Medic and the Wolf

Rescue

I ’m on the roof of the tall building, I have a serious look on my face that I always do. My crew has been working with me long enough to know I don't like unnecessary chatter, so all is quiet. One person is assessing the tie down points my ropes will be on and the ones that will be used to stabilize the washer. Another one is securing my harness for me and I sling the extra equipment that I’ll use for the victims if need be, and the medical bag.

I lean over and take a look down, not all the way down to the ground,only to my target. It is less intimidating that way. When everyone is ready, I stand up on the ledge with my back away from the building. Leaning into a sitting position, I make eye contact with my crew. They all give me the thumbs up sign, I close my eyes and make a silent prayer, then jump back and down. I make my first propel, feeling the wind whip past and all around me. It’s a few seconds of complete freedom followed by the pounding of my feet on the glass. I did a few more, being careful not to have my feet slip.

I’m within shouting distance from the men hanging on for dear life. I look down to see how much further I have to go. I have a spotter on the roof and on a rooftop of another building across the street to help me navigate and to warn my crew of anything going wrong.

I slowly slide myself next to them and I clip myself off. I look like I’m just sitting next to them at a table.

“Hi, my name is Kate Stone and I’m here to help you. The first thing I need is your help as much as possible. I know you're scared but I need you to stay calm for me and do what I say.” They just looked at me. I continued, “ I will tell you step by step what I’m doing before I do it so I don't scare you more. First thing I need to know is "are you hurt?” They shake their heads no, like they are afraid to use their voice. “Good, I’m going to have a few ropes lowered so I can secure you to our lines.”

I call up for a rope. As it comes closer, I reach out and grab the clip that's on the end with a bit of slack. I go to clip the first man closest to me. He’s older with salt and pepper hair and weathered skin. He shakes his head no, I look at him with confusion. “Secure my son first”. With that, I adjust my position to go to the younger man and clip the harness he's already wearing. I repeat the process for the older man. I try not to look them in the eyes. I already know what they look like. I've seen that look a million times. The shock, panic and fear. I have to stay focused on getting all of us out of this.

I ask about the progress on the window below, “ 25% done”... I keep emotion off my face and out of my eyes as I know the men are studying me.

“I’m going to call for more ropes to secure the washer. I’ll be moving around you, but don't worry, you are secured to my team up above.”

I give them a wink and call for another rope. I secured the side I’m on first. As I moved to the other side by jumping back and swinging myself over, a big gust of wind came and blew me back slamming me into the windows. The impact caused my ropes to slide and into a small free fall. The older man saw this and reached out to grab me. As he did his ropes slid as well. Then they caught and we stopped. My radio in my ear was full of chatter, one voice made it through all the others. The voice of Steve was my spotter across the street.

“Steve, what's my position?”

“Screwed if you do not upright yourself”.

I was almost upside down holding the old man under me.

“ Yeah I know, I know.. How about the window? Is it ready yet?’’

“50%” from that crew. I huff “ You guys need to put a move on it, it's getting really windy! I’m letting go of the victim.”

I look at the old man as we are face to face. I tell him I need to upright myself and I’m letting go of him but my crew has him. He takes a big breath and lets go of my hands. I pull myself up and slide the rope down more towards the old man. I clip our harnesses together as we are slammed by another gust. I get fed up with being slammed around, concerned I may get injured and not be able to help anyone.

“Window” I huff.

“90%”

That's gonna have to do. Steve must know what I’m thinking. As I’m pushing off with my feet I hear him say “ Here she comes!!!” I propel down to the window crew area, my feet landing in the middle of the square they are cutting. The crew and I stared at each other for a few seconds. I motion for them to move back, holding onto the old man. I jump back swinging straight back as far as I can. I keep my knees slightly bent and feet straight out in front of me as I crash into the window. I have to do that a few times for the glass to completely break through.

On the last one, as we swung into the building, we slammed onto the floor. With an ‘uff’, I adjust my helmet to uncover my eyes only to be met by the eyes of the old man. Fear and panic were replaced with relief and gratitude. I give him a smirk and a wink.

“ Status on the 2nd victim”

“ We have him”.

As we were having our fun, another crew was sent up to the roof to help pull the younger man up. I told the old man his son is safe before he could even ask. We unclipped and he was whisked away to be taken to the hospital for evaluation. The guys help me off the floor and pat me on the back with good jobs and congrats as I pass them on my way down.

As I shuffle myself to my unit,take off my gear and stow it away, I hear someone clearing their throat behind me. I slowly take my jacket off and turn to meet the person. It’s the unknown Ass on a power trip. I roll my eyes waiting for the yelling and screaming that usually happens when I don't go by the book.

“Good job” was what I heard. I looked up at him confused for a minute, then he continued. “Your Chief filled me in on you.. I’m sorry about earlier”.

I gave a small chuckle. Of course, he is after hearing who I am and knowing my reputation. Most people don't realize that I’m a girl until they meet me in person. They only know the reputation and stories of K.Stone. It's such a boys' club they automatically think I’m a guy.

“Who are you?” I asked.

“I’m the new commissioner, we're gonna have to have you sit down for a debriefing.”

I shake my head. “No I don't do that. You have everything you need from the video and the victims' statements.’’

If looks could kill, then I would be dead. His face turned beat red, almost purple, one fist clenched to the side and the other pointing at me like I was a child. Chief saw this going on and came over to the rescue. Not my rescue, but the commissioners. He just didn't know yet.

Chief looks at me and sees my cool expression on my face. “ Stone, get checked out and have the rest of the week off, rest and prepare for your trip.” I turned on my heel and went to the medical tent.