As they turn the bracelet over a strange logo appears "County General Hospital" and they think to themselves, "How drunk was I last night?"
Staggering out of the bedroom, still in last night's clothes and hair askew, down the hall is their significant other telling them they are out of coffee. "If you're sober now, go get us some coffees. Do you remember last night at all?"
The tale of over indulgence is all new to the person who just awoke, the last memory they have being getting dressed to go out. The couple laugh to themselves about trying to be more responsible and car keys rattle since coffee is a priority.
Across town a Paramedic is awakening to a burning, sharp pain in their shoulder which has been uncomfortable in a sling all night as they tried to sleep on the couch since lying flat is impossible. The dislocation was painful when it happened and the muscles haven't completely healed. As the Paramedic reaches under the sling to support their arm, hoping for relief from the shoulder pain, a searing jolt goes up their arm from the still raw bite mark on their forearm.
Last night an intoxicated person fell down some stairs and was unable to walk. When Paramedics arrived to help the patient became combative, spitting on, then hitting and eventually biting one of the persons trying to help. As Police stepped in to subdue the victim, the Paramedic was pushed off balance by the drunken patient, both of them falling to the ground. The Paramedic reached out to break their fall, protecting the patient's head as they hit the pavement, the Paramedic's arm folding improperly behind them, noticeably dislocating under the uniform shirt.
Weeks of rehab and light duty await the Paramedic, now having to think twice every time they lift their children or carry groceries from the car "Is this going to hurt my shoulder again?" As the Paramedic's family awakens, they discuss options moving forward.
Later that morning at the local coffee shop the Paramedic sips from a paper cup and sees a familiar face in line. There is no recognition from the face in line, not even an awkward look away suddenly remembering what happened less than 8 hours prior. The Paramedic also notices no abrasions or bruises from falling to the pavement while fighting with rescuers the night before. Just then their arm begins to throb recalling the evening's events.
No charges were filed, no punishment will result.
"It's part of the job" the Paramedic is told hoping insurance will cover the ER visit.
"They're just drunk, they didn't mean it, it was an accident," the Officers on scene said.
"Can I get someone to help me carry these to my car?" the clearly able person at the counter asks and a clerk is more than happy to hold the door.
*sips coffee*
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