Claire's skills left everyone stunned. The other specialists could hardly believe it, but there was no denying it—she had actually managed to stop the bleeding. They hadn't seen it for themselves, but the paramedics and nurses had described it in such detail that it was impossible to doubt.
Claire joined the team of specialists in the operating room, quiet and focused. She listened as the doctors checked over the patient. His name was Rowley. The poor guy hadn't just torn his femoral artery—he'd smacked his head too. Bruises and scrapes were scattered all over him. He looked like he'd barely made it out alive.
Randall was more than capable of handling most of the injuries, but the leg wound was a different story. Each specialist took turns examining it, only to end up shaking their heads.
"We can't guarantee anything," one of them said. "The real problem is that if we start the surgery, he could start bleeding out again. There's a huge risk."
It wasn't that they didn't want to help, they just couldn't come up with a solution— unless, of course, Claire really could keep the bleeding under control during surgery, just like Tandy had said she could. If she managed that, they'd at least have a chance.
After half an hour of discussion, the conclusion was grim. With a bleeding control expert by their side, the operation might be possible, but no one could promise Rowley would keep his leg.
"Our odds are maybe twenty percent," one specialist said quietly.
Everyone looked to Randall. “Randall, maybe we should bring her in and ask? See what she thinks?"
"If Rowley can hold on long enough for Tandy to get here and operate, that's obviously the best scenario. If not..." The message was clear. They needed a backup plan.
"This surgery's still yours to lead, Randall," one of them said.
Randall was a talented orthopedic surgeon and had earned his spot as department head, but even he knew he wasn't quite in the same league as his veteran colleagues. Not every doctor could outdo their mentors.
He worried about making a mistake, but he tried not to let it show. "I'll call her in and we'll talk. Better to get her take on things in person. If we can, I'd rather wait for Tandy to arrive."
If it came down to it, Randall would
have to step up and operate. Rowley's injuries were severe and honestly, none of them had been prepared for such a tough case. Luckily, everyone in that room had plenty of experience. If the time came, no one would shy away from responsibility.
They were eager to nail down a concrete plan, so they found Claire. She understood right away why they wanted her input.
“I can help stop the bleeding during surgery. I'm sure of it," Claire said. Still, she
hesitated a little before continuing. “I'll do my best, but it all depends on the patient's
condition, how well the lead surgeon reacts during the operation, and..."
Their skill in the operating room.
That caught everyone off guard. They'd invited Claire in,
half-expecting to see if she was up to the task. She was so young after all. But now, fearing her speak kit was as if she was questioning they could handle it. And the truth was, she had a point. On the operating table, anything could happen. The tougher the operation, the more skill it took to pull it off.
"How much time do you think your method can buy us?" Randall asked. He wasn't offended—in fact, he genuinely wanted her opinion. He'd seen the video and knew what she could do.
"At most, two hours. Will Tandy make it by then?" Claire answered. She hadn't been in touch with Tandy after arriving at the hospital. All she could do was wait for news.
Meanwhile, Shirley and her friends
had gone out to grab some food, leaving Claire waiting alone. Not wanting to get in anyone's way, they just satun the car. Claire bored out of her mind, ended up sketching a few designs to pass the time, hoping it would stop Jenny from pestering her about it later.