My alarm buzzes as I rise
From my peaceful slumber.
I walk lethargically to the bathroom.
Preparing for another shift,
I reach for my coffee and head out
To my car and drive methodically to work.

I clock in and my first assignment
Is five minutes out.
Chest pain, fairly routine,
I’ll apply my usual approach.

The EMTs burst through the entrance way,
Frantic chest compressions in progress.
My routine automatically changes to a status one cardiac arrest
As the patient rolls into his room.
My team swarms the bedside, resuscitating the
Coding man.

Shock paddles galvanize the patient.
A pulse signals viability and
The man is transferred to the ICU. I change
My gloves and I’m handed my the next assignment.

Just another day.