Locked In

1

Pop!

Silence.

Piercing, ringing, ringing, ringing, ear piercing ringing, complete darkness.

…

Hold on fella, wake up, oh shit, stay with me, HELP OVER HERE! Stay with me boy, I’ve got you, I’ve got you, what the hell? Someone, ambulance.

…

Four, five, six, seven, eight, break, and one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, break, and one, two, three, four…

What? What’s happening?

Shall I take over mate?

Seven, eight, thanks, two, three, four, five, oh shit, where’s the ambulance?

I’m a fire fighter, trained in CPR. Okay, here we go. And one, two, three, four. Get me a T-shirt. Cloth. Anything to stuff in the wounds. Five, six, seven, eight.

Here, will this do?

Perfect. Okay, and one, two, three, four.

Screaming.

Come on, boy.

Woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo.

No spectators, stand back. Go find help someone!

Woo woo woo.

…

Okay, going again, stand back, three, two, one, weeee-eeeeee, hmmmph, continue CPR, warming up, and again ready to go, clear, three, two, one.

Weeee-eeeeee, hmmmph.

…

Got him, Ceris, got him. That’s it, come back to us, okay, wow, Jesus, flashers. Straight to St Michael’s.

Slam, rumble, woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo.

Silence.

Stay with me.

Woo woo woo.

Silence.

Woo woo woo.

He’s fitting, Ceris. Pull over.

Wraw, wraw.

Check vitals. Okay, sedation, 50ml, check…

Woo woo.

Stable, oh shit. Full flashers, Ceris. ICU, hold on lad, oh what a freaking mess, oh, hold on, we got you.

Silence.

Rattle, bang, clip, clip, clip, clip.

ICU three

Woo, woo.

Hello? Hello? What’s happening?

Other ambulances, casualties, maybe fifty, a bloody mess.

Clip, clip, clip, beep, bang.

Okay, Doctor. Bay four, surgeon, nurse. Heavy bleeding. First responders stuffed major wound with a rainbow flag, thank God. Scissors, ventilator immediately.

Bump. Bump.

You okay, Ceris?

Let’s get back to Piccadilly, get the next one.

Shit yeah. Well done.

Good luck mate.

He’s going to need it. Long night ahead, long night. Cheers. More sedation, Nurse. This is real bad, sounds like it’s a massacre down there, notify other hospitals. We’re full already.

Silence.

Beep-beep.

Clink. Shuffle.

Okay, Nurse, anaesthetist’s report please?

2.5 mg/kg IV titrated, at approximately 40 mg every 10 seconds for 50 seconds.

Blood loss?

Heavy, Doctor.

Thank you, please proceed.

Okay, Doctor.

Hello? Help me? Please, someone.

Clink.

And, wait. Okay, he’s going under.

Christ, what happened out there?

Silence.

Silence.

Swish. Click.

Beep-beep.

Any update, Nurse?

No Doctor. Pulse is stable and he’s still breathing by himself. But no responses. Body shock coma, perhaps?

Let’s hope so. Head wounds, we’ll have to wait and see. Have neurology been informed?

Yes, Doctor. And neurosurgery are on standby.

Is there an MRI planned?

We’re waiting for neurology.

Shit, what’s the delay?

Lots of urgent cases, I imagine. How’s it looking out there, Doctor?

Carnage. We’ve lost too many here in St Michael’s. Six so far. Two on the brink. And this guy? Dozens more critically injured.

He’ll pull through. Good work, Doctor.

Really?

Silence.

It’s good of you to check on him, I guess time will tell.

Keep me informed, Nurse.

Of course.

Swish. Click.

Beep-beep. Ah. Beep-beep. Ah. Beep-beep.

Silence.

2

Doctor Ann Atwan, general consultant, how can I help you?

Dillon Kendrick, acting on behalf of Westminster social services, but I’m also a forensic psychologist by profession. How is he?

