THE DEATH OF MR LAZARESCU
Come to dinner.
Come on, Mirandolina, eat that.
You don't like it?
Go on, eat. That's all I have.
So, miss, I've got a headache.
For about four days now I've had a headache and I throw up.
But I don't think it's from the stomach.
No.
Aspirin, Algocalmin,
Extraveral and Distonocalm.
No, I can't really. I've just told you I've got a headache.
Yeah, I drink, like any other man.
I had a little drink today, too.
Not exactly, miss, it's not like I'd drink any crap.
Going on 63.
2 Fetesti Street.
Building F4.
Yeah, second floor, flat 17.
Lazarescu Dante Remus.
Yes, I'm home.
Thank you and I wish you good night.
In the sea there are only predatory fish.
You can use polenta for small fish.
But here, big fish eat small ones.
They're all on meat.
Polenta doesn't really work in the sea.
It is the wrong kind of bait.
"Well, " he said, "I'm here for the salty air. "
The air is fine, but you don't catch anything, votes, I mean.
We didn't get any clear message.
Look, Ciuhandu is an honourable character.
Flawless speech, serious.
You'd expect him to rally the people from Timisoara
and get at least 90% of the votes.
Timisoara turned out rather poor.
Hello, miss. It's me again.
Yes, the ambulance.
It's me again, Lazarescu.
Then tell the colleague I spoke with
I had ulcer surgery 14 years ago
and I also have a leg ulcer,
but that's no big deal.
I've been thinking this headache might be from the stomach.
Lazarescu.
2 Fetesti.
Okay, I got that.
I don't think it's serious, but I'd rather get a specialist's opinion.
Thank you, and I'll be waiting for you.
My surgery is hurting, cat.
You don't care, you bloody animal.
Compote.
How are you doing, Nusu?
And you,
the little one.
Where have you been wandering all day?
You dog-cat.
Sit here nicely, dog-cat.
Fuck off.
Just stay fucking shut.
Kitty.
Where are you going?
Madame de Pompadour.
Incoerenza.
Five, four,
five, three...
Is this the Muscalu residence? Virgil?
Hi, Virgil. How are you doing?
Is Eva there?
Hold on, man, I haven't forgotten. That's why I'm calling.
You, my sister. Whatever.
Hello, Virgil, Virgil.
I sent the money by post today,
and you'll have it tomorrow.
Then next time I get my pension, I'll just send it all to you.
That's better, isn't it?
Say, can you put Eva on the phone?
Well I said I'd send it by the first and I did.
Now can I speak with Eva? Please.
I'll wait, of course. I'm not gonna run off.
Hey, Sis, how are you?
That's just what I wanted to talk with you about.
Why didn't you tell me you spoke to Bianca?
Sure, you told me after I asked you.
You know very well I'm right.
Since she only calls you...
I know damn well that she calls you more often.
Listen,
I don't feel that well with my ulcer.
What's all this talk about the drinking?
You don't get ulcers from alcohol.
I'm sorry, but I drink at my own expense.
Do you hear me, Eva? I drink at my own expense.
You get ulcers from helico bacteria.
See, you're learning new things.
No, Eva, I have no idea.
I had this surgery 14 years ago and I haven't got a clue.
Luckily, you do.
Good thing you intellectuals know better than the doctors.
Yeah, all right.
I'm asking you nicely to stop lecturing me.
Do you hear me, Eva? Stop lecturing and nagging me.
You wouldn't like it either.
I don't know.
Eva, maybe you don't want to speak with me any more.
I noticed that only Virgil answers the phone lately.
Okay, we'll do it the way you want.
Thank you.
And thank your husband for being so kind about the money.
Fine, then leave me with my ulcer,
and keep on talking to Bianca,
gossiping about my drinking.
Okay, but in the end, I drink at my own expense.
Do you hear me, Eva? I drink at my own expense.
Goodbye!
Cheerio! Yes, cheerio.
Gracefully yours!
Yes.
-My respects, ma'am. -What is it?
You left with the oven mitts.
Just a second.
Where on the balcony? Hi, Romica!
-Where should I put it? -On the balcony.
On the balcony, on the tiles by the plant.
-Good evening. -Evening, dear.
