I ran into Anthony鈥檚 room and watched him struggle to breathe. For the past few weeks, breathing had become an imposition鈥攐ne that culminated in our paths crossing that morning.

I wrapped the blood pressure cuff around his arm. No sounds were audible other than my rapid breathing and accelerated heart rate. I tried again, unsuccessfully. His body was in shock.

Alarms sounded from vital signs in disarray. Machines were wheeled in and out. People collected outside, their shouting voices forming a harsh symphony. Others ran into the room, ready to be delegated tasks at a moment鈥檚 notice.

鈥淲hat鈥檚 the blood pressure?鈥