Chapter 217
“Claire, go get Delilah,” Josie said, giving Claire a push and pulling Sean along to move forward. “Sean, we must save people first.”
As it concerned Lonnard, no one dared to act carelessly, resulting in extremely few who truly dared to step forward. Lonnard was already more than ninety years old, and the so-called medical elites around him were all afraid of getting into trouble, so they dared not intervene lightly. It looked lively; some were clearing the way, and some were calling others. Some were opening windows, but no one went forward to help the elderly man lying on the floor.
“Acute cerebral infarction. The patient must lie flat; make sure there’s no vomit. Everyone, clear the way and keep the passage ventilated,” Josie rushed forward and turned Lonnard’s head to the side. She also tried to elevate his upper body as much as possible and said, “Sean, quickly call 911.”
“How do you know it is a cerebral infarction?” Natalie called out from within the crowd. “You look quite young. Which hospital are you affiliated with, and what is your medical specialty?”
“He’s Mr. Lonnard Smith; don’t act recklessly. With so many experts and medical professionals around, this is not the time for you to show off. Make sure you don’t endanger Mr. Smith’s life.”
Instantly, murmurs arose among the crowd.
“Mr. Smith is elderly, and the young lady really shouldn’t act recklessly. We’d better wait for the ambulance,” someone said.
“Based on my assessment, this is indeed a case of cerebral infarction. We have already carried out all available initial emergency measures. There is no equipment or medication here, so we can only wait for the ambulance. Young lady, please don’t try to be brave,” another said.
“Exactly! Where did this presumptuous girl come from? With so many of us here, do you think we don’t know how to save someone? Are you trying to show off?” someone asked.
“Should anything untoward happen to Mr. Smith, can you take responsibility?”
“Why haven’t you released Mr. Smith yet? Since you know he has suffered a cerebral infarction, you shouldn’t have moved him at all. Do you realize that every movement of his head could cost him his life?”
The growing voices of accusation brought a trace of satisfaction to Natalie’s face. She concealed herself within the crowd and suddenly said softly, “Isn’t this Delilah’s student? Why is she attending today’s seminar?”
Someone chimed in, “So, you’re a doctor of traditional medicine, and you study acupuncture?”
“She only studies acupuncture; what does she know about emergency care? Release him immediately. Don’t blame us for not warning you. If anything happens to Mr. Smith, you can’t explain clearly.”
“Shut up, all of you,” Sean shouted. “Isn’t saving Mr. Smith the most important thing right now? So many of you–what have you done? Yet a young girl has shown more courage than all of you, and you still have the nerve to criticize her?”
“A bunch of rubbish,” Delilah said, squeezing out from the crowd.
Upon seeing her, Josie heaved a sigh of relief. “I brought a needle in my bag. Mr. Smith suddenly had a cerebral infarction. There’s no vomiting, no finger spasms, and the pupils are normal. It is a mild case.”
“Got it. Sean, pass me the needle,” Delilah said. She tied up her long hair, took the needle, and, with swift, practiced movements, inserted it several times in succession. Everyone present gasped in surprise.
“Delilah, please proceed with caution. You are giving an injection to Mr. Smith,” someone reminded her softly.
Some even gloated and said, “Mr. Smith is already 90 years old. With a sudden stroke, even if he were saved, he would most likely be paralyzed. We have no interest in doing such an unrewarding job.”
‘Moreover, if Lonnard were gone, there are plenty of people ready to take his place. At his age, he still refuses to step down–who knows how many people find him an eyesore!’ some people thought.
‘Just wait and see. After this incident, the Reedshaw family will be doomed. The field of acupuncture, already on the verge of collapse, will likely face an even greater risk of having no successors!’
Some didn’t want anything untoward to happen to Lonnard. After Delilah intervened, they evacuated the crowd, cleared the venue, and waited for the ambulance to arrive.
Fortunately, Delilah finished administering the injections quickly. “Your assessment was correct; it is indeed a mild case. With timely intervention, barring any unforeseen complications, two injections should suffice to restore his consciousness,” she said.