Smaranda, tie your shoelaces, please.
What's wrong, aren't you feeling quite well?
I beg your pardon, Mrs Mihaela. I've just called the ambulance,
but until it arrives could you lend me a Distonocalm?
I'll have a look, but I don't think we've got any.
But if you've been drinking, your headache is from the alcohol.
You drank, 'cause you smell.
Ma'am, please.
Be so kind as to have a look. I'll pay for them.
Let's be serious. It's not about the money.
I got this headache in my temples before drinking.
We don't have strong painkillers, 'cause we don't buy such things.
And if we don't buy any...
I'll go and look for a Distonocalm.
What's up, Romica?
Stomach again, or has it moved to the pancreas?
Stop drinking, Romica.
Let go of the fucking bottle.
Stop drinking or you're going down.
I threw up four times today, from the aspirin.
I don't think I can stand it any longer.
What can I bring you? Metoclopramide?
Or cabbage juice?
I called the ambulance and I was thinking of taking a pill.
An ambulance on a Saturday? You think they will bother?
Screw them.
They're ripping us off since they raised medicine prices.
What you need is rest, buddy. Sleep and cabbage juice.
Relax or it won't go away.
-lt hurts, Sandu. -Don't be stubborn.
Like I said, I didn't find Distonocalm, but I brought you Diclofenac.
But I have Diclofenac.
I don't know what to say.
-I'll give you one right now. -What do you know?
It isn't good for ulcers. Check this out.
We only buy homeopathics for ourselves.
So, do you need this?
I'm not sure, I wanted a Distonocalm.
And you give him Diclofenac when the man's been puking since morning.
I didn't know. I'll go get Metrocropmide right away.
He should have said it was nausea.
When I'm hung over, I just rub my arms and I'm back to normal.
What's she doing?
Miki!
What?
Are you trying to set us on fire?
Wait, don't turn it off.
Turn it down and leave it.
Come on, it didn't get burnt.
Thanks for your help! What would I do without you?
Look at this burn. Fucking pan!
Are you gonna get those pills?
So, Romica, note the following.
First,
drinking causes the nausea and it's bad for your stomach.
And second,
you don't drink the right way. You're mixing drinks.
Stop mixing.
Gee, you stink.
Have you been drinking rat poison?
Are you giving me them, or what?
They're not good for your ulcer.
Only after you eat.
-How are you doing, boy? -Good evening.
Robert, tell your dad I need that drill if he's finished with it.
Tell him to bring it down, 'cause I need the fucking thing.
-Okay, I'll tell him. -Don't forget.
Great, I have to ask for my own things!
So, Romica. One for now,
and the other one with your morning coffee.
But first, take a hot bath, eat, and then take the pill.
Get in the tub and make sure it's hot, otherwise it's useless.
Come on, upsy-daisy.
You have to move to sweat off the alcohol.
I was feeling well and now I'm feeling ill.
Let's take you to bed.
I had this stomach ache from my ulcer and now I have a headache, too.
Now I have a headache and a stomach ache.
Easy, buddy. Let me get you inside, to lie down.
Wait, easy now.
-I can manage. -Sure you can.
Recklessness strikes again on Romanian roads.
While on HW 1,
a truck driver fell asleep,
crossing over to the other side of the road,
hitting a tourist bus near Saftica.
The collision triggered a series of crashes.
So far, seven people are reported dead, and 29 seriously injured.
-Do you want to watch? -No.
Listen.
How long does it take for a money order to get to Targu-Mures?
I don't know, a few days.
At the post office, they told me it would be there tomorrow.
No way. Tomorrow is Sunday.
True.
I wasn't thinking.
You should lie down and sleep.
I can't sleep. I'm not sleepy.
What is she doing with that pill, making it?
Oh dear, the smell of cat hair in here.
Not asleep yet, Mr Engineer?
Give me your glasses.
Yes, that way he won't break them.
Can you get us a glass of water now?
Look at this. And they're all as dirty.
Should I bring one of ours?
And what else?
Just pour some water so we can give him the pill.
My, you're slow. You should be sent to fetch Death.
You know what they say,
"Mascara doesn't help you if you don't know how to speak.
