Trauma TV Show Series on NBC

A One-Two Punch

2010-04-27T09:00:00Z

Death, dying, mourning, uncertainty, self-doubt, fear of commitment, isolation and burnout. Put them all together, they spell... trouble.

It never fails, does it? Stepped in it again. I try to be helpful, try to be a good friend, a good partner... and it all just backfires.

You saw how it all started. A sweet old lady at the end of her life. Ready for it to be over. At peace with how and when it was coming. No regrets about how she lived her life. Saw it all, did it all. The model of how life should be and end.

That one sweet old lady sent Nancy into a tailspin. Well, that and Rabbit talking about moving in together. Boy! Talk about bad timing. For some girls, that would be a good thing -- taking the relationship to that next level. But for Nancy, it's like a one-two punch.

It's funny how Nancy is usually the one trying to prevent other people from spinning -- me especially. But this is like the tunnel all over again, just with a different kind of claustrophobia. It's figurative rather than literal. Her world is closing in on her. She's questioning all those crossroads decisions she's made over the years. Now she's finding herself at yet another crossroads. And she's paralyzed.

Personally? I don't think it's that tough of a decision. Like I've said before, start with you. Choose what makes you the happiest. And if your friends and family can't support your decision, screw them. Because at the end of the day, you have to be able to live with yourself.

But Nancy isn't built that way. She's grown up taking care of everyone else. She's not sure how to take care of herself. So, she brings even more baggage to this particular crossroads. It can't be easy. And I don't envy her at all.

So, I get it. I get why she kissed me. A crazy whirlwind of emotions that just needed some kind of outlet. It makes perfect sense. But, dammit! Why me? And why did it have to happen now? When things are finally gelling with Nancy and me as partners... when things between Diana and me are going really well. I mean, what do I do now? How do I talk to Nancy about this? What's Rabbit gonna do when he finds out? And most importantly, how do I tell Diana?

Help me out here. This is all new territory for me you guys...

Pace a voi.

CROSSED WIRES

2010-04-27T04:30:58Z

Well guys, this is my last Trauma blog this season... so I'll try to make it a good one. As some of you may have seen on NBC's Today show interview with Natalie Morales, I suffered a traumatic injury myself! Luckily, it was during the season finale.

I was shooting a scene where Casey (Marisa's ex-boyfriend) gets into a fight in the streets of North Beach.

Here we are shutting down the neighborhood, and another pic of where the fight takes place - in the MIDDLE of the street.

It was scripted that Marisa "stands to the side," but when the cameras started rolling I jumped in and got involved!

The director loved it and said, "Keep doing that!" So, we did 12 MORE TAKES.

Apparently, I fractured my finger on the FIRST take. But, I was so JACKED UP ON ADRENALINE that I didn't even notice! When we cut, I was taken to the ER for X-rays.

I felt like one of the patients on our show!

The next day I was on Today talking about my FRACTURED FINGER. It was pretty funny because I broke my MIDDLE finger so the Today show producers kept reminding me not to accidently flick off the camera (while showing my injury) during the interview.

In tonight's episode, you'll also see Marisa and Casey shoot guns.

Here, I am learning how to hold the gun correctly with our firearms expert. Can you see my flesh-colored bandaged middle finger? Hopefully, you won't notice it in tonight's episode.

I'll end my blog with two pictures of beautiful San Francisco.

I took this one on a rainy day with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

And, I took this one on a sunny day at our home base on Treasure Island.

Thanks again for all your comments!

If you want to follow me during the season break, or interact with more fans and keep current with Trauma - you can check out my website www.aimee-garcia.com or the official Trauma Facebook fansite at http://www.facebook.com/traumanbc.

Enjoy tonight's season finale!

Guardian Angel

2010-04-20T09:00:00Z

I really don't think there's anything more beautiful in this world than a newborn baby. So innocent and pure. I guess that's why it really pisses me off when a baby comes into this world already tainted by the mistakes of its mother.

At least our sweet Jane's mother had the presence of mind to drop her off in a safe place. The stars aligned for this baby to have the best medic in the city at her disposal -- to give her the best of care and not give up on her. Her own guardian angel.

Okay, yes, you're right. I am sucking up just a little. Trying to make amends for whatever it was I did or said to piss Nancy off so badly. She's refusing to take my calls. So, I've been killing myself trying to figure this out on my own. But I think I've got it -- maybe.

