Chapter 11

Summary

Kenzie Hoefs

Perry starts off the chapter “Oops” with an embarrassing story about a picture of himself from childhood. He talks about the fact that when he starts to take himself too seriously he thinks back to this picture. Perry continues to talk about one of his first outings as a firefighter and hitting his lieutenant in the face with the hose.  This chapter is centered on the idea that everyone makes mistakes.  Perry tries to show us that a uniform makes people feel that you have some type of authority. However, Perry feels that they are all human and even they mess up on the job sometimes.  Most of the time people expect firefighters to be perfect is a lot of pressure.  Perry mentions through out this chapter some of the mistakes he has made and the humility that comes with the job. Sometimes you just have to accept mistakes and just move on.  It seems that Perry has learned many lessons from his experiences but he does not completely let us in on what he has learned.  One thing that the reader can take away from the writing is that you must have a sense of humor and be willing to laugh at yourself.  At the end of the chapter Perry talks about how the same lieutenant he hit, hits him right back in the face at a different fire. Perry simply laughs it off.

Discussion Leader
Mitchell Cooley

Q: Why was Michael Perry the only first responder in town?

When the farmer is suffering from a Valsalvian reaction and has cracked his head open, you would think more then one person would be on the scene. The author does write that the new first responder Tim arrives later, but something this important probably deserves more help. You would think that being a firefighter, he could call for support instead of looking up and down the street. Even if no other first responders could assist, he could have called his mother and sister, two people that have proven themselves during major accidents (first chapter).

Q: Why would the lieutenant shoot Michael Perry between the eyes with water?

We know its the lieutenant’s way of getting back at the author for drenching him but it just seems uncalled for. Even though it may be water, most fire equipment can shoot water at high PSI that could do some damage. If it were to hurt the author’s eyes, now not only do they have a brush fire, they also have a firefighter to attend to. I know I may be nit picking, but it would seem to bad for a man in that position to do something so reckless.

Q: Why were firefighters called to move that elderly lady?

You would think that a nursing home would have employees that could take care and transport the elderly people they are supposed to be taking care of. One could argue it was because she attacked another patient, but then why weren’t the police called. Not only does it not seem they should be driving her, but why are they driving her to a hospital? It would make more sense to have a doctor come to her, where she could be easily taken care of and controlled in her own room.

Q: Why were the stories about the author being a cadet saved so late in the story?

This isn’t a big point but the way Population: 485 is written is so random. The stories about Michael Perry just starting out would have probably helped the audience relate, because most people know how hard learning a new job is. If the audience can connect with the main character early on, they care more for the character, and make the book more enjoyable. I know it fits well with Oops, but maybe the chapter could have been earlier in the book then chapter 11.

Graphic Organizer

Stephen Fong

Throughout the chapter “Opps,” Perry describes some of the unnecessary but inadvertent mistakes he has made throughout his career as both a firefighter and an EMT. While, accidentally drenching the lieutenant in water, stepping on a figure and misdiagnosing the pain of the patient or having to deal with an uptight and hotheaded superior named Lorraine, Perry keeps his composure and it only serves to deepen his character, proving that we all can fault. Literally he uses these stories a comic relief, which counterbalances the horrible situations around him. As these new layers of Perry’s persona are revealed, the reader can better identify with Perry and his ordeals. 

Vocabulary Builder

Moira Caulfield

Metaphorical-noun-a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them

Mortification-noun-the subjection and denial of bodily passions and appetites by abstinence or self-inflicted pain or discomfort

Benevolent-adjective-marked by or disposed to doing good

Droop-verb-to hang or incline downward

Nitroglycerin-noun-an oily explosive poisonous liquid C₃H₅N₃O₉ used chiefly in making dynamite and in medicine as a vasodilator

Obstetrics-noun-a branch of medical science that deals with birth and with its antecedents and sequels

Surreptitious-adjective-done, made, or acquired by stealth

Skulking-verb-to move in a stealthy or furtive manner

Maelstrom-noun-a powerful often-violent whirlpool sucking in objects within a given radius

Stanchion-noun-an upright bar, post, or support (as for a roof or a ship's deck)

Basilar-adjective-of, relating to, or situated at the base