Priorities

The latest excerpt from The Last Ambulance. You can read the full story by clicking on this link: https://www.thelastambulance.com/priorites/

First published in 2011, the ideas expressed in this piece remain, sadly, relevant today.

I am stubborn. My wife warned me not to try and change that lightbulb on my own. She told me I ought to ask our neighbour from across the street to lend me a hand. I waited for her to go over to one of her friends for tea and muffins and then I decided to give it a go.?

“I have fallen and I cannot get up,” I said in slow and determined fashion to the emergency operator who answered the call I placed to 9-1-1. I remembered that series of television ads and winced at the realization I had just used the same line to call for help.?

“No, I am not having any difficulty breathing. Yes, I hit my head but no, I did not lose consciousness. No, my neck doesn’t hurt. No, no chest pain to speak of. Yes, I do have some terrible pain in my hips. I am 81-years-old. No, I do not take any prescription medications of any kind. No, I am unable to get up on my own. The pain in my hips is quite intense and it gets worse when I try to move.?

“Yes, I understand there might be a lengthy delay before the ambulance gets here. I know it’s very cold outside and I understand you must be very busy. I would not have called if I could get up on my own. I fear I have injured my hip otherwise I would not be calling for help....?

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