Disaster

By: Cheryl

This story refers to incidences and people from my other story “Atonement.” You may want to read that first!

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“Johnny? Johnny!” Roy DeSoto prodded the sleeping paramedic next to him.

John Gage was sound asleep, his head leaning on his hand against the passenger window of the squad. His mouth was slightly open and he was snoring contently.

“Johnny!” Roy poked his partner a little harder.

“Whaaat?” A cranky Johnny opened bleary eyes and looked at Roy. “What is it?”

Roy gestured around him. “We’re back.”

“Oh.” Johnny lifted his head and stretched his stiff neck rubbing the back of it tenderly as he slowly opened the squad door. Next to him the rest of Station 51’s A shift were stepping down off the engine and moving about as slow as he was.

The fire had been big. It had started sometime around ten the night before, and by the time they had arrived, the two largest buildings at that garment factory were fully involved.

Johnny squinted, his eyes protesting the early morning sun. They’d spent all night cleaning up after the fire had been contained. He glanced at his watch. 6 a.m! Only two hours to go. Johnny stumbled towards the day room as Roy walked along beside him.

“Rough one, huh?” Roy said, rubbing his face with the palm of his hand.

Johnny nodded. “Yeah. I’m glad we don’t respond to those everyday.”

The two paramedics followed the rest of A-shift into the day room. There was no sense in any of them going to bed now. Everyone found seats and stared at the stove.

“Ok, who’s going to make the coffee?” Cap asked glancing around at his crew. His eyes settled on Chet.

“Don’t look at me, Cap. Every time I make coffee, I get hassled about it.”

“Well if you didn’t make coffee that would eat through steel, there wouldn’t be any problem.” Johnny mumbled from his place on the couch. He had his head resting on the back with his arm slung over his face, trying to block out the morning sun.

“Yeah,” Marco added, “the last cup of your coffee I had, I could’ve stood my spoon up in it.”

“You see, Cap!” An exasperated Chet threw his hands in the air. “And you wonder why I don’t want to make coffee.”

“Alright, pal, you’re off the hook.” Cap looked around the room.

With a sigh, Roy stood up and slowly walked towards the stove.

Johnny lifted his head and watched his partner. “Thanks, Roy. We can always count on you in tough situations.” He smiled.

Roy cast tired eyes on Johnny. “Uh-huh.” He yawned.

No sooner did Roy reach the stove, than the tones sounded, echoed by a unified six-man groan.

“Station 51. Motor vehicle accident. I-110 north ramp, at the junction of the 405. I-110 north ramp, at the junction of the 405. Time out: 6:07.”

Not even a minute later, the six weary firefighters drove out of the station speeding off to the incident.

The squad’s siren screamed as Roy and Johnny looked out the windshield searching for the accident.

“It should be along here somewhere; we’re approaching the 405 junction.” The sight of several stopped cars ahead of them confirmed Johnny’s words. The two emergency vehicles swerved onto the shoulder, passing the stopped traffic. Just then, the driver of a shiny black Cadillac flipped them an obscene gesture as they sped by. Johnny craned his head around, looking back at the stopped car. “You jerk!” he complained loudly.

Roy gasped, as he caught the first view of their response. His rapid intake of breath caused Johnny to forget all about the rude driver. He swiveled his head back around and took in the scene before him. “Oh, man,” he whispered.

Before them, lying on its side in the center of the road was a fancy two-horse trailer. There was a woman standing on the upturned side, yanking frantically on the apparently jammed small side door. Barely waiting for the squad to stop, Johnny leapt out of the vehicle, as the engine pulled around them parking next to the trailer.

“Ma’am, wait! Let me help you down.” Johnny said jogging up to the overturned trailer. He shuddered as he saw the trailer shake violently from the movement of the very much alive and terrified animal inside. He looked back up at the scared woman. “Ma’am please, come down before you hurt yourself!” He stopped directly below her, arms outstretched.

The woman shook her head, tears glistening on her cheeks. “NO! It’s my fault! I can’t leave him in there! He could be hurt!”

Cap and the rest of the crew stopped behind Johnny staring up at the distraught woman.

“Ma’am please. Until you come down, we can’t help your horse,” Cap pleaded. “We’ll do our best to help him, but first you have to come down.”