"Doesn't help if you have no manners."
I think the pain is from the aspirin.
Do you like quince jelly?
I feel kind of feeble.
Aren't you better lying down?
After a good sleep, you'll be as good as new.
Move over just a bit.
Look at your "nothing".
What do you mean?
You said my finger was all right.
Have a closer look. Don't act like I wasn't burnt.
It's swollen, don't pretend you can't see.
Yes, it seems a bit swollen.
Come on, get up.
You should finish what you start.
You can't just leave a pan on the fire and go away.
Look, I ruined my fingers, and the jelly is burnt.
No, it's not. I've tasted it.
Come on, get up. This is for nausea.
Stick your tongue out.
But he can't take Diclofenac on an empty stomach.
-He should eat first. -What are you doing?
Spare us your kindness.
Let him swallow his pill.
You won't feel the effect right away.
But in about 20 minutes the pain will disappear.
Take this glass to the kitchen
and go check on that pot so we won't have any more surprises.
Don't worry, I turned down the heat.
Why don't you get rid of these cats?
Why don't you get rid of Miki?
-What? -Get rid of your wife.
Is it the same thing?
I don't know, is it the same thing?
These cats are gonna kill you with their hair and their fleas.
Mark my words. We'll see who was right in the end.
You're nice and cosy now that you've found a fool.
They sleep all day and leave hair everywhere.
See how it stinks in here.
Should I bring him a bit of moussaka?
There's nothing in his fridge.
No, Mrs Mihaela, please don't. I'm not eating.
It's very tasty. I made it with pork, not with beef.
What is it, Miki? What do you want?
Shouldn't he take that pill?
And he has nothing to eat except a piece of bread.
So?
I thought of bringing moussaka
so he won't take the pill on an empty stomach.
Miki, will you go watch that jelly?
All right.
See what happens if I let her talk?
And these newspapers...
Why don't you bind them and clean up? All this paper just gathers dust.
Romica,
this is not good.
We should call the ambulance. Look, you threw up blood threads.
Hold on.
Come on, quick.
Look. Exactly like mine when I had that Mallory-Weiss disease.
But yours had more blood in it.
And there were bits of sausage.
-This is more watery. -It's bile from the stomach.
You stained your slippers.
I'll go wash them.
What is it?
We should call an ambulance.
He's already called the ambulance.
You called it, haven't you?
I know that.
But don't you know it takes them forever to get here?
Romica, where's that phone?
It's in the kitchen.
Mallory-Weiss sounds worse than it really is.
Don't worry.
-It's the ulcer, Mrs Mihaela. -What?
It's from the ulcer.
Sure, Sandu had an endoscopy, and it was cauterised.
Yes, he's my next-door neighbour.
About 60, actually over 60, 'cause he's older than me.
So, he has a headache
and he keeps throwing up blood.
Yes, that's right, he drinks a bit.
I keep telling him not to.
They should be here any minute. The ambulance.
Come on.
Take a hike, you've slept enough.
Go and see who's ringing.
Don't be afraid of Mallory-Weiss. It's no big deal.
They will cauterise it with an endoscope.
But you had endoscopy for your ulcer, didn't you?
The pain is moving about. The ulcer.
It's Mr Gelu, he brought your drill.
How you doing, Romica? Is the room spinning?
Don't laugh, it's not funny.
He threw up blood threads.
Means it's serious?
It means what it means.
We talking hospital?
No, we're talking carnival.
It's serious. We called the ambulance.
Is it in one piece?
Great, thanks for trusting me.
I thought I wouldn't see it again,
that you'd sold it at the flea market.
Take it and put it on my desk.
You stay here with Mr Lazarescu. I have to pour the jelly into jars.
Say, are we still on for the booze trip?
I spoke to the guy, he's there next Saturday.
We leave in the morning and we'll be back by evening.
What about the double-glazing?
You're still getting them?
Don't think so. Maybe next spring.
So what's it gonna be?
Let me pass, I have to go to the bathroom.
Can you manage?
Look at him go.
Tell the ambulance not to bother.
Lazarescu is "men sana in corpore sana".
I told the guy to save some white and some red.
Grasa and Cabernet.
I don't know, I'm short on cash.
