Four Seconds, One Choice

I chose to save the husband over the wife during a code blue because his organs could

save three other patients on our transplant list. She was my best friend.

He was the man she caught me kissing two years ago. The monitors screamed. My hands shook over

his chest. Protocol said treat the most critical first. But I knew her body

was shutting down faster. I had four seconds to decide. His eyes met mine.

He knew. I started compressions on him. She flatlined twenty seconds later.

Now I have to tell her family. Her kids call me auntie. What would you do

in my shoes?