things happen to a character who fires a gun or is near a gun when it fires: ringing ears, the smell of gunpowder, the hot feeling of the gun's muzzle, etc.

Even the best sharpshooters miss shots. IRL shooting is HARD, especially when moving. Different guns have different benefits to shooting style, stance, targets. Firing a handgun willy-nilly will rarely result in accurate shots, even if you dual wield (which is silly, this is SO hard).

Stance MATTERS. If you've ever seen Hannibal, there's a scene where Will talks about his choice of shooting stance with Beverly. They bicker over Isosceles and Weaver, which are two standard stances. One uses a triangle between your arms and the gun to brace for the kickback of the shot, while the other moves that brace to one side with a different grip. Will eventually chooses the latter stance because of a past shoulder injury. (GIF of Will struggling with his original isosceles stance)

If a gun isn't properly braced when fired, it will kick back and hit you. Sometimes in the face. Yes this has happened with me and a rifle. My first day shooting cans, I had a huge bruise on my face AND on my chest where the rifle butt kicked back.

If your gun uses bullets, there are different calibers. If you've ever watched Mythbusters, you can see why caliber matters -- it depends what or who you're shooting. Are you trying to penetrate armor? Are you sacrificing accuracy for power? Different guns use different calibers for numerous reasons, and guns can be altered to use other ammo as well.

With respect to discussing caliber while writing: It's all VERY complicated if you don't know guns, so make sure you're not giving too much detail if you can avoid it. That's a very easy way to spot a lack of experience with guns, in my experience. Your reader doesn't need to know the caliber just because the character is shooting a gun -- but in an autopsy, sure, the caliber is relevant.

You will lose your hearing eventually if you fire guns close to your ears unprotected. It's not sexy, and it also causes something called tinnitus. The real pros wear ear protection.

In terms of realism for writing, here's a couple rapid fire busted myths: You can't dodge bullets unless you're superhuman. Bullet wounds to the legs/arms/shoulders can absolutely still be fatal. Cardiac arrest caused by being shot is usually fatal, and CPR doesn't really help on its own. "Running out of shots" depends on the gun AND the modifications someone has made to it. You can't always tell just by looking at a gun what it will do. Silencers are rarely "silent" and are heavily regulated.

Injuries: Some bullets tear through bodies. Some aren't high enough caliber to do more than go in and lodge in some tissue. Some fragment and bounce around in weird ways. Depending on how gruesome you want to get, there's a lot of different ways to describe gunshot injuries. I've always been the kind of person to google images for better understanding, but I understand that's not for everyone. I think NYT or WaPo did a good piece on traumatic gun injuries a few years back, complete with an interview with an ER doc from Chicago (?). One thing I learned there -- sometimes people lose their legs, or both legs, after being shot in their leg.

In terms of describing how someone uses/fights with guns, I know the John Wick movies are a little cheesy, but they are staged by people who REALLY know their guns. They talk about what he's using usually before the scene starts, and there's very few frills when it comes to stance, firing, etc. John does a cool trick in the first or second movie where he ejects a casing one-handed away from his face, a notoriously hard maneuver that most people usually do with two hands to avoid getting burned. I highly recommend watching the John Wick movies for blocking ideas.

Which reminds me -- holding a gun sideways is a terrible idea. For many reasons. Stance, casing ejection, stability, etc. Someone can use it against you.

Never point a gun at something you're not willing to shoot. Well-trained characters should follow this rule religiously. If they were soldiers, agents, etc, they will know this rule.

Similarly, multiple people with guns will "clear" a room before entering. They will be trained for something called crossfire, which is when someone is downrange of their gun and could potentially be shot. A group of characters bursting into a room without clearing their shot is a nightmare. This is how people shoot their friends or random civilians.

I hope someone more knowledgeable can add onto this! These are just some big things that stick out to me when reading. I highly recommend checking out Mythbusters, John Wick, and even Hannibal for some semi-realistic shooting references. Good luck!

[heartshield1]

Master Life-Saving Skills with CPR Classes in Grand Rapids, MI by Heartshield

when you least expect them. Knowing how to respond with CPR can mean the difference between life and death. If you’re looking for CPR classes in Grand Rapids, MI, Heartshield is here to provide top-tier training that equips you with the skills to act confidently in critical situations.

Why Choose CPR Training in Grand Rapids?

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Who Should Enroll?

CPR training isn’t just for healthcare professionals—it’s a vital skill for everyone. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, or business owner, Heartshield’s Grand Rapids CPR classes ensure you’re prepared for emergencies.

Our classes are also ideal for:

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Benefits of CPR Certification

Cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Immediate CPR can double or triple the chances of survival. By taking CPR classes in Grand Rapids, MI, you’ll gain the skills to:

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At Heartshield, we pride ourselves on delivering rapid CPR certification and training that’s both engaging and practical. Our Grand Rapids location makes it easy for you to learn life-saving techniques in a supportive environment. With affordable pricing and a commitment to quality, Heartshield is the trusted choice for CPR training in the area.

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Don’t wait until it’s too late to learn CPR. Contact Heartshield now to book your spot in our CPR classes in Grand Rapids, MI. Gain the confidence and skills needed to make a difference when it matters most!

[dr-jesuscpr]

Lila's Convulsions Part 2

The pulse in Lila’s chest had been weak but steady when the team had finished the resuscitation. After securing her vitals and adjusting her machines, the doctors and nurses gradually left the room, one by one. Her hospital gown, bunched up from the frantic CPR efforts, was left half-pulled up, exposing her abdomen.

Clara lingered at the door, her hand still resting on the frame. She could feel the tension in her own body starting to ease now that Lila’s heart was beating again. She took one last glance at Lila before heading down the hall, silently praying the worst was over.

Moments passed, and the room was left quiet again, the only sound being the rhythmic beeps of the heart monitor. Lila’s chest rose and fell in slow, measured breaths, her body still. But something began to stir. A sudden, violent tremor rippled through her body. Her legs kicked, then her arms jerked uncontrollably.

It happened fast.