The woman hesitated, sniffling. Finally she turned and carefully climbed down. Roy and Johnny escorted her to the squad as Cap tried to get a handle on the situation. “I don’t see any other damaged cars; it looks like a one vehicle accident. Chet, Marco, check the drivers of the surrounding cars and make sure. Mike, look over this trailer and try to find out how much damage it’s sustained.” Cap reached into his pocket, pulling out his HT. “LA, Engine 51. We have a single car MVA involving a horse trailer. Request Animal Control dispatch an officer to this scene. Also, I think we’ll need a large animal veterinarian.”

“10-4, Engine 51.” The dispatcher responded.

Cap walked over to where Johnny and Roy were examining the woman. “How is she?”

Roy shrugged. I think she’s just shaken up. Still, she should probably go to Rampart and get checked out.”

Suddenly the woman pulled her arm from Johnny’s grasp, ripping off the BP cuff. “I’m not going to any hospital! Not while my horse is trapped in there!” She struggled to her feet as Johnny and Roy reached out to steady her. “Let go of me; I’m fine! I’m not going to any hospital!” She repeated.

Captain Stanley reached out with a placating hand. “Okay, we can’t send you if you don’t want to go. Please, just calm down. We’ve got a veterinarian on the way, along with animal control. They’ll help us help your horse, but first I need some facts, okay?”

The woman visibly relaxed a little. She nodded.

Hank smiled reassuringly at her. “Good. Now, what’s your name?”

“Barbara Holsten.” she whispered.

“Ms. Holsten, what happened?” Hank asked gently.

“I was trying to get onto the 405, but no one would give me the room to get over. I guess they didn’t want to get stuck behind a horse trailer. People just don’t realize that trucks and trailers can’t just slow down and speed up on a dime, like a car can. Anyway, someone finally gave me the room I needed and I was trying to get over into the next lane when this car whipped out from behind me and slipped into the spot I was trying to move into. I slammed on my breaks, and swerved to avoid him. That’s when it happened. We hit a bump in the road and the trailer slipped off the hitch. I guess the other cars around me saw it happen, because they all steered clear. The next thing I knew, the trailer flipped over on its side. Thank God we were only going about 10 miles per hour, or Magni would have been killed.” Her eyes drifted back to the trailer. “He could still die anyway, couldn’t he? God, its my fault. I was in such a hurry, that I didn’t double-check the hitch before I left. Magni trusted me, and I let him down.” She glanced up at Hank, tears once again filling her eyes.

Hank gave her his best look of confidence. “We’re going to do our best to make sure he’s okay.” He turned his head to see the police letting an animal control vehicle through their barrier. The white truck pulled to a stop next to the squad. A tall, trim woman with auburn hair stepped out and approached the three men. She extended her hand to Hank.

“Carissa Beelton. You must be the Captain.”

Hank shook hands with her. “Captain Hank Stanley, station 51. This is John Gage and Roy DeSoto, our paramedics, and this is the horse’s owner, Ms. Holsten.”

Carissa shook hands with her, nodding at Roy and Johnny. “Captain, have you called for an equine veterinarian?”

Hank nodded his head. “There should be one in route.” The small group walked towards the horse trailer as Marco and Chet trotted up to them.

“Cap,” Marco said, “No one else was involved.”

Hank nodded as the two firemen fell in with the group. They approached the trailer. From inside, the terrified horse let out a shrill whinny followed by a stomping racket, which once again shook the trailer. Barbara’s hand flew to her mouth and she turned her head, tears again spilling down her cheeks. Mike walked up to the Captain.

“Cap, the trailer doesn’t seem to have suffered too much structural damage, besides the obvious dents.”

Cap nodded turning to Carissa. “Well, what do you think?”

Another round of panicked kicking shook the trailer. Carissa shook her head. “We can’t do anything until a veterinarian examines that horse and sedates him. In his current state, he could hurt or kill anyone who got in his way.”

Barbara shook her head. “Magni would never do that. He’s the nicest horse I’ve ever worked with.”

“That may be so,” Johnny interceded. “But right now he doesn’t have a clue what is going on. He’s scared. His first instinct is to run away from whatever is scaring him. If he can’t run, he’ll fight. Anyone near him could get hurt because he’s fighting to get away. He doesn’t understand that we’re trying to help him.”

Carissa nodded in agreement. “You know a lot about horses for a city guy.”

Johnny smiled briefly. “I grew up around horses in Montana.”

Further conversation was interrupted by another truck making its way through the police barrier. It was white; with large handled compartments lining the bed. A blue logo of a jumping horse was stenciled on the side with the words ‘Wilson Street Equine Hospital Robert Canfield, DVM’ printed next to it.