It's 100 kilos, 50 and 50.
I don't know, I spent a lot on potatoes and pickles.
I'm almost skint.
-Ask your son. -I can't, his wife's giving birth soon.
He's looking for a new job. They can't lend me money.
You motherfucking pervert!
Wait till I get my hands on you.
Where are you? Come over here.
I'm gonna calm you down.
Get in there.
I've never seen so much filth in a man's flat.
Look at the dirt on those papers.
What to say of normal folk,
if an intellectual lives with his cats?
I can give you a loan till after Christmas.
Sandu!
Listen to that one screaming.
And his daughter fucked off to America.
Canada.
Bianca went to Canada.
America, Canada, screw the bitch that leaves her old man alone.
God forgive me.
I think they're here.
-Good evening. -Mr Lazarescu?
I'm the neighbour who called you.
-Sterian. -Good evening.
-It's not him.
Yours is in the bathroom.
Hurry up, Romica. The ambulance is here.
Have a seat there.
So, should I go on my own?
Let me take care of him first.
Then come up when you're done.
All right, see you.
Come on, the ambulance is here.
-See you. -Good evening.
How did you get in there?
Come on up, easy.
Easy, easy.
Can you use your legs?
It's okay, I'm fine.
But can you stand up, can you walk?
I called for you.
Are you hurt? Did you hurt yourself when you fell?
Good evening, ma'am.
Sandu, help me out. I can't use my legs.
Come on up, nice and easy.
Show the lady you're okay.
My legs are okay, ma'am.
It's my belly that hurts.
My stomach and my greying temples.
We'll see what's wrong in a minute.
You had a drink, didn't you?
Well, yes, I've drunk about a litre of spirits.
I see.
-What is it you drank? -Mastropol.
What's that?
Ma-stro-pol.
It's a drink we make from double-strength alcohol,
caramel and vanilla. But no chemicals.
In a word, mastropol.
Now, I want you to stay still.
Calm and breathe normally.
Not like that, relax your chest.
I know, I was just testing you.
You wanted to see if I know my job.
You're laughing.
100/60.
Rather low.
See, this is mastropol.
And you drank all of this?
-How much of this have you drunk? -Not much.
You have, 'cause you can't really use your legs.
My surgery hurts, that's why I called you.
What surgery?
I had perforated duodenal ulcer surgery, Nurse.
-Perforated ulcer. -Yes.
I'll give you vitamins and glucose and you'll feel better.
Lazarescu Dante Remus.
-63 years old. -63 next month. November the 19th.
I'm no expert, but he threw up blood.
I thought it might be from the stomach.
Of course,
having health problems and drinking leads to throwing up.
I got Mallory-Weiss from drinking last year.
And I had it cauterised.
That's different.
Probably you had an accident.
-Any effort made me vomit. -Ma'am, my stomach hurts.
My surgery hurts, and I've been throwing up since morning.
You threw up and your stomach hurts?
Then I'll give you an antacid.
Tomorrow, when you feel better...
I mean Monday, the day after tomorrow,
go see the doctor who operated on you.
I was operated 14 years ago by Dr Olteanu Vladimir, at the Municipal.
Municipal Hospital. Now it's called University Hospital.
Just go see him.
My head hurts at the temples.
-Does it hurt really bad? -Since morning.
This morning.
Then I'll give you a painkiller, too.
-You've had this done before, haven't you? -Yes.
Easy...
It's not gonna hurt.
Look, they're here.
-Good evening. -Good evening, ma'am.
I brought him some moussaka.
Should I put it in the fridge
or should I give him a little right now?
Mr Lazarescu, would you like some?
Please leave him alone now.
She is my wife.
Hold on tight, like this. Press.
I gave you this injection because you drank.
-I'll throw those away. -Yes, thank you.
You were saying your stomach aches.
Do you have bloody stools?
I have runny stools. Almost like water.
-lt hurts. -Here?
Does it hurt here?
Can't you see I had surgery? Don't you want to see?
-Okay, I got it. -Calm down.
I apologise.
Have you noticed traces of blood? Are your stools black?
It's not melena, ma'am. Don't insist.
I only have diarrhoea. And I have cramps.