Still in a coma and quite unstable. We’ve not been able to detect brain function yet, so he’s not aware of us.

No?

No sensations at all, as far as we can determine. Could be shock. The brain closing down to protect itself. Still, it’s only been two days. We did a brain MRI and CT yesterday. Severe injury to the brain, but we’ve not been able to pin anything down neurologically. I’m not sure what you’re doing here, to be honest?

I’m the responsible adult, Doctor. They say no family have come forward?

Not so far.

Okay, so I’m to represent him as a vulnerable person on behalf of the council. As a possible victim of crime?

I see. Well, good luck with that.

Doctor?

Well, look at the man. He has no senses. He’s received serious internal and external injuries. He needs hospital treatment, not counselling. To my mind, he has a narrow chance of survival. If he’s brain damaged, we could lose him any time.

Can’t he hear me?

No, he can’t hear anything.

What?

Doctor Atwan, I’m sorry, maybe I’m not getting this right. Before, I’ve only been responsible adult for, well errant teens at police stations. Anyway, I think I’m supposed to represent his interests in discussions with police and the medical establishment. Sorry, I’m not sure, I can check.

The Medical Establishment?

Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. I want to be of help.

Great. Then you can keep out of the way. Sure, sit here. Be responsible, if that’s what the council want. Hopefully, a parent or partner will come forward before he dies.

Thank you Doctor, I didn’t mean to… And yes, let’s hope so.

Sorry, just busy. It’s carnage out there. The less admin, the better.

I understand.

Understand? I don’t understand. Help me!

You’re just doing your job.

And you, yours’ Doctor. Thank you. And actually, I’m a volunteer. Like I say, mostly in the middle of the night, when some teenager gets arrested for possession and the parents won’t come pick them up. For the fifth time that month. I’m totally out of my depth here, I’ll be led by you.

Okay, medical decisions default to the hospital.

Of course, Doctor. I’m a psychologist, and there’s not much to work with just now.

Fine. It’s a wait and see for the time being. We still have two on life support. Colleagues say they won’t pull through. You acting for anyone else?

No, everyone else has a next of kin. Though there are some people missing, yet to report in as safe.

A total tragedy.

Yes, incredible. Thank you for what you’re doing, Doctor.

Thank you, Mr Kendrick.

Oh, Doctor sorry? What are you calling him?

We’re calling him David.

David? My name is Dillon Kendrick and I’m a volunteer. I’m not sure if you can hear me?

Silence.

I’ve been asked by Westminster social services to act as your responsible adult. I hope you don’t mind.

Hello?

To be honest, I’ve not worked with anyone so, well, so incapacitated before. But I hope you’ll find me a good advocate and I hope decent company until a next of kin is identified. The doctors are saying you have no senses at all.

Silence.

Hello? Hello, Dillon?

Okay, this is weird. I guess they’re assuming you have no control over your functions. Your sense of smell, taste, sight or hearing. Maybe you can’t feel anything either? But hopefully somewhere in there you’re alive. You have some serious injuries to heal. I’m sure you’ll pull through.

I’m here, can you…

Silence.

"Oh, well, I don’t know what else to say. You are in ICU. That’s, er, isolated clinical unit. Is that right? Or critical unit? Wow, I don’t know. I’ll find out. And you have a heart monitor attached. And a feeding tube, going into your mouth. But that’s it, really. Maybe that’s all you need to know. I don’t know. Sorry, it’s all a bit weird. I’m not sure if you can hear me or if you can understand me or whether, frankly, I’m talking to you to make myself feel better.

"Anyway, I’m trying to do something. I’ve only really been responsible adult for kids before. You’re possibly the victim of a crime, but no one has come to claim you, so you need a responsible person that’s not a police officer or a doctor, so I guess that’s me. It is my voluntary job and you need to know, David, that I’ll do my best to look after your interests.