Lila’s body convulsed on the bed, her eyes rolling back as her muscles seized and contracted. The heart monitor began to beep erratically, signaling the impending crisis. She was having a seizure.

Clara, at the nurse’s station, noticed the abnormal pattern on the monitor, her heart sinking. "Not again," she whispered, grabbing the emergency phone.

"Dr. Jesus, we need you back in 302!" Clara shouted as she sprinted down the hallway toward the room, her shoes slapping against the tile floor.

Dr. Jesus arrived almost as fast as Clara, the crash cart rolling behind him. They burst into the room, finding Lila’s body rigid, her chest heaving irregularly, and her hospital gown still disheveled from the earlier resuscitation.

Clara’s eyes widened in alarm. "She’s seizing," she said, her voice tight as she moved toward Lila’s bedside. "We need to stabilize her, fast!"

Dr. Jesus nodded sharply, already preparing the crash cart. They had to act quickly. He pulled the gown further up, exposing her chest, and immediately placed the defibrillator pads on her bare skin. There was no time for modesty—only survival. Clara rushed to assist, her hands shaking slightly as she checked Lila's vitals, watching her body tremble under the effects of the seizure.

The monitor blared again. Her heart was in chaos, unable to maintain a proper rhythm. Clara’s pulse quickened as she glanced up at Dr. Jesus. He was calm but focused, his eyes never leaving the monitor.

“Charging,” he said, reaching for the defibrillator paddles. “Clear!”

The first shock jolted Lila’s body upward, her chest rising violently before crashing back down onto the bed. The room fell eerily silent for a beat, but then—nothing. The flatline persisted.

“Starting compressions,” Clara said, her voice steadier than her heart felt.

She placed her hands firmly on Lila’s chest, pressing down with controlled force, her own breaths matching the rhythm of each compression. Her mind raced, wondering how much more Lila’s fragile body could take.

Dr. Jesus prepared the next shock. “Clear!” he shouted again, sending another charge through Lila’s unresponsive body. This time, the monitor flickered. A faint pulse. They had something.

Clara kept her eyes fixed on Lila’s face, searching for any sign that she was fighting her way back. But her body was still trembling, the seizures continuing to wreak havoc.

"Come on, Lila, stay with us," Clara muttered under her breath as she continued compressions.

Dr. Jesus injected a dose of medication to calm the seizure and stabilize her heart. Slowly, painfully, the tremors began to subside. The erratic jerking of her limbs quieted, leaving her chest rising and falling in rapid, shallow breaths. Her heart rate steadied, though it was fragile.

Dr. Jesus let out a deep breath, glancing at Clara, his eyes filled with exhaustion but also hope. “We’ve got her back—for now.”

Clara exhaled in relief, wiping the sweat from her forehead. She carefully pulled Lila’s hospital gown back over her body, covering her body again with a sense of respect and care.

Lila was stable for the moment, but they knew how close she had come, once again, to slipping away. Clara stayed beside her, watching her every breath, unwilling to leave her alone this time.

“We’ll keep her monitored closely,” Dr. Jesus said, his voice softer now. “But she’s a fighter. She’s not giving up.”

Clara nodded, placing a gentle hand on Lila’s arm. The machines hummed quietly in the background, a reminder that life could hang on by the thinnest thread. And yet, Lila had fought through it, her body weak but her will unbroken.

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning - occurs when carbon monoxide gas is inhaled.

CO - a colorless, odorless, highly poisonous gas.

Produced by incomplete combustion.

Interferes with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen.

Found in: automobile exhaust fumes, faulty stoves and heating systems, fires, and cigarette smoke.

Other sources: woodburning stoves, kerosene heaters, improperly ventilated water heaters and gas stoves, and blocked or poorly maintained chimney flues.

The result is headache, nausea, convulsions, and finally death by asphyxiation.

Symptoms

The symptoms of CO poisoning in order of increasing severity include:

headache

shortness of breath

dizziness

fatigue

mental confusion and difficulty thinking

loss of fine hand-eye coordination

nausea and vomiting

rapid heart rate

hallucinations

inability to execute voluntary movements accurately

collapse

lowered body temperature (hypothermia)

coma

convulsions

seriously low blood pressure

cardiac and respiratory failure

death

In some cases, the skin, mucous membranes, and nails of a person with CO poisoning are cherry red or bright pink. Because the color change doesn’t always occur, it is an unreliable symptom to rely on for diagnosis.

Although most CO poisoning is acute, or sudden, it is possible to suffer from chronic CO poisoning. This condition exists when a person is exposed to low levels of the gas over a period of days to months.

Symptoms are often vague and include (in order of frequency) fatigue, headache, dizziness, sleep disturbances, cardiac symptoms, apathy, nausea, and memory disturbances.

Little is known about chronic CO poisoning, and it is often misdiagnosed.

Treatment

Immediate treatment: Remove the victim from the source of carbon monoxide gas and get him or her into fresh air.

If the victim is not breathing and has no pulse, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be started.

Depending on the severity of the poisoning, 100% oxygen may be given with a tight fitting mask as soon as it is available.

Taken with other symptoms of CO poisoning, COHb levels of over 25% in healthy individuals, over 15% in patients with a history of heart or lung disease, and over 10% in pregnant women usually indicate the need for hospitalization.

In the hospital, fluids and electrolytes are given to correct any imbalances that have arisen from the breakdown of cellular metabolism.

In severe cases of CO poisoning, patients are given hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This treatment involves placing the patient in a chamber breathing 100% oxygen at a pressure of more than one atmosphere (the normal pressure the atmosphere exerts at sea level). The increased pressure forces more oxygen into the blood.

Prevention

Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable.

Particular care should be paid to situations where fuel is burned in a confined area. Portable and permanently installed carbon monoxide detectors that sound a warning similar to smoke detectors are available for less than $50.

Specific actions that will prevent CO poisoning include:

Stopping smoking. Smokers have less tolerance to environmental CO.

Having heating systems and appliances installed by a qualified contractor to assure that they are properly vented and meet local building codes

Inspecting and properly maintaining heating systems, chimneys, and appliances

Not using a gas oven or stove to heat the home

Not burning charcoal indoors

Making sure there is good ventilation if using a kerosene heater indoors

Not leaving cars or trucks running inside the garage

Keeping car windows rolled up when stuck in heavy traffic, especially if inside a tunnel.