Roy and Johnny looked at each other in amazement. “Dr. Bob?” they said in unison.

A middle aged stocky man stepped out of the truck, slamming the door and looking around. Spotting them, he walked over to the group. “What happened here?” Bob Canfield looked from face to face. His eyes settled on Roy and Johnny. “Son of a gun! I remember you two. You guys rescued my client’s horse from the clinic when it burned down a couple of months back. I’d ask what’s going on, but that’s apparent, isn’t it? How badly is the horse injured?”

Cap shook the veterinarian’s hand as they walked closer to the trailer. “We don’t really know. The situation is too dangerous to send someone in.”

Bob sighed in concern. “I hate to give the horse any sedation without knowing its condition, but I don’t see where we have too much choice, here.” He looked over the back of the trailer. “This model has three separate closures, good.” He tugged on the top door experimentally; it didn’t budge. “If your men can get the top door open, while leaving the center door and the ramp closed, then I can give this horse an inter-muscular shot of something to calm him down, without getting the stuffing kicked out of me. Then we can go from there. What do you think, officer?” He turned to Carissa.

She shrugged. “I don’t see any other safe way. We need to do this quickly before it gets too hot, or that trailer will turn into an oven, right Doc?”

Bob nodded. “Captain, your men need to keep their efforts as quiet as possible, so they don’t scare that animal any more than it already is, ok? I’ll get the sedation.” He turned and trotted back to his rig.

Cap turned to Chet. “You heard the man, Kelly. Use a pry-bar but keep it as quiet as possible.” Chet nodded and walked to the engine.

Roy gently grabbed Barbara Holsten’s arm. “Why don’t we go sit in the shade and give them room to work?”

She nodded and followed the paramedic back to the squad.

Bob Canfield walked back to them, carrying a syringe. He looked at Johnny and Carissa. “I’d like the both of you handy. If I need any help, it needs to be people that know their way around horses.”

They walked up to the trailer as Chet gave the door one final yank with his pry-bar. The top door opened part way to reveal the muscular, sweat coated hip of a jet-black horse. Bob slowly approached the horse talking softly in reassuring tones. “Easy boy, whoa, easy now.” He repeated over and over. He reached out and touched the horse’s hip, causing the animal to flinch and kick the door. Once again, the trailer shook violently. “Whoa, easy.” Bob quietly soothed. He carefully palpated the haunch then quickly jabbed the needle into the flesh. The horse kicked out at the stinging, but the veterinarian held fast to the syringe. He carefully and quickly injected the drug. Bob stepped away from the trailer, replacing the cap on the needle. “Ok. Now we wait. Because the shot was IM not IV it’ll take about 15 minutes to take full effect. Now, how are we going to get him out?”

“Your man did say that the trailer appeared to be structurally sound, right Captain?” Carissa asked Hank.

He nodded. “Yes, it seems to be.”

“Well, I think we should use the engine and carefully pull the trailer upright. Then those doors can be forced open and the horse can be backed out.”

“I think you’re right.” Johnny said. “I heard of a trailer accident about a year ago, and they did the same thing. It worked really well.”

Bob agreed. “That seems to be the best way. I have no idea about the extent of that horse’s injuries, so I have some real concerns about anesthetizing him. If we can avoid that option, that’d be best.”

“Chet, Marco, grab the heavy lines. Mike, were going to need the engine about here, pal.” Hank ordered, gesturing to an area next to the trailer.

The firemen quickly secured the lines around the trailer and to the front of the engine.

Barbara Holsten slowly walked up next to Bob, Roy a step behind her. “Is he going to be ok, Doctor?”

Bob sighed. “I haven’t been able to examine him at all, yet, so I don’t know anything for sure. Don’t worry, I’ll do everything I can for him.”

She nodded and stepped back, watching the scene before her.

Johnny edged over next to Roy. “She seems calmer. What did you say to her?”

Roy shrugged. “Nothing, really. She just needed someone to talk to. Once she had everything off her chest, she was calmer.”

Johnny smiled at his partner. Roy was the gentlest person he had ever known. Sometimes that really came in handy. Johnny turned his attention back to the trailer as Captain Stanley waved at his engineer.

“Ok, Mike, take her back real easy. Let’s make this as smooth as possible.”

From the drivers seat, Mike Stoker nodded, as the diesel engine revved and the truck slowly moved backwards. The ropes became taunt and the trailer groaned and shifted.

Cap waved his hand at Mike. “That’s it, keep going Mike!”

