I am submerged in sorrow. 
Facing the computer, entering figures 
Into a database on cardiac arrest, 
I have come to know the cadence of death. 

Time of collapse? Not witnessed. 
Bystander CPR? No. 
9-1-1 till EMS on scene? 10…15 minutes. 
Till defibrillator use? Even longer. 
Patient in shockable rhythm? Not anymore. 
Return of spontaneous circulation? No. 
Survive to hospital admission? No. 
Survive to hospital discharge? No chance. 

Case after case after tragic case. 
The forms are flat and marred with black fax smudges.