Her time with Jane was special... personal... private. And I defiled the sanctity (for lack of a better word) of that time. And, I could be totally off base here, but there might be a biological clock factor to this too.

But the thing is (and I know she doesn't realize this), Nancy could talk to me about this kind of stuff. I mean, I know I can't totally relate, but I can understand the pull of family. I'd tell her that it's a natural thing. It's nothing to be ashamed or afraid of.

But maybe it goes deeper than that. Maybe she's starting to wonder if Rabbit would be a good father. That's a whole other internal struggle. Okay, on second thought, I better stay outta this.

It's weird. Babies are unlike any other patients. The first baby I delivered -- I keep his picture in my locker. I look at it every day. He starts all my shifts, makes me smile. He reminds me why I do this job. He reminds me that life is an amazing thing. But I guess for Nancy, this particular baby is causing all kinds of turmoil. I just hope she finds her way without incurring or inflicting too much damage.

Pace a voi.

Sweet Jane

2010-04-20T03:25:57Z

As you know, we shoot in the ACTUAL STREETS of San Francisco, and in tonight's episode you'll see a couple more cool neighborhoods. The first is the Mission, where Marisa grew up.

The Mission District, also commonly called "The Mission," is named after the sixth Alta California mission, Mission San Francisco de Asis... San Francisco's OLDEST BUILDING, located in the neighborhood. The Mission District even became home to the FIRST PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL STADIUM in California when "Recreation Grounds" opened in 1868. Shooting in front of a mural in the Mission.

Tonight you'll also see an AMAZING stunt! A woman FALLS DOWN THE STAIRS.

Can you tell that only the LAST stair is REAL CONCRETE? The other ones are fake FOAM.

Stunt stairs

In order to avoid injury, our stunt coordinator padded the concrete stairs with foam pads that are the EXACT color of the stairs.

Here they are making the foam pads to look identical to the surrounding concrete, and attaching them to the stairs. Crew padding the concrete stairs for a stunt

In this same shot, you'll also see the P.O.V. of the girl falling. In order to simulate this angle, the camera department PUT A CAMERA INSIDE A WOODEN WHEEL, AND put another camera on the SIDE of the same wheel.

Then, they ROLLED the wheel and THE TWO CAMERAS DOWN THE STAIRS!

Our director of photography (at the top of the stairs) was a little nervous the camera would break, but the camera made it down safely.
The camera simulating a POV

And because San Francisco is such a TOURIST town, we also had to have a scene where a Bzzz Tour car gets in an accident. Here's a pic I took after the stunt happened.

Well, thanks again for all your comments and enjoy tonight's episode!

The Perfect Combination

2010-04-13T09:00:00Z

Brilliant doctor. Miserable human being. Pretty much sums up Nancy's dad -- Dr. Carnahan.

I can't tell you how satisfying it was to see him taken down a couple pegs by my girlfriend and my partner... even though he'd never acknowledge that Nancy had anything to do with it. I now totally get why Nancy is such a mess.

I guess if I'd grown up with him as a father, my spirit would have been broken a long time ago too. I kinda feel sorry for Nancy. She'll go toe-to-toe with a street bum or read a junkie the riot act, but when it comes to her dad, she just shuts up and takes it. It's kinda sad. No, it's very sad.

But, I have to say, I'm proud as hell of my girlfriend. Diana fights back. Give her time to process and collect herself and she turns into a little spitfire. She's the kind of handful that's a perfect combination of brains, beauty, passion, control and grit.

I'm telling you, Dr. Carnahan isn't gonna know what hit him. And he deserves it! He's got all this power and chooses to wield it in the most ridiculous ways -- like obsessing over the minutia of our run reports. Why doesn't he redirect all that energy towards saving patients rather than making everyone around him cower in fear or just plain hate his guts? It makes me wonder if he doesn't get off on it -- the power trip, I mean.

I don't know why I'm wasting my time and energy on this guy. It must be the protective boyfriend in me. I really wanted to punch him when he went off on Diana -- wipe the floor with that smug little face of his. Thank God for self-restraint. Some days it can really save your ass.

Pace a voi, everyone.

P.S. Today's blog is dedicated...