You're saying it's not melena.
Do you eat normally?
I eat, yes. Cold cuts and cheese.
Have you noticed losing weight over the past week or month?
-About two holes in my belt. -What did you say?
Yes, I lost weight. About two holes in my belt.
Yes, I see.
Do you live with someone else?
No, he lives alone.
I live with three cats in a building where the neighbours don't love animals.
How can we love them if they have fleas?
You'll have to come with me to be seen by a specialist.
I'm gonna take your temperature, and then we'll go.
Have you ever seen a colon specialist?
There's nothing wrong with my colon.
I'm gonna have a cigarette in the kitchen. Is smoking allowed?
Yes, it is. Smoking, drinking, all vices.
Would you come with me?
Let's go.
Don't worry, it will pass.
No shit, you have an astronaut's temperature.
I know he has a sister in Targu-Mures,
and a daughter, Bianca. But she emigrated to America.
And the wife?
No, his wife died about 10 years ago.
-I see. -Eight years.
Just a second.
I brought him some moussaka.
But could you come with us?
It'll be easier if he's accompanied.
I don't know, if you ask me I might come.
But Sandu won't agree. Sure, he is our neighbour.
You'd help me with the admittance.
Just between us women,
I don't like them being friends.
He got Sandu into drinking.
Before the Lazarescus moved here, Sandu didn't drink.
Lazarescu taught him to drink like they do in Hungary.
Lazarescu isn't a Hungarian name.
No, he is Romanian. But his wife, Erji, was Hungarian.
The arrogant type.
We didn't put the bottle in his hand.
Look at the filth he lives in with these cats that soil the stairs.
We live in a block of flats, ma'am.
-That's true. -Of course I'm right.
And there's Dinescu on the fourth floor.
His son plays the violin. He's been driving us nuts.
Sooner or later somebody's going to have to get rid of these cats.
Would your husband come?
Are you kidding? Of course he wouldn't.
But I don't know, you should ask him.
Please don't get me wrong.
We have a drink now and then, but only at home.
And when we need a bit of help, he doesn't give us a dime.
And he's not cheap, he just doesn't have a thing.
Is he seriously ill?
I'm only a nurse, I can't say for sure.
But it could be serious.
Looks like a colon tumour, but maybe I'm wrong.
Right. His wife died of cancer, too.
It would've been easier for me if you had come.
In any case, maybe you could ask his sister
to come see him at the hospital.
What's this?
She'd like us to go to the hospital for Lazarescu's admittance.
Just one of you.
I said you wouldn't go.
Usually it's easier for us at admissions
if the patient is accompanied.
-ls it that serious? -Yes, he has cancer.
I didn't say that. But they'll hospitalise him for sure.
I only said he might have cancer.
He needs to have full tests done, colonoscopy, biopsy.
I only said he might have cancer.
You mean from the ulcer?
No, I reckon it's the colon. But it's better to see a doctor.
Miki, should I go with the lady?
I don't know.
If they find something and keep him, will you walk home?
Didn't I say that I'd call his sister?
Really, now, I thought we'd agreed.
Yeah, well, I'm sorry.
Just a second.
Thanks for leaving me alone on a Saturday night.
How is it?
Ninety-nine Fahrenheit. I have to get him to the hospital.
We have to go to the hospital, Mr Lazarescu.
Can you walk to the ambulance?
Of course I can.
But first I'd like to call my sister in Targu-Mures.
I'll do it, if you give me the number.
072665.
0...
-Area code. -Yes?
-263 545. -Say it again.
Thanks.
Of course I can.
Can you help me take him to the car?
Take your pyjamas. And some slippers.
Then he needs a bag or something.
Hello, Mrs Eva? Miki Sterian speaking.
Are you trying to stand up?
Need help?
-ls this one okay? -Of course.
-Are you putting this on? -Yes.
Don't push yourself. I'll help you.
Mrs Eva...
They are taking me to the hospital.
Don't worry, it's not serious.
Come on, you're not going to travel alone by night.
Can I speak with her?
Hold on, let me put someone else on.
Good evening, ma'am.
I am the paramedic. My name is Mioara Avram.
The ER at St Spiridon, if you know where it is.
