The ride over...

I was on a stretcher. My back hurt. There was one paramedic riding with me. He asked me what my name was...Amy Gishifu...G..I ...S..H..I...F...U. How old was I...25. Where does it hurt...my back and my hips. What happened...I fell. Can you feel your legs...yes. Can you wiggle your toes...yes (they are cold by the way... because I don't have any shoes or socks on...) Good girl! Ok, we're going to get you some help soon.

Where are we going?
To the hospital.
Which one?
OHSU (Oregon Health and Science University)
Why not St. Vincents? (the one in Beaverton on th 26/217 interchange)
Because OHSU has a better trauma center, and we don't know how badly you are hurt.
(Trauma?!?!?) But there's going to be traffic!!!!!
It's ok, Amy, we're going to get there.
(but there's traffic....)

What are you doing?
We're going to stick an IV in you.
Why?
Because we dont' know how life threatening your injuries may be to you.
(Argh...why????!?!?!?!? My veins are so hard to get a hold of...he's never going to get it in me...we're in a moving vehicle...he's crazy)
Hmm....your veins don't seem to want to open up.
Yeah, I know (yes, they are evasive...especially in a moving vehicle....)
Hmm...that didn't work either...let's try the other arm. Sorry, Amy, you're going to be ok.
Ok (oh geez...he's never going to give up)
Excuse me for leaning over you...
(Yes, thank you for putting your body into mine when my back is hurting..)
Ok, it's in.
(Great, after poking my arms to death)...are we there yet?
We're almost there. Don't worry Amy.

I could hear the sirens of the ambulance. They aren't so loud from inside the ambulance. I feel myself going up a driveway. I guess we're there now.