In loving memory of Ira Finkle
Station Four's most beloved Frequent Flyer

FREQUENT FLIERS

2010-04-12T22:14:45Z

"Frequent Fliers" is the term paramedics give to people who abuse the system and call 911 to get free drugs (usually morphine) and a warm bed... or people who just need some company. Tonight the frequent flier is played by Richard Kind, who, you might recognize from the Oscar-nominated "A Serious Man," "Spin City" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

Tonight, Rabbit and Marisa land at the Balboa Theater.

Our "waiting area" was inside the actual theater. It reminded me of an old-school art house theater with a really cool vibe. I think they sometimes even show double-features.

You'll also see an incident at a stable. Not to give too much away... but when the horse "kicks" the jockey, rest assured that no one (including the horse) gets hurt.

Instead, we used this fake "horse leg" to kick the actor.

BUT, real horses had to work this episode too.

One thing the trainers had to do was get the horse used to the "white board," a board that acts as a light reflector. At first the light bothered the horse, so three days before shooting, the trainer would hold the white board to get the horse used to it by the time it was on set. Here he is training the horse on Treasure Island (notice the Bay Bridge in the background).

Well, thanks again for all your comments and support.

Enjoy the episode!

Hospital vs. Medics

2010-04-06T09:00:00Z

This whole thing is just tragic. A young woman is paralyzed. And an incredibly talented doctor's career is over.

I understand that people want someone to blame. I do. I would want that too. I feel for the girl's parents. But no amount of money and no amount of ruining other people's lives is going to change the fact that a cheerleading stunt left their daughter crippled. It's their way of deflecting the guilt they feel. And people like us just have to take it.

But hospital versus medics and medics versus hospital...? This is not the way it's supposed to be.

Sometimes when Nancy goes off the reservation, it's hard to know what is right and what is wrong. In this instance, I had to ask myself the question of which is worse. Quadriplegic for life, or dead. I'm sure her family would prefer alive. But I sometimes wonder if I could live with being a burden to my family for the rest of my life. It's a moral dilemma that I really don't want to get into.

But Nancy saved that girl. Without the intubation, she would have suffocated. She would have died on the way to the hospital. But the accident -- the fall -- that's what took her limbs from her. Not anything that Nancy or anyone at the hospital did.

I hope Dr. Joe lands on his feet. I hope that a hospital somewhere will see that he's an asset. Because he's been good to all of us. He deserves better than what he's been dealt. But I can't help but be happy that the scapegoat wasn't Nancy. She's my partner.

Okay, I'm done being all sentimental. I'll leave you with one last thought. Don't take people in your lives for granted, because in this world, they can be gone before you know it and sometimes, for really stupid reasons...

Pace a voi.

Scope of Practice

2010-04-05T21:31:15Z

Welcome back!

In tonight's episode, you will see INSANE moves from an amazing dancer. She pretty much stunned the whole crew with her GRAVITY-DEFYING pole work.

At one point the camera cut in the middle of her routine, so one of our production assistants told her she could rest and come off of the pole. She didn't come down; instead, she said she was fine where she was -

5 FEET OFF THE GROUND
Holding up her ENTIRE BODY
At a 90-degree angle from the pole
... with the BACKS OF HER KNEES!

We shot the scene at Centerfolds in North Beach, San Francisco.

You'll also see amazing CHEERLEADING. The girls were a mix of high school and college cheerleaders. Some of them were from Rebels Elite, a cheer and dance coaching gym, and the rest were from area schools. Here they are practicing at a gym on Treasure Island.

Our stunt coordinator selected the best team to be involved in the "CHEER-GONE-WRONG" stunt. Here are some pics of the girls practicing that difficult move.

It's also a VERY TRAUMATIC episode for Marisa, but I don't want to give too much away... so make sure to watch tonight : )

Thanks again for all your comments and support!

"Targets"

2010-03-30T09:00:00Z

Have you ever been shot at? I don't recommend it. Yeah, you're probably wondering why I'm even joking about this. But after everything Nancy and I have been through these past few months, if I really were to dwell on it all, I think they would have to put me in a straightjacket and lock me away.

They say that the measure of a man (or a woman) is how well he/she deals with adversity. And today, my station family measured up pretty damn well. We took care of our own. Under fire. And with little regard for our own personal safety. I have to say, one of the things that I love most about this job is that we put others first. We live to serve. We save lives. And when one of our people is down, we rally... we don't give up... we put it all on the line because, just like in the Army, no one gets left behind.

