Last week, I was chopping the fat off brisket bones for George, as instructed by Old Mate, who frequently tells me that one fat male in the house is enough.
Anyway, she was out and I was in a hurry but was following the guidelines set for me (like most things in her house) when I cut my finger, right near the nail.
I inspected the minor cut but, as I am on blood thinners, the torrent started.
I put a couple of Band-Aids on it and continued my task but blood was pouring out.
What to do?
I couldn’t go to the hospital with this little cut, and Old Mate wasn’t there to tell me what to do.
So, I decided – like back in the day – that I would go to ‘the ambos’.
Remember those days when ambulance stations had patient rooms?
Well, not anymore … long gone like the ambulance chocolate wheel at the fair.
I thought my chances were slim, but I figured the Birtinya station would be worth a try and, if that didn’t work, I would have to go to Emergency with my paper cut.
On arrival, the blood flow had slowed, so it was starting to look more embarrassing.
But I knocked on the door and Jules answered.
After she inspected the cut, she ushered me in and went off to get a glue expert.
I think her name was Kate, from Glasgow, and she arrived with another ‘K’ but I can’t recall her name as I was weak from blood loss.
Not actually – just weak between the ears as my memory is terrible.
Incidentally, I was treated in what looked like their office as I am pretty sure knuckleheads knocking on the door is a rare occurrence.
I have to say all three were so professional but very accommodating to this silly old geezer with a nasty paper cut on his index finger that at times is described as a chipolata by my friends.
In no time at all, the finger was glued and dressed and I was sent on my way.
While I sat there, all I could hear on their radio was how busy they were.
It was obvious to me how full their day was, but they still had time to help me out.
First responders are amazing people.
They deserve more money and more respect for the job they do (not patching up fat old blokes).
As Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
That should be on the wall in every first responder depot.
Thank you for what you give.
Ashley Robinson is chairman of Sunshine Coast Falcons and Sunshine Coast Thunder Netball and a lifetime Sunshine Coast resident. The opinions expressed are those of the author. These are not the views of Sunshine Coast News’ publishers.