I want to say to you David - well I know that’s not your real name David - but I don’t have anything else to call you just now. But what I want to say, is that, well, I’m really sorry this has happened to you. No-one knows what happened right now. Some say a gas pipe blew. Others are saying it was terrorists. Anyway, you don’t need to hear all that. I’m not doing a very good job am I? So, I guess, I’ll be here if the doctors need to make any big decisions.

Silence.

Okay, I don’t know what else to say. Shall we just sit here for a while?

Oh God, please. I’m inside here.

Swish. Click.

Oh, hello. Are you family?

Oh, no. Sorry. Erm.

And you are?

I’m his responsible adult. Advocate?

Hello, I’m not sure what that is?

Dillon Kendrick. Here’s my ID, from Westminster social services. I’m supposed to represent David, as responsible adult in lieu of next of kin. I’m a volunteer.

Okay, yes. I understand. Anyway, I need to turn him a little. Bed sores, you know. And check his obs.

Yes, of course, Nurse. Sorry, I know you have a name.

Gail.

Thank you, Gail. I should leave.

No, that’s fine.

I’ll stay, okay.

Would you like a cup of tea?

Oh wow, yes. Just this once, I know you’re not a… well a waitress. Thank you. I’m fine to help myself though?

It’s fine, we appreciate what you volunteers do. It was a terrible tragedy.

Yes, it was.

Okay, I’ll be along soon with your tea. Milk?

Milk, no sugar.

Sure, thank you.

Swish. Click.

"I bet you’d like a cup of tea David? Well, the doctors are taking good care of you. And if they’re not, I guess that’s what I’m here for. To talk to the right people anyway. I’m just jabbering on.

"I hope I’m not keeping you awake. I’m sorry, I can’t tell because your eyes are closed. Maybe you can’t even hear me. To be honest, I feel a little out of my depth. Anyway, I’m Dillon and I’ve been talking too long. I’ll shut up now.

Swish. Click.

Oh, Gail, thank you. Oh, can I help?

"No, I’m fine. Just shifting him. And now… okay, that’s all I need."

Thank you.

No problem. Have a good morning.

I will. Thanks again for the tea.

Swish. Click.

Silence.

3

Beep-beep.

What’s that? HELLO!??

Beep-beep.

A noise? What is this?

Beep. Ah. Beep. Beep.

I’m alive. Thank you. Thank you.

Beep.

Thank you.

David? David, what’s going on? Nurse?

Beep-beep-beep-beep. Beep-beep-beep-beep.

What’s happening?

Beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep.

Hello? Hello? I can’t breath. Help me! Help me!

Oh, fuck. Shit. Hit the button. Where is it? Here, the button. Orange? That’s not right. Fuck. David? David? Nurse!

Beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep.

Fuck it. Orange.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

Beep…

David, oh shit, stay with me… Nurse? NURSE!

Beep…

…

…

…

Elephant.

…

…

Circus. Off she went.

…

…

Trump, trump, trump.

What can I do, Nurse?

Hit that red button.

Red?

Whah. Whah. Whah.

That’s it, come on David. The head of the herd was calling…

Swish. Click.

How long, Nurse?

Three minutes at least, Doctor Atwan. My arms are wrecked.

Give me 30 more seconds?

Can I help?

Yes, continue the rhythm. Press here. Nelly the elephant packed her trunk, and said goodbye to the circus.

…

Okay, Nurse, machine ready, prepare to stand clear.

Whee-eeeee

From far far away.

Beep.

Ready to clear, Nurse Gail?

Wait, Doctor.

Nurse? I said, are you ready to clear?

Doctor, I think Mr Kendrick has got him.

Beep. Beep.

…

You sure, Nurse?

Five seconds more?

Beep. Beep. Beep.

There… Bloody hell, he’s back.

Oh my God.

You got him, Dillon. You got him.

Oh, my God. Is he back?

Yes, you saved him.

No, I pressed the wrong button.

You saved him Dillon.

You both did. Many wouldn’t have. Nurse, you’ll have to decompress after this. Mr Kendrick, are you okay?