I think it is.
Yes.
I think you should come.
Tomorrow is fine.
You're sitting in the puke.
If he's not at the hospital, he'll be at home.
Yes, thank you. Good evening.
Is she coming?
Yes, she is. She'll be here tomorrow.
So it's settled?
Yes, it is.
If she said she'd be here, she will be.
Come on, easy.
Don't rush.
Come on, Romica, the lady is waiting for you.
It's stuck. Here. There you are.
-Would you lock the door? -Where's the key?
-There, on the fridge. -I'll do it.
Where could those cats be?
I took them to the bedroom.
They're gonna ruin my flowers.
They'll make a mess.
-Watch the steps! -Which lock?
-The lower one. -Pay attention, please.
-Lean on me. -Easy, there's no rush.
Listen, Sandu,
if they keep me at the hospital, will you feed my animals?
Mirandolina, Nusu and Fritz.
-Yes, Romica. -But don't forget.
-May l? -Go ahead.
I'll pay for the cat food.
Let me help you.
Bones, fish, they're not demanding.
Don't worry, Romica, I'll feed them.
Be careful.
But only if they keep me at the hospital.
Yes, what is it?
Get ready, my husband's bringing him.
I'll call you later, I've got things to do.
Come on, Mom, I'm not Geanina.
Yes, I got that, bye.
And Mrs Mioara?
She's with my husband and Mr Lazarescu.
It's okay, leave us. I can manage.
Easy now, Romica, we're here.
I can't fit into this, ma'am.
What did you expect, a Mazda?
Come on, please get inside.
The new vans are just for emergencies.
An ulcer's not an emergency? Answer me, then I'll get in.
You believe ulcers aren't an emergency?
Take your hands off me! Are you blind?
Stop it, Romica! Did you expect a helicopter?
Stop that, young man! Nurse!
Please, it's late. We need to hurry to the hospital.
Don't put me on that stretcher. Listen, son, I'll sit here.
Yes, sit here.
-I don't wanna lie down. -I'll help you up.
Easy now. There you go.
You don't need to be so rough.
Going to the hospital isn't easy. We all get old.
I just told him to sit there quietly.
Watch that leg.
Here are your pyjamas and the slippers.
What am I doing here?
Don't worry. They won't keep you there.
Don't be naughty.
C'mon, dear, I'm freezing here.
To the ER at St Spiridon.
Don't move from that seat.
All right, I'll behave myself.
It's not nice to push people like that, you know.
Could you back up? Your breath stinks.
I know you're doing your job, but don't be so harsh.
We're just a bunch of miserable people, mister.
Keep still and let him drive.
How do you feel?
You know how much I love those cats of mine?
It breaks my heart to leave them at home by themselves.
Of course, I understand.
Are you still feeling nauseous?
I'm feeling melancholy, ma'am.
Of course, I understand.
My sister has a dachshund
and she feels the same way you do.
Excuse me, ma'am,
do you have a cigarette?
Sit there nicely.
We'll reach the hospital soon.
You can't smoke in here.
I'd like to smoke a cigarette.
You can't smoke in the car, do you hear?
We'll reach the hospital soon.
I'm not smoking now and I actually smoke.
I've been smoking for about 30 years now.
What did my sister say? When is she coming?
She said she'd be in Bucharest tomorrow morning by 6:00 a.m.
Sorry, ma'am.
Yeah.
You don't know how hard it is to raise a child.
You have children?
I only have one child.
A girl, Bianca. Married in Toronto, Canada.
How interesting.
Torino's in ltaly, pops.
I'm freezing.
Yeah, it's cold.
My sister has none.
There were two of us, a boy and a sister.
No, the opposite, she's the eldest.
I'm the youngest.
I have a sister too, younger than me.
And you, Leo? There are two of you, right?
Two, me and Relu, who's in Germany.
Sorry, but I have a terrible headache
and I would like to lie down a bit, over here.
Is it possible?
Did you say your head aches?
Do you think it's from the ulcer?
This headache, I mean.
And I haven't eaten.
It is psychosomatic, Mr Lazarescu.
Relax, you're not in pain. I gave you two painkillers.
Listen, son, may I lie down a little on this seat, in the back?