Then, back at the ranch (a.k.a. the hospital), well... Don't be too hard on Diana. She was dealing with a lot while all this was going on. Badges getting shot at. Losing patients. And being faced with her current... what am I? Her lover? Let's go with that... her current lover's ---um--colorful past? I don't blame her for wigging out a bit. But mostly, I'm glad she came around. Because, the truth is, she's not a... what did she call it? "A random hook-up." She's something pretty damn special.

Well, I'm out. Coming down off the adrenalin of bullets whizzing past your head takes a little work. Take it easy and be safe out there...

Pace a voi.

"TARGETS" BLOG

2010-03-30T00:18:57Z

Tonight's episode showcases some of San Francisco's most beautiful architecture, including the Palace of Fine Arts. It was originally built in 1915 for the World's Fair in celebration of the completion of the Panama Canal. It's pretty impressive, and unlike any other building I have seen in California.

Helicopter in front of Palace of Fine Arts

Here is my P.O.V. of what I see when we're shooting on location and while I'm waiting between takes.

View from inside helicopter

Another beautiful architectural centerpiece of San Francisco is the Civic Center. It is the home to a good portion of municipal government offices, and was partially built for the World's Fair--just like the Palace of Fine Arts. A lot of historical events have taken place on these grounds, including the United Nations Charter that created the United Nations.

I took these shots because I thought it was cool to see our set trucks in front of these gorgeous buildings. This section of San Francisco definitely reminds me of Washington D.C.

San Francisco Civic Center SFPD Truck in front of Civic Center

OH.

And this "drinking fountain" is in our hallway on set.
I, of course, thought it was a REAL one (just look at it!).
But, I was wrong, so I left a little water stain on the floor.

Oops.

Fake water fountain on Trauma set

Well, thanks again for all your comments and support!

To sumredhead86 and screwball--good luck with your EMT training...

THAT IS SO COOL!

13

2010-03-23T23:17:38Z

Thanks again for all of your comments! Yes. It's great to be back :)

In tonight's episode, you'll see a car fall onto a pile of junkyard cars. As with most of our BIG STUNTS we had ONE take to get it right.

I took this picture right before the car fell. The vehicle was hanging from a large crane, and made quite the impact.

Unfortunately, it doesn't just fall on a pile of cars, but on a human HAND.

Our make-up department did an AMAZING job creating a "severed hand." They made a life cast of the actor's hand in a special silicone. Here are pictures of the process:

Step #1: Casting hand in special silicone

Step #2: Casting hand in prosthetic grade alginate

Step #3: The special silicone skin casting of the arm - demolding.

Step #4: The sculpture of the arm.

You can't tell but the actor's REAL hand is in a fist position in a plastic underskull.

In tonight's episode, we also have a special guest star -- Kevin Tighe, who is known for his role as firefighter/paramedic Roy DeSoto on the NBC-Universal TV series Emergency! (1972 to 1977).

Well, thanks again for all of your questions and comments, and enjoy tonight's episode!

"13"

2010-03-23T23:10:04Z

I'm not sure how I got in the middle of this. I mean, Diana and I are just starting to feel our way around this dating thing. And I think Nancy is starting to feel her way around me not chasing after her anymore. Add to that, stress on the job and Nancy bumping up against the limitations of our chosen career. And Diana being where Nancy sometimes wishes she was. It was the inevitable cat fight and a no-win situation for me.

Complications upon complications.

But seriously, if these are the worst of my problems, I'm doing good. Seeing Valencia again today put a few too many things into perspective for me. Part of me doesn't understand the mentality of someone who can go from one abusive relationship to another. Or stay in the same abusive relationship, incident after incident.

But then I think about all the damaged people we deal with day in and day out and I can kinda see how low self-esteem plays into a lot of these self-destructive behaviors. Sometimes I wonder how it is that more paramedics don't end up like Valencia. It's like that old computer programmer saying--garbage in, garbage out. But in this case, it's damage in, damage out.

I hope that what happened today can shake Valencia out of where she's been. Maybe she finally feels empowered enough, so that next time, she gets out sooner or doesn't enter into it in the first place.

If you take nothing else away from this blog, just remember this. Start with you.