The mighty engine continued crawl backwards as the trailer began to tip up onto two wheels. Finally, with a loud groan, it shifted and bounced down on all four wheels.

In spite of the sedation, the horse inside scrambled around violently shaking the trailer once again.

Barbara Holsten took a step towards the trailer, only to be stopped instantly by Roy.

“Wait, they’ll handle it.” He said softly.

Johnny trotted up to the dented manger door of the trailer and cautiously cracked it open. The glossed over, frightened eye of the sedated horse stared back at him. Johnny’s heart broke. He’s trapped, scared and possibly injured. The poor animal’s terrified. Johnny gently shut the door, taking a deep breath to compose himself. “What next?” He asked.

Bob Canfield eyed the back of the trailer. “We’re going to need some long ropes. At least 10-15 feet long, to tie onto his halter. Once the back doors are open and he realized he can get out, injured or not, that horse is going to charge out of that trailer and try to run. We’ll need lots of rope and room, not to mention at least two people holding on, so he doesn’t hurt himself further, or get away.”

“I’ve got a long line in my truck that I use to lounge him with. It’s soft cotton and has a snap on it. That’d probably be the easiest.” Barbara said.

Bob Canfield nodded in agreement. “That’s perfect.”

She ran over to her truck, returning with the lounge line.

“Ok,” Carissa said, “Let’s snap that rope onto his halter through the manger door and throw it out the back. That way we can hang onto him, yet still stand clear of the rig.”

“Sounds good,” Johnny said from his position by the manger door. “Ms. Holsten. Why don’t you snap that rope on and toss it to us in the back? I think he would be much calmer with you at his head, since he knows you.”

Barbara nodded and walked up to the door, as Johnny walked around back. Slowly, she opened the manger door, staring at the head of her horse. “Easy, Magni. It’s ok. Whoa.” She said as she slowly snapped the lead on the horse. She craned her head around. “I’m not tall enough to throw that rope back to you. Can someone give me a boost up?”

Chet looked at Hank, who nodded. He walked up, kneeled down and laced his fingers. “Step into my hands and I’ll give you a boost.” He slowly lifted her up.

Barbara looked through the back of the trailer to see Johnny unlatching the rear chain, on the inside of the door. He looked up and held out his hand. “Here you go.” She said as she tossed the rope to him.

Johnny caught it, untangling the end as he backed away.

“Okay. Captain, let’s lower the ramp first, and leave the center door shut. We don’t want that horse to think he can get out and fall backwards over the ramp.” Bob shuddered as the image of that tragedy flashed through his mind.

“Marco, Roy, Chet, grab some pry-bars and get to work on that ramp, quietly, if possible. Gage; stand ready on that line. Mike, untie the engine from the trailer and move it down the road a ways. We want that horse to have as much room as possible when he comes out.” Hank ordered.

Johnny stepped over to the side, a firm grip on the rope. Carissa walked over to him.

“Here, let me help.” She grabbed onto the rope.

Johnny smiled and nodded. “Sure.”

Using the pry-bars and a little brute strength, the three men managed to free the ramp. Carefully they lowered it to the ground, the springs creaking.

Roy shook the center door, gently. “Cap, this door doesn’t appear to be jammed at all. It should open with no problems.”

“Okay, Roy. Everyone stand back. You ready Gage?” Hank asked.

Johnny looked at Carissa, who nodded. “We’re ready here, Cap.”

Hank looked at Roy. “Ok, pal. You open that door then get the heck out of the way.”

Roy nodded, bracing his feet as he lifted the latch to the door. He swung the door open, quickly stepping around behind it.

For a moment, the horse didn’t move. Everyone watched as he stood there, legs braced, body trembling.

At his head, Barbara clucked to her horse quietly.

All the sudden, he stormed backwards out of the trailer, sparks flying off his steel shoes as he scrambled across the pavement.

Johnny and Carissa held fast to his rope as he jumped in a circle around them, snorting and tossing his head.

“Whoa! Easy now!” Johnny said, as the rope slipped slightly in his hands.

Barbara Holsten walked up from her position at the front of the trailer. “Whoa! Magni, STAND!” she said with authority. The well-trained, frantic horse reflexively responded to her words, hesitating as he pawed the ground in agitation. “Good boy, whoa…easy.” Barbara said in low tones as she carefully approached him. She reached out and grabbed his halter, stroking his neck gently.