Yes, yes. I just can’t… I mean, wow. Thank you Doctor.

Silence.

Wait. Will he be okay? I mean, that was a long time without oxygen?

What did we have, Nurse?

Four minutes? Four-thirty. If I got that right?

"Then I suspect so. People have come back after much longer. We’ll have to see. There’s a possibility of brain damage, maybe permanent scarring? But no more than he might have gained from the explosion in the first place. Really, both of you. Well done. You made a difference today.

I better go and write this up. Nurse Gail, I’ll need your signature.

Yes, Doctor. Can I have a moment?

Of course, take as long as you need.

Crying.

Swish. Click.

Are you okay, Nurse?

Yes, yes, Dillon. It’s just the shock. Sorry, very unprofessional of me.

It’s quite okay, Nurse. It’s enough for anyone. Here, take a seat. Water?

Thanks.

Wow.

Mr Kendrick, you saved his life. There’s something special going on there. That’s three times he’s gone under.

Honestly, I had no idea what I was doing. Will he come round?

We did what we could. If he had even a little life left in him, I suspect that’s all gone after that. Nearly five minutes with no oxygen? I know my bloods, Mr Kendrick.

I guess we just wait then?

Yes Mr Kendrick, we just wait.

Rolling, rolling. Bumping. Bumping.

Where are the sirens? I can't hear them. Take me to hospital, quickly, take me. Am I hurt? Talk to me.

I’m alive. Don’t let me die. I’m alive. God help me, I’m alive. HELP ME!

Rolling, rolling. Bumping. Bumping.

Oh God, I feel. I feel sick. But in my head. I don't feel my body. I don't feel the rolling. I don't feel the bumping.

It's in my head. Am I dead?

I don't feel. But I feel. I hear, so I feel.

Bump.

Please help me. The ambulance is gone. There are no sirens.

I don't feel, but I can hear. I can hear moving. Where am I going? Where are you taking me?

Oh God, I’m dead? Please HELP ME!

If I can hear, then I'm alive. Isn't that right?

There has to be me, to hear. If there wasn't me, there would be no sound.

Bump.

It's okay. The bed. I can hear the bed. The wheels rolling.

Bump.

The bed. Against the doors. Swish. Bang.

I can hear. I am alive, because I can hear. I feel really sick. I’m going to be sick.

Swish.

Comforting. The sound of life. The sound of me, alive.

Wait. Hello. Can you hear me? Help me. Please, can you hear me? Don’t leave me. Help, help, HELP!

I’m here. Can’t you hear me? Oh, shit. I can’t take this. Help me! Why won’t somebody help me?

Swish.

Swish. Click.

Silence.

Hello?

4

Good morning and welcome to Express News with me, Sophie Horgan.

The devastating explosion that went off during London’s LGBTQ plus Pride Festival on Saturday is suspected to have killed 11 people, and critically injured more than 100 others.

The Prime Minister has expressed her deepest sympathy for the victims, families, those at the parade and the wider LGBTQ plus community.

One man remains in a serious critical condition at St Michael’s hospital, having been in a coma since the explosion.

Our correspondent Dean Joyce is at the site of the explosion, close to Piccadilly Circus in the centre of London.

Thank you, Sophie. Yes, doctors at St Michael’s have said they are doing everything they can to assist the man. They say they are working with the Metropolitan Police to identify him, and have asked anyone who may not have heard from a loved one since the Pride parade to get in touch.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said they are also examining CCTV footage closely for any reason for the explosion. The incident took place here, close to the Eros statue, around half-way through the parade as a crowd of Black Lives Matter campaigners were passing the famous London landmark. Police are appealing for mobile phone footage of the day, as they attempt to build a picture of what happened.

Police have urged the public not to jump to conclusions about the cause of the explosion, but sources say there may have been some gas repair works taking place close to the scene of the incident here, around 2pm on Saturday. They have urged