Source ⚜ More: Writing Notes & References ⚜ Poison ⚜ Fictional Poisons

[hayatheauthor]

A Writer's Blueprint for Realistic Drowning Scenes

This guide is designed to help writers depict drowning scenes with authenticity and detail. I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of drowning, the physical signs to look for and clear up some common misconceptions. With this information, you’ll have the tools to craft vivid, compelling, and believable drowning scenarios that will captivate your readers and add depth to your narrative.

Fair warning; this is a comprehensive and pretty explicit guide, so if you're uncomfortable with those topics, please just scroll away. 

The Stages of Drowning

1. Initial Entry

When a person first enters the water, especially unexpectedly, their initial reaction is often one of shock and panic. The sudden change in environment, temperature, and the feeling of being submerged triggers an immediate response from the body.

Shock Response

Cold Water Immersion: Sudden immersion in cold water can cause a cold shock response, which includes involuntary gasping, hyperventilation, and a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

Panic and Disorientation: The person may become disoriented and panic, struggling to stay afloat and breathe normally.

2. Involuntary Breath-Holding

As the person struggles to keep their head above water, they instinctively hold their breath to prevent water from entering their lungs.

Burning Sensation in Lungs

The buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood creates a burning sensation in the lungs, which intensifies the feeling of panic.

Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

The body's stress response causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, further depleting oxygen reserves.

3. Uncontrolled Breathing

When the person can no longer hold their breath, the body's reflexes take over, leading to involuntary attempts to breathe.

Aspiration of Water

Water enters the mouth and is aspirated into the lungs, causing coughing, choking, and a strong gag reflex.

Coughing and Choking

The person may cough and choke as water enters the respiratory tract, leading to more panic and struggle.

Gasping for Air

The body's desperate attempt to get oxygen leads to gasping, but often results in inhaling more water.

4. Laryngospasm

The body's protective reflex to prevent water from entering the lungs can cause the vocal cords to spasm, temporarily sealing the airway.

Temporary Airway Closure

The laryngospasm closes the airway, preventing both water and air from entering the lungs.

Increased CO2 and Decreased O2

As carbon dioxide levels rise and oxygen levels fall, the person becomes increasingly hypoxic.

5. Loss of Consciousness

Due to the lack of oxygen, the person loses consciousness.

Hypoxia and Hypercapnia

Hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and hypercapnia (excess carbon dioxide) cause confusion, dizziness, and loss of motor control.

Fading Senses

Vision blurs, hearing diminishes, and the sense of touch becomes numb.

Blackout

The brain, deprived of oxygen, shuts down, leading to unconsciousness.

6. Cardiac Arrest

Prolonged oxygen deprivation leads to cardiac arrest, where the heart stops beating.

Cessation of Breathing

Respiratory effort ceases as the brain's control over breathing is lost.

Heart Stops Beating

The heart, deprived of oxygen, stops beating, leading to complete circulatory failure.

Brain Damage and Death

Without intervention, brain cells die from lack of oxygen, leading to permanent brain damage and eventually death.

7. Aftermath (if Rescued)

If the person is rescued and resuscitated, there are immediate and long-term consequences to consider.

Immediate Aftermath

CPR and First Aid: Immediate resuscitation efforts, including CPR and the use of a defibrillator if necessary.

Hospitalization: The person will likely need to be hospitalized for further treatment and monitoring.

Long-Term Effects

Lung Damage: Inhalation of water can cause damage to the lung tissues, leading to conditions like pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Neurological Damage: Prolonged lack of oxygen can result in brain damage, affecting cognitive and motor functions.

Psychological Impact: Survivors may experience PTSD, anxiety, and a lasting fear of water.

Physical Appearance During Drowning

1. Initial Entry

Shock Response

Wide Eyes and Gasping Mouth: Eyes are wide open, and the mouth is often open in a gasp or scream.

Flailing Limbs: Arms and legs are moving rapidly in an attempt to regain balance and stay afloat.

2. Involuntary Breath-Holding

Tensed Muscles

Rigid Body: Muscles are tensed, and the body may appear stiff as the person tries to maintain control.

Strained Facial Expression: The face may show strain, with furrowed brows and tightly closed eyes.

3. Uncontrolled Breathing

Coughing and Choking

Reddened Face and Eyes: The face may turn red from the effort of coughing and choking.

Foaming at the Mouth: A frothy mixture of saliva and water may be visible around the mouth.

Gasping for Air

Open Mouth and Wide Eyes: The mouth is open wide in an attempt to gasp for air, and the eyes may be bulging with fear.

Erratic Movements: The person’s movements become more erratic and uncoordinated as they struggle to breathe.

4. Laryngospasm

Silent Struggle

Mouth Opening and Closing: The person may appear to be gasping silently as the airway is temporarily sealed.

Clenching Throat: Hands may instinctively clutch at the throat in a futile attempt to open the airway.

5. Loss of Consciousness

Limp Body

Floating Limply: The body becomes limp and may float face down or sink slightly below the surface.

Pale or Blue Skin: Skin may turn pale or blue (cyanosis) due to lack of oxygen.

Relaxed Facial Features

Closed Eyes: Eyes close as the person loses consciousness.

Slack Jaw: The jaw may go slack, and the mouth could be partially open.

6. Cardiac Arrest

Unconsciousness

Still Body: The body is completely still, with no voluntary movements.

Gray or Blue Skin: Skin color becomes ashen, gray, or blue, particularly around the lips and extremities.

7. After Drowning (Post-Rescue Appearance)

If the person is rescued, their appearance post-drowning can indicate the extent of their ordeal and the immediate aftermath.

Immediate Aftermath

Waterlogged Clothing: Clothes may be heavy and waterlogged, clinging to the body.

Coughing and Vomiting: The person may cough up water or vomit as they are resuscitated.

Shivering: If the water was cold, the person might be shivering uncontrollably due to hypothermia.