Bob Canfield walked around the horse looking him over. “Ok, I don’t see anything obvious. Let’s get someone out here to transport this horse to the Valley Veterinary Hospital, and I’ll examine him there. It’ll take some doing, but I think we can coax him into another trailer.”

Carissa turned and trotted to her truck. She picked up her CB mike. “Dispatch, this is 173. I need transportation for a horse involved in a trailer accident at the junction of the 110 and 405.”

The crew of 51’s gathered a short distance away from the trailer, watching Barbara Holsten reassure her horse.

Bob Canfield walked up, extending his hand to Hank Stanley. “Thanks a lot, Captain,” He looked at the rest of the crew. “Fellas. That’s twice you men have helped me out. I really appreciate all of it.” He held up his hand as Stanley started to respond. “I know, I know, its all part of your job. I find myself saying the same words on occasion. Thanks anyway, though.” He walked back over to the horse without another word.

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The Next Shift:

Cap was waiting for Roy and Johnny as Roy parked the squad. They stepped out, looking at him inquiringly. He smiled. “Dr. Canfield called while you were out. The horse is going to be fine, just some minor lacerations and bruises. Psychologically, he seems to be recovering well too; Ms. Holsten has already gotten him to go back into trailers as well as he used to. By the way, his full name is Magnificent Frontier, and he’s one of the top Western Performance horses in the country.”

Roy and Johnny shook their heads in amazement. Just then they were distracted by a figure walking into the apparatus bay. A smile of appreciation creased Johnny’s face as he recognized Carissa Beelton.

She smiled at all of them, notebook in hand. “Captain, I just need a few facts from you for my report. Do you have a minute?” Carissa turned to the paramedics. “Hi, guys.”

“Hi.” Roy said as Johnny nodded a greeting.

Cap interjected. “No problem, this way.” He gestured towards his office.

Johnny was mesmerized as he watched her walk away. “Wow, Roy she’s beautiful.”

Roy smiled at his hormone stricken partner. “Why don’t you ask her out? I think she likes you.”

Johnny’s eyes widened. “She does? You think so? Are you sure? Wow, she likes me. Well, she does have that glint in her eye, I mean I’ve see it before…Roy, where are you going?” Johnny asked as he suddenly noticed Roy walking away.

“I thought I’d leave you alone with yourself. The two of you seem to be having a great conversation.”

Johnny was about to respond when Hank’s office door opened.

“Thank you Captain,” Carissa said shaking his hand. “That’s all I needed to know.” She turned and headed towards the exit.

Johnny raised a finger to Roy. “Wait, just a minute.” He hastily trotted off towards Carissa. “Carissa, wait! Let me walk you to your car.” He stopped beside her, flashing a toothy grin.

Carissa smiled sweetly. “Thank you Johnny; that’d be nice.” They turned and walked out the door.

Roy looked at Hank, shaking his head as the two men chuckled. Hank walked back into his office as Roy headed into the day room.

Chet looked up from his magazine. “Where’s Gage?”

Roy smiled. “Romeo is talking to that lady animal control officer we met the other day, trying to get a date.”

“Ha, that’ll never happen.” Chet replied with a laugh. “She’s way out of Gage’s league.”

“Don’t be so sure Chester B.” Johnny replied as he walked into the room. “We’re going out tomorrow night.” Johnny smiled at Chet smugly.

“Wow, Gage, how much did that cost?” Chet asked, a mischievous glint in his eye.

“What?” Johnny cocked his head slightly.

“How much did you have to pay her, John?” Chet replied. Casting out my line...

“Pay her? Why would I have to pay her?” Johnny shook his head, a mystified look on his face.

Gotcha, Gage. Hook, line and sinker. “Johnny, only a bribe would convince a girl like that to go out with someone like you.”

God Johnny, you walked right into that one. No wonder Chet likes to mess with you, you’re too easy. Roy sensed where this conversation was going. He silently stood up and walked towards the exit. I’ll bet the squad could use some wax.

“Chet, only you would…”

Roy just chuckled quietly as he left the room.

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Thanks to the Felton Fire Department’s web page on Equine/Large animal rescue. I wish there were more people with your training!

Hey CheriE! Thanks for the suggestion to “do more with Johnny and Horses” I think you’ve started something E! SistE!r!

Alice, SusiE! and CamE!ron. Thanks for beta reading this for me!

CamE!ron and SusiE! Thanks for putting me on to an awesome search engine!! Googles to everyone!!

~Cheryl~

April 9, 2000 /// May 5, 2000