The Dunes: A Lancashire Detective Mystery by JJ Richards

Author:JJ Richards [Richards, JJ]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simulacrum Press Publishers
Published: 2025-02-02T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

DC Briggs was now being checked over in a hospital bed at the Accident & Emergency Department at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Walker and DC Ainscough by her side. The doctor inspecting her was a Dr Adam, a guy of South Asian origin who still had a slight accent mixed in with some northern English, creating a curious mixture.

‘There doesn’t appear to be any serious physical effects,’ said Dr Adam. ‘A little bruising here and there, which might be sore for a while. We’ll do a few more tests, as a precaution, but right now there’s no reason to suspect there will be any further issues.’

‘But she wasn’t breathing for at least several minutes,’ said Walker. ‘It felt like forever.’

‘I understand that. And we’ll do some scans to check this out,’ said Dr Adam. ‘But I’m sure Detective Briggs will be fine. People underestimate just how long CPR can keep a patient going—up to thirty minutes in some cases. As long as there’s air going into the lungs, and the blood is kept circulating, they’re essentially on life support. You did the right thing, carrying on the way you did. Don’t worry too much. She seems perfectly lucid, has answered all of my questions.’

‘See. I’m fine,’ said DC Briggs.

DC Ainscough gave Walker a guilty-looking glance. He’d been ready to give up on the CPR, had thought she was already dead. It wasn’t his fault though. Walker wasn’t aware of what Dr Adam had just said either—he’d just carried on the CPR out of sheer stubbornness and a belief that she’d be okay. They’d have to schedule a refresher course on CPR procedures soon, get up to date.

‘Psychologically, of course, from what you’ve told me, she may need some on-going support,’ said Dr Adam. ‘These kinds of traumatic events often don’t hit us right away, take time to process, and can lead to a whole host of issues, such as anxiety, panic attacks, or even depression. So, I’d recommend some counselling, once she’s recovered, physically, that is. Please consult your local GP for that.’

‘Thank you, Doctor,’ said DC Briggs. ‘But that won’t be necessary. I feel fine.’

‘We’ll get her in with Police Care UK, get her an appointment as soon as possible,’ said Walker, his thoughts already turning to getting information about her attacker, ASAP, but being aware that she needed a little time to catch her breath first.

DC Briggs shook her head but left it at that for now. ‘Could I get some more water?’ she said. ‘I’m still thirsty.’

‘I’ll do that,’ said DC Ainscough, heading towards the water cooler.

‘Then I’ll leave you to it for now then,’ said Dr Adam. ‘Someone will be with you soon and we’ll get those scans done. Then I’ll be back for a review in due course.’ He nodded and hurriedly left the room. The emergency room was busy; there were lots of patients to see.

DC Ainscough gave DC Briggs the water and she took a big gulp, spilling some of it on her hospital gown.

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