Long-Term Appearance

Bruising and Cuts: There may be bruises or cuts from the struggle in the water or the rescue process.

Pale or Blue Skin: Skin color might still show signs of cyanosis if oxygen levels are low.

Labored Breathing: Breathing may remain labored and shallow as the lungs recover.

Ways to Drown

Being Tied Down with a Stone

An ancient method where a person is weighted down with a heavy object, preventing them from surfacing.

Pulled Under by a Strong Current

Strong currents or rip tides can overpower a swimmer, pulling them away from safety and making it difficult to stay afloat.

Trapped Under a Capsized Boat

In the event of a boat capsizing, a person can become trapped underneath, unable to reach the surface for air.

Caught in Underwater Vegetation

Dense underwater plants can entangle a swimmer, restricting their movements and preventing them from surfacing.

Unable to Swim in Deep Water

Lack of swimming skills or fatigue in deep water can lead to drowning if the person cannot keep themselves afloat.

Falling Through Ice

Falling through thin ice can trap a person in freezing water, with the ice making it difficult to find an exit.

Getting Caught in a Riptide

A riptide can drag a swimmer out to sea, making it hard to swim back to shore due to the strong current.

Swimming Exhaustion

Overexertion while swimming can lead to exhaustion, making it impossible to continue treading water or swimming to safety.

Diving Accident

A diving mishap, such as hitting one’s head or getting disoriented underwater, can result in drowning.

Shipwreck

In a shipwreck scenario, a person may be stranded in open water, facing potential drowning due to exhaustion, exposure, or lack of flotation devices.

Common Misconceptions About Drowning

1. Drowning is Always Loud and Dramatic

Many people believe that drowning involves a lot of splashing, shouting, and waving for help. In reality, drowning is often a silent and quick event.

Instinctive Drowning Response: When a person is drowning, their body prioritizes breathing over waving or shouting. The struggle to get air means they can’t call for help.

Quiet Struggle: Drowning individuals might be bobbing up and down, with their mouths at water level, making little noise as they gasp for air.

2. People Always Recognize Drowning

It's a common belief that drowning is easily recognizable. However, many drownings go unnoticed until it’s too late.

Subtle Signs: Drowning can look like someone treading water or trying to swim. Signs can be subtle, such as bobbing up and down, head tilted back with mouth open, or eyes glassy and empty.

Misinterpreted Behaviors: Bystanders might mistake a drowning person for someone playing or simply floating.

3. Only Weak Swimmers Drown

Many assume that only those who can’t swim well are at risk of drowning, but even strong swimmers can drown under certain conditions.

Fatigue and Cramps: Strong swimmers can become exhausted, suffer from cramps, or panic, leading to drowning.

Environmental Factors: Strong currents, cold water, and underwater hazards can overwhelm even the best swimmers.

4. Drowning Happens Immediately

There’s a misconception that drowning happens instantly. While it can be quick, it often takes a few minutes for a person to drown.

Struggling Phase: The initial struggle can last for 20-60 seconds, during which the person is trying to stay afloat and breathe.

Silent Submersion: After this, they may silently submerge, often unnoticed.

5. Drowning Only Happens in Deep Water

Many people think that drowning only occurs in deep water. However, shallow water can be just as dangerous.

Shallow Water Drowning: Drowning can occur in as little as a few inches of water, especially with young children or if someone is unconscious.

Bathtubs and Pools: Many drownings occur in bathtubs, kiddie pools, or even buckets.

6. Life Jackets Are Only Needed on Boats

It's commonly believed that life jackets are only necessary when boating, but they are crucial in many other water-related activities.

Swimming and Water Sports: Life jackets provide essential buoyancy and can save lives in swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and during water sports.

Unexpected Situations: Wearing a life jacket can prevent drowning in unexpected situations, like sudden falls into water.

7. People Float After Drowning

A prevalent myth is that drowning victims float on the surface after they die, but this is not always the case.

Initial Sinking: Initially, a drowned body may sink due to the density of the tissues and lack of air in the lungs.

Later Floating: Bodies often float later due to gas buildup from decomposition, but this can take days.

8. Drowning Victims Always Look Distressed

People often think that drowning victims will look distressed or visibly in danger, but many can appear calm and quiet.

Passive Drowning: Drowning individuals may appear to be calmly treading water or just floating.

Lack of Visible Struggle: There may be no visible struggle, making it hard to identify the danger.

9. CPR is Ineffective After Drowning

Some believe that once a person has drowned, CPR cannot help. However, immediate CPR can be life-saving.

Restarting Breathing: CPR can help restart the victim’s breathing and circulation, buying crucial time until emergency services arrive.

Rescue Breathing: Effective rescue breathing can oxygenate the lungs and increase the chances of revival.

Resources

Books

"The Science of Drowning" by Sports Aid Intl

“It offers a significant departure from how drowning is traditionally treated by combining discussions about medical, prevention, and intervention issues.”

Link

"The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea" by Sebastian Junger

A gripping account of the 1991 storm that hit the North Atlantic and the fishermen caught in its deadly grip, providing insights into the perilous nature of the sea and drowning.

Link

Articles

"Drowning vs Aquatic Distress" by Crunderwood

An article detailing the science of drowning + some interesting points.

Link to article

"Drowning Victim" by SLRG

How to identify a drowning person besides the typical flailing. 

Link to article

"Drowning Treatment" by WebMD

Guidelines and tips for healing/treating a drowning person.

Link to article

Websites

American Red Cross: Water Safety Tips

Provides extensive information on water safety, drowning prevention, and emergency response.

Link to website

National Drowning Prevention Alliance

A dedicated organization focused on preventing drowning through education, research, and advocacy.

Link to website

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Drowning Prevention

Offers statistics, prevention strategies, and safety tips to reduce the risk of drowning.

Link to website

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

Are you an author looking for writing tips and tricks to better your manuscript? Or do you want to learn about how to get a literary agent, get published and properly market your book? Consider checking out the rest of Quillology with Haya Sameer; a blog dedicated to writing and publishing tips for authors! While you’re at it, don’t forget to head over to my TikTok and Instagram profiles @hayatheauthor to learn more about my WIP and writing journey! 

