Unexpected 6: Street's #1 Fan

Chapter 14: Think fast!

The pounding in his temple, the burning in his eyes, the continuing pain in his shoulder, the shot to his left knee, the stinging pain of cuts in his arms and face, the blood going down his neck, his lungs closing in...he needed to breath! He needed to relax a bit...but how? How could he be calm with the horrific scene unfolding in front of him? How could he possibly think positive when his girl and their baby might be dying? He couldn't even stand straight, still relying heavily on his boys, Deacon and Luca. The crowd screaming, the chirping of the wires, the smoke from the fire, the movement of the crew, the stares...he was going out of his mind!

Reynolds continued to yell out instructions as the crew moved quickly to take control of the situation. They had managed to put out the fire and moved the cart away from the car. Debris and other materials were also removed from the vehicle, as they began assessing the situation with the victim. They had to be extremely careful with the live wires, but quick enough to remove the motionless figure out of harm's way.

"Chief, I'll phone in the electric company. Tell them we need power out now!" called one of the firefighters after helping roll out the cart

"We don't have time, she's been still for too long. We are going to have to go in through the back!" Chief called back

"Chief, I can go in and check for vitals while they get the stretcher!" called the only female in the crew. She had helped with the removal of the bike and cart.

"Let's get access first, Nguyen!" called Reynolds, motioning towards the two biggest firefighters. Wearing RODGERS and SMITH in their uniforms, the firemen came in with several tools, including a crowbar and a small shovel. A third crew member with GONZÁLEZ in his uniform, joined them, as all three directed their attention to the back of the car.

"Ma'am? Ma'am?" Nguyen yelled from the passenger's side window, which had been shattered by the cart. Opening the door was out of the question, since the lock had been squished shut by the impact with the cart.

No response. No movement.

All three men approached the back of the car, as González grabbed the crowbar and hit the rear window.

CRAAAASHHH

González retrieved as glass spilled down, covering the back seat and the trunk. Smith came in and brushed some of it away to the floor. Rodgers finished the operation by helping González clear the pathway unto the car and removing any and all remaining glass from the frame of the window.

"Alright, let's go. Let's go." urged the chief, "Nguyen, your move. Boys let's clean up and get the medic bag. EMTs are here!"

The ambulance made a screeching halt just 10 feet from the action as two paramedics came rushing in, both carrying a bag. One of the medics went straight to Hondo, as the other positioned himself just outside of the driver's door.

Nguyen immediately jumped into the car through the smashed back window, holding a small bag. She made it to the passenger's seat, which was filled with broken glass after the passenger's window was impacted by the top rack of the vendor's cart.The paramedic guided her through the process of securing the victim.

"Ma'am? Ma'am?" the lady called. She placed her hand close to Nichelle's throat, as she pressed her index and middle fingers on her skin. After some seconds, with Hondo and his teammates all holding their breaths, the fire woman held her left arm, yelling "Chief! Chief! We have a pulse!"

The paramedic placed the bag on the roof of the car and began taking materials out and handing them to Nguyen. The other paramedic, who realized Hondo needed assistance to stand, went back to the ambulance and retrieved a cart. A firefighter helped him roll it towards Hondo and the SWAT officers. From a distance, another ambulance was making its way to the scene.