Pace a voi.

"Protocol"

2010-03-16T09:00:00Z

I'm still a little numb from everything that happened today. I know that people die on our watch. I know that sometimes we make mistakes. But it's a hard thing to face. And I know Nancy is right - it won't get any easier. I just hope I get better at what I do and this never happens again.

It's times like these when you find out who your true friends are. Nancy and Diana really had my back today. Well, and Tyler too - in the end. He was a dick all day. But then came clean. I was shocked. And... well... touched. He told me the story of his first kill - a story he doesn't really share...

He and his paramedic picked up a kid. He was hit by a car while riding his bike. He rolled over the car, onto the road and ended up under another car. He was a mess. One of his legs was crushed by the second car. Massive trauma everywhere. The slight motion of boarding him ripped open his femoral artery. The paramedic was screaming at Tyler to tie it off while she tried to secure an airway. But the more Tyler pulled on the tourniquet, the more damage he did to the artery. The crushed bone fragments sliced through it with every cinch. The kid bled out on the way to the hospital.

I don't know if I could come back from that. I know that I'll be seeing Sam's dad's face when I go to sleep at night - for a good long time. I don't know that I'd ever be able to sleep again if it were a kid's face.

Tyler's an amazing guy. He carries that around with him. He wears it like a badge. A lesson. And no one really knows. Now every save he makes is kind of a tribute to that kid. It keeps him going.

I'm gonna try to do the same. See if it helps with the nightmares...

Pace a voi.

PROTOCOL BLOG

2010-03-15T21:07:16Z

In tonight's episode, not only does Marisa GET A NEW PARTNER, she also has to do MORE MEDICINE (not Marisa's favorite thing). Here's a picture of me learning where to put my hands for CPR from Dr. John, our medical consultant. HE IS THE BEST! He consulted on "ER," and always helps us to be as medically accurate as possible.

OH, and I practiced SO MUCH that the wardrobe department made me wear KNEE PADS. I actually wore them for the scene too because we did so many takes. (Hopefully, you won't notice them in tonight's episode).

And, if you're wondering how the CAR WINDOW got SMASHED, the crew took a HAMMER to the car.

Yes. It was a REAL HAMMER and yes, it was real glass.

Now, if you're wondering where all of that post-accident SMOKE comes from--it comes from our wonderful smoke operator. The director kept yelling

"Too much smoke!... Not enough smoke!"

And, of course the smoke operator has to stay out of the shot. But, during a couple of takes the camera caught the smoke operator...oops.

As for the deer, it's from Animal Makers in Moorpark, CA. It is considered faux taxidermy. Made out of real fur, but everything else is fake. Glass eyes, silicone tongue, and urethane foam make up its body. The fur is from several different pelts. It took them about three days to put it together.

And of course, my helicopter. It never gets old... especially if it's glistening in front of the Bay Bridge. I love this city!

"Tunnel Vision"

2010-03-09T10:00:00Z

I promised Nancy I wouldn't talk about it, and I won't. We had a helluva day. A great save. I got to see the dank underbelly of San Francisco. I helped my partner, instead of her carrying my ass for a change. And I got to do a pretty amazing intubation. That's all there is to it. The rest of it doesn't matter because, at the end of the day, who doesn't have flaws? Knowing Nancy's somehow makes her more human in my eyes now. It's a good thing.

But I have to say... if we had a "helluva day," then Rabbit had the day from hell. We only crawled around in the sewers for a couple hours. He had to work on people with a gun to his head. Everybody's talking about it.

I can't believe he had to watch someone get shot right in front of him. I'd fucking lose it. People are saying it was his fault. I don't understand the reasoning behind that one. They sent him into the bank to do his job - to be a medic - to treat people. And he did. He didn't give the order or pull the trigger. But they're saying it was his fault.

And now he's suspended. I feel for the guy. I know he's never been my biggest fan and he's been one of the ones to give me the most s*** as a probie, but he's an awesome medic. He doesn't deserve this.

But you have to admit - the guy always lands on his feet. He got the girl! Him and Nancy. It's official. Which means, it's definitely time for me to move on. There's no denying soulmates. And those two, in their own messed up way, are perfect together, don't you think?

Well, that's it for now. Don't go exploring the sewers. Take it from someone who knows... it's really nasty down there.

Pace a voi.