[justkidneying]

Hypothermia and Other Cold-Related Injuries

I made a post about heat injuries and heatstroke here, so I thought it fitting to make a cold injury post. We're gonna talk about trench foot, frostbite, panniculitis, and everyone's favorite: hypothermia.

Trench Foot

This results from prolonged cooling (not freezing) of a wet foot. It can be seen with people who decided to hike in the snow with wet socks on (always bring an extra pair!!). The skin will appear white, mottled, and have diminished feeling. The foot may be pulseless. After rewarming, the patient will experience extreme pain and edema (swelling) of the foot.

Trench foot can lead to permanent lack of sensation, sweating, cold sensitivity, or gangrene (the tissue starts rotting off cause it's dead). Treatment includes elevating the feet, loosely dressing it, and debridement if necessary (cutting the dead shit off).

Frostbite

This happens when skin temperature goes below freezing. Fingers are most commonly affected, and they'll be numb (i assume we've all had cold hands before??). The problem is after we thaw them. So there's this big cascade of bullshit that leads to vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation (they start sticking together), and leukocyte sludging (deadass what it's called, sounds nasty right lol). This leads to thrombosis, which leads to ischemia (no blood to tissues), which leads to necrosis and dry gangrene.

Treatment should be initiated rapidly. Rapid rewarming should be started once there is no risk of re-freezing (so don't pour hot water on your hands if you're still outside - literally seen this happen - fucking idiots). The frozen part should be immersed in water that's about 37-39­°C until it is pliable and red. Give the patient opioids, as this hurts like a motherfucker. Treatment has more steps depending on how much of their hand starts rotting, but it's actually kinda controversial what to do, so I won't go into it here.

Panniculitis

This is kinda an odd one, but I think it's interesting. It's due to long-term exposure to above-freezing temperatures that results in necrosis (dying) of subcutaneous fat. It's more common on thighs, and commonly affects horse riders (yk when its like cold as fuck in the barn and your jeans aren't doing shit for your legs). The main complication is cosmetic, as it causes dimples where the fat is missing. Kinda looks like cellulite.

Hypothermia

Our favorite cold injury! You have primary (caused by cold environment) and secondary (caused by illness, burns, or other condition that changes the set temperature point/impairs thermogenesis).

When we get cold, our muscle tone increases, we shiver, we piss, and our vessels constrict. When we get REALLY cold, our nervous system is affected. This leads to impaired judgement, amnesia, ataxia (trouble walking), diminished consciousness, poor reflexes, fixed/dilated pupils, etc. This is why people who die of hypothermia take their clothes off: they aren't thinking straight (among other reasons - look it up). This is also why someone isn't dead until they are WARM AND DEAD. People can appear dead, they can have no palpable pulse, and still be alive.

When you're hypothermic, your heart is fragile. You can send someone into arrythmia if you jostle them too much. That's also why you should only do CPR if the person is actually in cardiac arrest. They may also have pseudo rigor mortis, coagulopathy, platelet dysfunction, etc.

Stage 1: 35-32°C. They should be moved to a warm place and given dry clothing. Don't let them get in a hot bath -> causes vasodilation or convective cooling. Give them warm, sweet drinks (they need sugar), and make them move around if it's possible.

Stage 2: 32-28°C. They will be consciously impaired, so no drinking -> give warm IV fluids instead. Make sure they're in a warm place, and use heaters, warm packs, warm blankets, etc. Move them minimally to avoid arrhythmias. It's best to have full-body insulation, have them lie down, and immoblization.

Stage 3: <28°C. They will be unconscious, but have a pulse (NO CPR). You may need to manage the airway. This person needs serious help, and it's best for them to be transferred to a ECMO or CPB center due to the high risk of cardiac arrest.

Stage 4: <28°C. Unconscious with no pulse, and no forward blood flow (blood is not moving in the direction it should be thru the circulation). They need CPR (finally). You can give them up to 3 doses of epi, and defibrillate if needed. The airway needs to be managed, and they need transport to an ECMO/CPB center. External and minimally invasive rewarming is recommended during transport -> external rewarming alone or limb rewarming alone may cause afterdrop -> make sure trunk is rewarmed. Do not apply heat to the head.

For medications, it's controversial. Sedative and pain meds can stop shivering and pain, BUT they also may cause vasodilation (this is bad). So, in this case, the risk of benefit may outweigh the risk of harm (yes you read that right, think about it!). The use of vasopressors is also contested to raise BP.

When should we stop? When the serum potassium is greater than 12 mmol/L. This is actually an important biomarker in cold related cardiac arrest. Extreme hyperkalemia (normal is 3.6-5.2) is a pretty reliable marker of death in hypothermia patients. More indications of death: if someone is rewarmed to more than 32°C, and there is still no forward blood flow, obvious mortal injury (decomposing, decapitated, dependent lividity, etc.), or frozen solid.

Conclusion

Don't be a fucking idiot. Wear proper clothes, check the temperature clock, and don't stay outside too long. Don't sleep in a car in the middle of winter (please god find somewhere to go - a lot of towns open community centers as shelters when sub-zero temperatures happen). If you have tingling or numbness, go to the doctor or find help. Be smart and safe -> don't lose your fingers, your toes, or your life.

[gallifreyinstituteforlearning]

Help! I think my timelord has a fever? I can't tell 100% but they don't look good. Do I need a special thermometer to check? (Where do I buy/find one?) What do I do??

Gallifreyan Pyrexia

Disclaimer: This guide is not suitable for humans. Always consult your human medical people.

🌡️ Checking Temperature

First things first, you don't need a special thermometer to check your Time Lord’s temperature—a human one will do just fine. Here are some key points to remember:

Every Gallifreyan will have their own normal temperature baseline, somewhere between 15-19°C (59-66.2°F).

This shouldn't deviate by more than 2-3 degrees.

If their temperature rises above 19°C (66.2°F), they could be suffering from hyperthermia.

📋 Recognising Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia occurs when their body temperature exceeds 19°C (66.2°F), potentially leading to heatstroke and other serious complications. Signs and symptoms include:

Flushed Skin: The skin may appear red and feel hot to the touch.

