I turned off the siren as we pulled into the mall parking lot,

stopping the ambulance right up against the sidewalk.

People were streaming out of the mall entrance,

running into the parking lot, as if away from a ticking bomb.

Josh, my young partner and a new EMT,

hopped out of the ambulance with a trauma bag while I grabbed a respiratory

bag just in case. It was a strange call and I didn't know what to expect, but I had learned

a long time ago to bring more than what you might need. If you had to run back out to the

ambulance, it could mean the difference between life and death for your patient.

I hustled around the front of the ambulance, dodging around one man who was running away from the mall.

His eyes were wide, and it looked like he had bits of vomit on the front of his shirt.

Josh looked to me for guidance as I stepped onto the sidewalk.

Even he knew this didn't seem right. Normally, the passenger attends and the driver takes a

supporting role. But I decided to take the reins on this one. The way these people were running

away, I almost expected it to be an active shooter,

but the call hadn't said anything about that.

Dispatch just said it was a man in shock,

suffering from severe lacerations.

If you hear shots, get to cover, said to Joss just in case.

A woman ran up to us, waving her hands as if trying to dry them in the air.

He's in there, she called to us, pointing behind her at the entrance.

Ma'am? I called. Is it safe? What's going on in there?

...