Do you mind?
-You mean on the stretcher? -Yes.
Of course, lie down. Stop the car.
Be patient, Mr Lazarescu.
Take it easy.
Mr Lazarescu, we're here now.
Easy now.
Get up slowly. We're getting out.
Come on, pops.
Give me your hand.
Can you walk, or should we use the stretcher?
Should I bring a wheelchair?
Give me the bag.
Come on, go get that wheelchair.
-Does your leg hurt? -My right kidney hurts.
Give me your lD card, please.
Come on, help me take him out.
Easy, easy now.
His leg.
Hold on.
Yes, hello?
Let us through, please.
Okay, miss, drop your panties.
Abdominal colic and cephalgia.
I say he has a colon tumour. His abdomen is hard.
No kidding?
Where do you want him, Doc?
In my lap! Take him over there.
Excuse me, Doctor. Excuse me.
Why did they bring him here and not to Fundeni Hospital?
Why not to Fundeni?
He needs a specialist. I'm not qualified to make a diagnosis.
Well, you made a diagnosis about his colon.
Get undressed, please. Check his blood pressure.
Help the gentleman undress.
Is your belly still sore?
-ls it sore right now? -Yes.
Bend your leg.
And the other one. Head to the left.
The belt.
-Does it hurt here? -No.
To be honest, it's my head that's sore now.
Exhale.
You've drunk quite a bit.
Raluca, write the lady a prescription.
Doctor, could it be from my colitis?
I thought I was the doctor here.
Hey, hey! What's this?
Behave, or you'll make me angry.
Take your prescription and go home.
What do we do with him? Send him to Panduri?
Did you give him papaverine?
-And the ultrasound? -I'll do it now.
Get out of my way! How are things?
He's been drinking.
This we don't like.
Did you celebrate something?
Or do you drink just for the sake of it?
-Did you bring him? -Yes.
Why here and not to Fundeni?
Say, pops, has a colon specialist seen you?
Doctor, I had ulcer surgery 14 years ago.
Why do you drink if you've had an ulcer?
Look at that cut he's got. But he doesn't care.
-Do you smoke? -Yes.
Good, keep it up!
Nothing.
Have you ever had a colonoscopy?
I have stomach problems, I have an ulcer.
No, pops, you have head problems.
Maybe it's his colon.
It hurts, doesn't it?
Have you seen the size of his liver?
One day your liver will burst from the drinking. You hear?
Since when do you make diagnosis?
Do you have a secret method I'm not aware of?
Are you using bio-energy?
Can you see the Holy Spirit? Cat got your tongue?
-I said it could be the colon. -Great.
Now teach us our trade.
Why did you bring him here? The hallway is full of his kind.
That's how we got in this shit, by minding other people's business.
Doctor, my head hurts.
Then why do you drink?
Stop drinking and it won't hurt.
-lt started this morning. -Then no nightcaps.
-Please don't talk to me like that. -What was that?
Please, be quiet.
Have you no shame? Who do you think you are?
I'll blow you and your ulcer to bits!
You pour alcohol into your body,
then you come to me for repairs.
Doctors take care of your ass, operate on your ulcer,
and you go home and get wrecked.
Did I do this to you? This ulcer, did I cause it?
Hospitals are full of people like you,
that soak their brains in alcohol and batter their wives and kids.
Close that door, will you? This isn't a disco.
What are you doing here?
Why are you barging in?
Please be still, it's not over yet.
-I have never beaten my child. -Don't get dressed.
You stay here. I don't want to have to send for you.
What's all this fuss about?
If you don't keep quiet I'll throw you all out.
Where's that prescription?
Don't get me started on you, too.
Sign here.
Sorry, you were busy.
Look what you've brought me here.
Why get dressed? Are you cold?
Lie down, I'm not finished.
And you don't care about the others,
patients with serious problems,
Iike that one.
Silvia, give him glucose. Did you give him anything?
I gave him that and a painkiller.
Give him an analgesic and vitamins.
-Move over. -What is it?
Two seriously injured.
Patient, 20 years old, head injury.
-Blood pressure, 140/90. -Take a look, doctor.
Call for Dr Kelemen and Dr Tutui. Snap it up.