Sweating: While not as common as in humans, excessive sweating may occur.

Weakness: A general feeling of fatigue or weakness.

Dizziness and Confusion: Disorientation and dizziness can be significant signs.

Rapid Heart Rate: Increased heart rate can accompany the rise in temperature.

Nausea and Vomiting: Digestive upset can be a symptom of severe hyperthermia.

🏡 Home Treatment for Hyperthermia

If your Time Lord shows signs of hyperthermia, here’s what you can do at home:

Move to a Cooler Environment: Get them out of the heat and into a cooler, shaded area immediately.

Hydration: Encourage them to drink cool, non-alcoholic fluids. Water is best. Avoid caffeine.

Cool Compresses: Apply cool, damp cloths to their forehead, neck, armpits, and groin.

Fan Air: Use a fan to circulate air around them or gently fan them to increase evaporative cooling.

Remove Excess Clothing: Help them remove any excess clothing to allow their body to cool down more effectively.

🚑 When to Seek Immediate Help

Temperature above 19°C (66.2°F)

Unresponsiveness or severe confusion

Severe vomiting or inability to keep fluids down

Signs of shock (rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, clammy skin)

You suspect Sepsis (Refer to the Guide Sepsis Emergency Response (SER))

🏥 Advanced Treatment Guide

If home treatments are not effective or the patient's temperature is rising rapidly, seek medical attention immediately. If you're in a TARDIS, the medbay has an automated interface that can guide you through these next steps.

📋 Assessment

Initial Assessment: Check vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. For a detailed scoring system, refer to the Guide Gallifreyan Assessment Scoring System (GASS).

Continuous Assessment: Continuously monitor body temperature and vital signs. Use an accurate thermometer capable of reading low temperatures.

🧊 Cooling Methods

IV Fluids: Start intravenous (IV) fluids immediately to rehydrate and cool the body from the inside.

Cooling Blankets: Use cooling blankets or pads to lower body temperature. Ensure these are set to a safe temperature to avoid overcooling.

Ice Packs: Place ice packs in the axillae (armpits), groin, and neck to rapidly reduce core body temperature.

Evaporative Cooling: Use misting fans and cool water sprays to enhance evaporative cooling.

💊 Medications

If deemed appropriate by a medical professional/the TARDIS medbay computer:

Antipyretics: Administer antipyretics to help lower fever.

Anticonvulsants: Administer anticonvulsants to help reduce risk of seizures.

Sedation: In severe cases, sedation might be necessary to control agitation and allow for more effective cooling.

🖥️ Monitoring and Support

Electrolyte Monitoring: Regularly check electrolyte levels, as hyperthermia can cause imbalances.

Cardiac Monitoring: Continuous cardiac monitoring is crucial due to the risk of arrhythmias. Refer to the Guide Gallifreyan CPR for reviving a Gallifreyan in case of cardiac arrest.

Neurological Checks: Regular neurological assessments to monitor for signs of brain damage or seizures.

Mechanical Ventilation: If respiratory distress or failure occurs, mechanical ventilation may be necessary. Follow the ABCDE Assessment Guide to quickly assess and treat a sick Gallifreyan.

🚑 Post-Emergency Care

Once the immediate threat is over, following up with a specialised Gallifreyan medic is vital. Your Gallifreyan might need specific treatments to fully recover and prevent future incidents.

Remember, while these steps provide a general guide, each situation is unique. Always prioritise professional medical advice when available.

Medical Guides These are all practical guides to assessing and treating a Gallifreyan in an emergency or medical setting.

⚕️💕Gallifreyan CPR

⚕️👽Gallifreyan Assessment Scoring System (GASS)

⚕️👽ABCDE Assessment

⚕️⚠️Sepsis Emergency Response (SER)

⚕️⚠️Severe Trauma Protocol

⚕️🌡️Gallifreyan Pyrexia

⚕️🔮Psionic Emergency Pathways

⚕️✨Post-Regeneration Management

⚕️🩸Interpreting Gallifreyan Bloodwork

⚕️👶Gallifreyan Paediatric Emergencies

Any orange text is educated guesswork or theoretical. More content ... →📫Got a question? | 📚Complete list of Q+A and factoids →📢Announcements |🩻Biology |🗨️Language |🕰️Throwbacks |🤓Facts → Features:⭐Guest Posts | 🍜Chomp Chomp with Myishu →🫀Gallifreyan Anatomy and Physiology Guide (pending) →⚕️Gallifreyan Emergency Medicine Guides →📝Source list (WIP) →📜Masterpost If you're finding your happy place in this part of the internet, feel free to buy a coffee to help keep our exhausted human conscious. She works full-time in medicine and is so very tired 😴

[darkstrawberrytimetravel]

Come hell or high water. Pt.2

18+, MDNI. Tags: Gore, severe injury, trauma, amputation

Pt.1

Gaz.

Gaz watches as the whole operation turns to shit. One minute he's at the back of the line as the small group silently pick their way through the wooded area back towards soap and the rendezvous point, daring himself to think about what he'd do as soon as he's back on solid ground at the Garrison. Next both he and Price are blown onto their backs, as he watches you take the whole force of the explosive and roughly land in pieces on the upturned earth. While nothing could have prepared him for this moment, both he and Price automatically reverted back to the SOPs drilled into them from the start of their careers. Price flicks the switch on the Comms, informing Soap of the unfortunate development.

Price: “MAN DOWN!”

Soap : “SIT REP, NOW!"

Price: “CONTACT IED!”

He listens as Price updates Soap further, telling him to get the HALO free fall rig kit they'd stashed close by to the RV point before they'd engaged with the targets. And not to leave his position.

The next few minutes drag on, it seems like hours as Gaz and Price manually belly crawl forward and around you as they use their combat knives to check for any further IEDs within that immediate vicinity, digging into the soil carefully so as not to further detonate anymore. As soon as they've established the area to be as safe they get to work providing first aid. Flipping you over, they dig through your uniform pockets for the standard issue tourniquets all soldiers must carry.

