The Consultation
The Consultation
Transcript of a nighttime telemedicine consultation. The patient is calling from an apartment that has been sealed since 2003 and describes in real time the same events that took four lives that night
Dr. Hartman: html1.html
2:17 AM — CONSULTATION BEGINS
Dr. Hartman: Good evening. This is Dr. Hartman. How can I help you?
Patient: I've been feeling weird for a while. Dizzy. Confused. I didn't know whether to call 911 or if I'm overreacting.
Dr. Hartman: You're not overreacting. I'm glad you called. How long have you been feeling this way?
Patient: About an hour or so. I was at home watching a movie and it started.
Dr. Hartman: Do you have any history of high blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiovascular issues?
Patient: No. I'm healthy. I'm only thirty-eight.
Dr. Hartman: Did you eat well today? Have any alcohol?
Patient: I had dinner with my family. No alcohol.
Dr. Hartman: Is your family home right now?
Patient: Yeah. My wife and my two kids. They're sleeping.
[System flags the caller's location: 47 Maple Street, Apt 4C, Boston, MA. The doctor checks the database. The property is listed as uninhabited since 2003.]
Dr. Hartman: Can you give me your name and address for the records?
Patient: Andrew Moore. 47 Maple Street, Apartment 4C.
[11 second pause]
Dr. Hartman: Andrew, that address... have you been living there long?
Patient: Four years. We used to live in Somerville before. Why do you ask?
Dr. Hartman: No reason. Just standard verification. Can you describe exactly what the dizziness feels like?
Patient: Like the floor is moving. And pressure in my head. Right here. In my temples.
Dr. Hartman: Any nausea?
Patient: A little. And I've noticed I'm breaking out in a cold sweat.
2:31 AM — SECOND SEQUENCE
Dr. Hartman: Andrew, I'm going to ask you a few verification questions. How long have you been married?
Patient: Eleven years. Why?