FERRY-LOVE-BOAT

Chapter 7

When we arrived on the scene, I delegated their duties and went directly to the Battalion Chief to get more information about the progression of the fire.

-The structure is still standing, but if the fire continues to spread at this rate, it will soon be unsafe to go in and look for survivors. - He explained. - The emergency exits to the south have been compromised, but some people have managed to get out. There is already a list of names being shouted out by our people inside, but I think I will need another station soon.

-The ladder truck has already been positioned, sir. - I said, when I noticed that Dean was finishing maneuvering the vehicle and Vic was already climbing the stairs. - Where do you want more hoses.

-On the fourth floor, that's where the fire started. A short-circuit in the wiring and there has already been an explosion due to the cooking gas. - He answered and I nodded.

As soon as I got back to my team, I saw Andy and Travis hooking up hoses while Sullivan was already handling one.

-Fourth floor is our focus, 19! - I spoke up, getting nods in response. - Dean, I need you to go help with the rescue of the people who are still inside. The list is with Captain Bennet.

I watched the teams move, inspected the evolution of the fire, I was always close to the Chief to know what else was needed, and with that the hours passed.

I had to enter the building after a few hours when they reached a floor where many people had tried to take shelter and although it was the action and the adrenaline that had attracted me to that job, there was a part of me that was tense to go inside the burning building because I knew that the structure had suffered serious damage. I was quick in my steps, I hurried up the stairs, the children were our priority and once they were out of the building, I rushed back to help my colleagues.

There was a pregnant woman who was breathing hard, gasping for air as we left the building. There was only one more flight of stairs, she needed the oxygen mask more than I did and I didn't hesitate to remove it from my face and place it over the face of the woman who was being carried by Miller and me.

-Captain! - He scolded me immediately.

-We're almost out! - I spoke hurriedly, and then began to cough.

The effects of the smoke were fast, but I kept focused on the work. I had to get the woman out of there safely.

When we were outside, we placed the woman on one of the stretchers and I allowed myself to cough hard a few times trying to expel the soot that was making my throat burn. The smell of smoke was part of our daily routine, but it was still uncomfortable and I kept alternating between coughing and sneezing.

-Captain Bishop! - Chief McCallister called me as soon as he saw me coughing.

-Yes... - I coughed. - Yes, sir?

-19 can return to your station, we're going to make the switch now. You guys are exhausted. - He spoke and I hoped he hadn't noticed my departure from protocol a few moments ago.

-Yes, sir. - I said, trying to control myself from coughing.

He didn't stay there much longer; he was coordinating the exchange of teams.

-Maya, come on! - Andy called me from the back of the ambulance in which we had put the pregnant woman. - To Grey Sloan.

-Right! - Sullivan answered from the front.

-You know that the Chief noticing you breaking protocol would have cost you a warning. - Andy practically shoved the oxygen mask over my face.

-How is she? - I asked, looking at the writhing woman on the gurney, choosing to ignore her comment even though I knew she was right.

-She needs an obstetrician. - She answered. - She is 35 weeks pregnant; we already have an OBGYN waiting for us at the hospital.

I tried to inhale deeply to get rid of the symptoms of smoke inhalation, but the coughing persisted.

-We're here! - Sullivan shouted as he parked the car.