“Mum… I want my mum… Fuck… can't die…like this.” Gaz hears as you whimper. The fear in your voice grips at his heart.

“S’alright, see Price and me are patching you up? You stay with us. We'll all laugh about this when we go for our pint, they'll slap a fucking bugs bunny plaster on you and call it a day.” He says, self assured. Only then does he look up and meet Price's gaze, the odds of you making out of this alive… he doesn't even want to think about that.

Tying off mid way up the thighs of the bloody stump and wrecked remains of your legs, tight, Gaz watches as the blood slows to a trickle. Looking up he spots Price as he tends to a penetrating injury on your right arm, applying another tourniquet there. Only then do they pause for a moment, realising that you've become still. Price puts his hand on your chest and simultaneously leans forward to listen for your breaths. There's nothing.

“Fuck! COMMENCING CPR!” He shouts, both he and Gaz work at cutting and tearing the clothing from your upper body until they see bare skin. Gaz moves to your head to provide the rescue breaths as Price compresses his fists hard into your chest.

“...twenty-six, twenty-seven, twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty!”

Gaz watches as Price gives the allotted compressions before stopping and allowing Gaz to give the two rescue breaths. They go through three repetitions,Gaz about to take over from Price's exertions, before you finally take your own breath. It's shallow, weak. But you're breathing.

Gaz watches Price gingerly pick you up in a fireman's hold, and they cautiously retrace their steps back to the tree line before Price finds the original route the group had taken. They march in silence, it's only a matter of minutes before they're on the other side of the copse and they see Soap further down the road, waving his torch at them in the dark. They quickly make their way forward, meeting Soap half way, Price slowly and carefully laying you down on the dirt road as if you're made of bone china.

The next few moments are filled with Price's rapid fire shouting into the Sat phone, updating HQ of the situation, Gaz can barely keep up with the communications and the roaring in his ears. He looks down at you, unconscious, carefully laid down on the dirt road, your breaths short, gasps even.

Price: “ZERO, FOUR ZERO ALPHA, CONTACT IED. ONE CASUALTY. WITH CAUSALITY, NOW HAVE STABILISED AS BEST, NOW AT RV. GRID 542 736. WILL MARK WITH TORCH LIGHT. OVER.”

HQ: “BRAVO BRAVO ONE, HAVE ENGAGED MEDICS ON EVAC FLIGHT. ETA FIVE MINUTES. OVER.”

Pt.3

[kk095]

Maddie in Trauma

*Merry Christmas everyone! Here's my present to you. Hope you all enjoy!*

Through the automatic doors of the emergency department, a beautiful 33 year old woman arrived tethered to a gurney after being involved in a high speed crash on a chilly, rainy night. Her name was Maddie. She had bleach blonde hair, blue eyes, and stood at 5’5 with a slim build. Maddie was a conventionally attractive woman many would say was a solid 10, but that night, she was turning heads for all the wrong reasons. She laid on a backboard in a c-collar, stripped down to only her bra and underwear, littered in cuts, bruises, and abrasions. EKG electrodes were stuck onto her chest, and had IVs in both arms. The paramedics’ urgent chatter with our usual trauma team echoed the chaos of the accident that had left her in this vulnerable state. Maddie was awake and alert while being wheeled into the trauma bay, crying hysterically. Her eyes scanned the unfamiliar environment full of complete strangers, wondering what was going to happen next. “on my count. One…two…THREE!” Dr Lindsay’s voice called out, echoing in the room, taking charge of the situation.

Maddie then laid under the large overhead light on the trauma room table. The room was loud and hectic. Monitors were beeping and chirping fast and loud, and the members of the trauma team were all barking orders at one another. It was all happening so fast for Maddie. She was just driving to meet some friends for a night out, and now she was fighting for her life in the ER just a short while later. Maddie’s chest slammed into the steering wheel during the accident, and as a result, she felt a tearing pain in her chest, along with shortness of breath. She had never experienced this level of pain before, and knew she was hurt bad, and that frightened her. “am I gonna die?!” a terrified Maddie asked nurse Nancy, who connected a bag of blood products to Maddie’s IV line nearby. “it’s ok sweetie, you’re gonna be fine. Just stay calm and let us take care of you, ok?” Nancy replied in a soothing, reassuring voice. “My chest!...it hurts so much…” Maddie replied, still sobbing. “we’re gonna take a look hun. It’s all gonna be ok!” Nancy again reassured, gently stroking the frightened lady’s blonde hair for a brief moment. “I don’t wanna die…” Maddie sobbed, grabbing Nancy’s hand, holding it. “you’re not gonna die sweetie, it’s ok.” Nancy calmly replied.

Over the coming minutes, Maddie began to decompensate rapidly. Her blood pressure had taken a free fall, and her heart rate was increasing at an alarming rate. Maddie began spitting up blood, her eyes wide with fear, knowing something was terribly wrong inside her. The tearing pain was 10 times worse, and Maddie felt as if her heart was going to leap right out of her chest. “pressure’s dropping. Hang another round of o-neg to the rapid infuser.” Dr Lindsay ordered. Maddie’s mouth was suctioned out since her airway had become a bit obstructed from all the blood that had entered the area. She laid on the gurney staring upwards, beginning to zone out, taking rapid, shallow breaths. Maddie fought with everything she had left in her over the next minute or two to remain conscious, but she couldn’t do it anymore. She let out one final calm exhale. Her rapidly rising and falling chest was completely still now. Her eyes still wide open, now glazed over. “Maddie? You there hun?!” nurse Nancy shouted, doing a sternal rub. Maddie didn’t even react to the sternal rub. Her eyes just stared upwards, her mouth ajar. “no pulse, someone start CPR.” Dr Sarah announced to the team. Maddie’s bra was snipped off and her perky, C cup tits spilled out. Nurse heather then placed her hands on the center of Maddie’s bare chest and began pumping away hard and fast. At the head of the bed, Dr Sarah was placing an ET tube in Sarah’s airway. The tube was navigated in place quickly, and held in place with tape.

