"We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard…How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?"Hebrews 2:1-3
He had every right to ignore me. He was a grown man, intelligent and responsible. And it wasn’t like he was complaining of crushing chest pain or shortness of breath. It was only indigestion. At least that’s what he thought. Still, I wish he’d paid better attention to me. If he had, things might have been different…
“Son, it’s just a little heartburn. I’ll be fine, really.”
I studied my patient. For seventy years of age he looked about as fit as man could be. He appeared a little anxious and just a wee bit pale, but considering that he’d just received news of a family member’s death I figured the poor man had every reason to have indigestion. But I couldn’t ignore the feeling there was something more going on with him. I just wasn’t convinced.
“I hope you’re right,” I said, “but you need to understand that there’s no way we can know that for sure. The symptoms you’re describing could indicate something more serious than heartburn.”
“You mean a heart attack?”
“It’s possible.”
“Hogwash.”
“Sir, I’ve been a paramedic for a long time. I’ve treated a lot of people. We can’t rule out a cardiac event.”
“I’m not having a heart attack!”
“Okay. All right. You’re not having a heart attack. But something’s wrong or you wouldn’t have called. At least let me ride you to the ER and get a doctor to check you out. Better safe than sorry.”
“I’ve got a lot on my mind, that’s all. My cousin just died. My wife’s been sick. And I really don’t have the time or energy to sit in that emergency room all night. Thanks for your concern, but you boys can be on your way now.”
I sighed and glanced at my watch—11:15 p.m. We’d been on the scene for almost twenty minutes. It was time to start wrapping things up. “Andy?” I glanced at my partner. “Any ideas?”
Andy nodded and held up his cell phone. “I’ve got the E-R doc on the line for you. It’s Dr. Smith.”
“Oh, good idea.” I thanked Andy and took the phone. “Dr. Smith, we’re treating a seventy-year-old male complaining of substernal pain that began about two hours ago while watching television. He describes it as burning in nature and initially rated it as a ‘six’ on the ‘one-to-ten scale.’ After aspirin and two rounds of nitroglycerin it’s down to ‘two.’ I explained the possibility that he could be experiencing a cardiac event, but he wants to write it off as heartburn. He’s refusing to come with us.”
“How are his vitals?”
“Vital signs are fine, and his ECG looks okay, but—” I paused and glanced at my patient, “—he’s got that pale uncertain look about him. I get the feeling there’s something more going on here than simple indigestion. I was wondering if you’d mind talking to him.”
Dr. Smith agreed. I handed my patient the phone. I watched him and waited patiently as he conversed with the doctor. He nodded a few times, described his symptoms again, and then shook his head from side-to-side and frowned. “You have all been very kind, and I appreciate your concern, but I’m not going to the hospital tonight.” I watched him nod a few more times, and then he looked at me and handed me back the phone. “He wants to speak to you.”
I took the phone. “He’s adamant,” Smith said. “I tried talking some sense into him but he refuses. Have him sign the right forms. There’s nothing else we can do.”
We had him sign the right forms—releasing us from liability—and then walked back to the truck. We stowed our gear and returned to base. Neither one of us said much. I felt heaviness in my heart. I’d done right, tried the best that I could, but who can change the mind of man who’s already decided?
I lay my head on the pillow. The station grew quiet. I slept for three full hours before the shrill screech of the alert tones awoke me. I sat up and pulled on my boots as the PA speaker crackled and came to life. “Medic-seven,” the dispatcher said her voice anxious and sharp. “Cardiac arrest.” She gave the address. I recognized it immediately. The old man’s face popped into my mind—sweaty and stubborn and pale—and I got a sick feeling in my gut. We hurried back to his house and carried our gear inside and did everything we could to save him, but there’s no raising the dead. Only God can do that.
You have every right to ignore God’s call. No one can deny you that. But pay careful attention—Jesus said, “Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.”
We are all indebted to sin. Everyone destined to die. But the good news is Jesus paid the price for us, so that through his death and resurrection we might receive eternal life. Do you know Jesus Christ? If not, will you accept this priceless gift today? The wages of sin is death, and you will never escape it…if you continue to ignore his call.
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Answering the Call
Inspirational Devotions From a Tested Paramedic.
Answering the Call is a collection of inspirational stories based on my experiences as a street paramedic in Durham, North Carolina. Each unique story is written as a devotional with an insightful application section that offers the reader a glimpse into God's Word. Use it for your daily devotions. As a guide for your small group study. Or simply to share in my experiences and better understand the lives of paramedics and other first responders.
Are you seeking a closer walk with God? Wondering what comes next? Answering the Call can help you find your way. It reveals the simple truth that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that to follow him is to find true meaning in life. Christ is calling you now. Will you be answering the call?
“The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:39
Answering the Call...Available from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas: http://www.christiandevotionsbooks.com/