When the code had started, Maddie was in pulseless electrical activity, so CPR, ambu bagging, and IV meds were all the team could do. The beautiful blonde’s chest caved in and recoiled, her belly bouncing outwards. Her tits bounced and jiggled around, and 1 arm dangled off the side of the table, lightly bouncing in sync with the chest compressions. Her head bobbed and lolled, while her beautiful blue eyes were still wide open, with an ET tube hanging out the side of her mouth. At the other end of the table, her feet gently swayed and wobbled in time with the compressions. Maddie had size 9 soles with plenty of soft, silky, prominent wrinkles throughout- another asset to her already perfect appearance.

The trauma team had gotten to the 10 minute mark of the code with no improvement whatsoever, so Dr Lindsay had ordered an echocardiogram to see what was going on inside the stunning blonde’s chest. Lindsay looked over at the ultrasound monitor and saw cardiac tamponade, with some blood clots floating around in the mix. At that point, Lindsay decided to perform a left anterolateral thoracotomy in an attempt to get this life threatening tamponade squared away, then restart the hot blonde’s heart. Betadine was squirted all over Maddie’s chest, staining it and orangey brown sort of color. Lindsay picked up the scalpel and made a quick, decisive incision beginning slightly to the left of Maddie’s sternum, extending the cut across the left half of her chest, underneath her perky left breast, and ending a few inches away from her left armpit. Lindsay then incised the underlying tissue further, and placed a rib spreader into the large, freshly made cut in Maddie’s chest. The knob on the spreader was turned, forcefully prying apart Maddie’s ribs over the coming moments. Once the 33 year old blonde’s chest was cracked open, there was no rush of blood. Her boggy, fibrillating heart twitched weakly and erratically in plain sight. Lindsay reached into Maddie’s chest and examined the heart, noting it felt a lot heavier than normal. Lindsay made a cut in the thick, fibrous lining around the heart and peeled it back, delivering the heart itself and attempting to relieve the tamponade. Thick, gooey, clotted blood oozed out at first, which was suctioned away, only to be instantly replaced with bright red arterial blood. The area was once again suctioned out to reestablish the line of sight, and Lindsay placed a vascular clamp on the descending part of the aorta near the diaphragm to quell any bleeding in the area and redirect blood flow to critical parts of the body. The clamp temporarily stopped the rush of arterial blood, but Lindsay didn’t know where it was coming from. Lindsay began investigating, poking, prodding, and reaching around inside the blonde’s chest cavity, but came up empty during her initial efforts.

The team noticed Maddie was still in v-fib despite the meds and initial internal resus efforts, so the internal paddles were called for. The large, spoon shaped paddles were charged to 20 joules and lowered into her chest. A dull, wet thump was heard when the shock was delivered. Maddie’s body twitched sharply for a moment before falling limp. “no change, charge again to 30.” Lindsay called out. The high pitched electrical sound of the paddles charging filled the room for a moment, then shock #2 was delivered. Maddie’s heart stopped for a brief moment, then started twitching uselessly once again. The internal defibs were charged again to 30, and another shock was delivered. Maddie’s toes curled at the other end of the table, showing off the fresh coat of black nail polish and her hot, wrinkly soles once again. “still nothing, charge again to 40.” Dr Lindsay called out. The paddles were placed back around Maddie’s twitching heart, and a shock was promptly delivered. Her torso flopped abruptly, her tits shaking, her lifeless blue eyes stared helplessly above. “No change, resume internal massage.” Dr Lindsay called out. This time, Dr Sarah took over internal massage. Perhaps a different set of hands and a different pair of eyes can figure out what the exact cause of Maddie’s arrest was. Sarah could feel the blonde’s heart squirming around in her hands while she massaged it. While performing cardiac massage, she also tried to feel around to see if anything felt out of place. “something’s not right in the posterior portion of the left ventricle. Feel that.” Sarah said to Lindsay. Lindsay reached into Maddie’s chest and worked her hands to the spot Sarah had discovered. “yeah. Something isn’t right, I see what you mean.” Lindsay agreed, but still couldn’t quite figure out what was going on.

Lindsay and Sarah had investigated the area for a bit, but couldn’t draw a conclusion. Since Maddie was still in v-fib, they had opted to shock her again. Sarah performed a cycle of internal massage, and Lindsay got the paddles readied, charging them to 40. The paddles were lowered back in, and the next jolt of electricity went straight into the hottie’s heart. Maddie’s feet kicked around at the opposite end of the table, wrinkling up the soles of her feet once again. “still nothing, hitting her again at 40. Everyone…CLEAR!” Lindsay shouted. KA-THUNK. Maddie’s limp, lifeless body jolted around for a brief moment, but v-fib was still winning this battle. Lindsay shocked the beautiful patient with the internal paddles another 4 times to no avail, so Sarah decided to push more meds and perform a cycle of internal massage. While performing internal massage, Sarah felt a long, thinner, fleshy structure poking one of her fingers. “huh? What is that?” she thought. “charging paddles to 40.” Lindsay called out. “hold on a sec…” Sarah told Lindsay, as she held the blood soaked paddles in her hands. Sarah felt the structure with the tips of her fingers and it all dawned on her. Sarah took her hands out of Maddie’s chest and immediately peeled her gloves off, looking over at Lindsay. “massive aortic dissection. It ripped off the left ventricle almost completely and got trapped. She bled out into the pericardium that way.” She tells Lindsay. Sarah pauses, looks over at the clock, then continues. “time of death, 21:17.”

Lindsay places the internal paddles back onto the crash cart, and nurse Nancy detached the ambu bag, a small amount of air hissing out when the bag is detached while Maddie’s eyes remained open, which was an eerily beautiful sight. The monitors were turned off, and the EKG electrodes were plucked off the lady’s chest. A blue surgical drape was hastily thrown over the thoracotomy site while Maddie’s heart fired off its last handful of desperate, useless signals. Maddie’s eyes stayed open when her body was covered up, looking almost as if she was watching the trauma team’s basic postmortem care on her. Lastly, a toe tag was filled out and placed on the big toe of her left foot. The tag dangled in front of her perfect, wrinkly soles while the trauma team exited the room, bringing a heartbreaking end to her case.