What's your name? Can you speak?
How is he?
Left anisocoria.
Call Tomography.
-Where did it happen? -You mean them?
At Saftica.
I think there are at least 20 dead.
I have to go. Good evening, madam.
Make room.
How are you feeling? Does your head still hurt?
Stay still, don't move.
Doctor, my head hurts.
Good, it means you have one.
Did you see those people? Those are emergencies.
-Doctor, could you come here? -Wait a second.
Bloody vomit, black stools?
-No, I have diarrhoea. -I didn't ask you that.
Raise your hands.
Bullshit, you're okay. Stop drinking.
You don't give a shit about others. It's the doctor's job.
Give me that record.
It's your duty, that's why you're paid.
What?
My duty?
Did I put the bottle in your hand, you pig?
Did I make you drink?
Who told you that we're so well paid?
Why did they bring you on the stretcher?
Can you use your own legs? Stand up and walk.
I don't need your help. I can make it alone.
-Look at him. -Easy, Mr Lazarescu.
And you were lecturing us.
See what alcohol's made of you?
-Are you hurt, Mr Lazarescu? -Girl.
Call someone to take him away.
Costica!
You'd better get dressed.
Get him out of my sight.
There's nothing wrong on the ultrasound.
-Did you write his prescription? -Yes.
Then send him home. What are you waiting for?
Take him to Fundeni.
His liver is as big as the Parliament House.
I don't think it's hepatitis.
No!
Take him to Floreasca or University.
He needs a liver CT scan.
I would've kept him here, but you see how crowded it is.
Hurry up with the chair.
Easy.
-You need help? -No, it's okay.
Are you comfortable?
Watch your head, we're closing shop.
So?
We brought those two, but there's still a lot to do.
I doubt there are any more survivors.
They blocked the road, too.
Didn't they crash at the exit for Snagov?
No, it happened on the bridge at Saftica.
They had no reason to make a right for Snagov.
They broke the parapet.
Half of our guys are there. And there were kids in the bus.
-Good evening, ma'am. -Hi, Misu.
They pissed me off with their lectures. Our grandpa, too.
He's drunk and can't keep his mouth shut.
What about the accident?
They were heading for Brasov
and they crashed on the bridge.
A front tyre blew out. I guess they were doing over 100 km per hour.
They were going on holiday.
I don't know, half of them are dead.
We were the third on the scene, and we got the last ones alive.
-See how life is? -What about your patient?
Suspicion of cirrhosis, according to Dr Ardelean.
Wasn't he involved in the medicine scandal?
No, that one's name is Aldea. Sandu Aldea.
I thought his name was Ardelean.
-We're off to University. -Why? The place is swamped.
Most of the casualties went there.
We're going for a CT scan. Move over.
You should have heard the people moaning under that bus.
Be still, Mr Lazarescu.
We're taking you to University to run full tests.
Let's go.
Come, Misu.
Good bye, ma'am. Take it easy.
Listen, be careful with Leo, he's a stud.
My gall bladder hurts,
and I have no pills on me.
Did you try marigold tea?
Slow down, please slow down.
What's wrong, Mr Lazarescu?
Don't take me home, girl. I feel really bad.
My name is Mioara, Mr Lazarescu.
And his name is Leonard.
Yeah, beautiful.
Listen, somebody take me to the hospital, I'm sick.
Relax, we're on our way to the hospital.
-Mrs Mioara. -Yes?
I feel like my head's going to burst. Please take me to the hospital.
We're heading there, I've told you.
Come on, Mr Lazarescu, don't be a baby.
My sister will be nice to you when she comes.
Never mind your sister, okay?
Look, pops, we're almost there.
In five minutes we'll be there. Look, the Parliament House.
I'm sorry I caused you trouble at the hospital.
What's that?
I am sorry I caused trouble with the doctors.
Forget about it, we're used to it.
But at University, try to be more careful.
-Yes, you're right. -They might be less patient.
I lost my temper. I'm sorry.
I know, but you've been drinking, and they might send you home.
That's true, but isn't the doctor's duty to take care of the patient?
Yeah? And what is the patient's duty?
I'm taking you by ambulance,
but shouldn't you behave?
See? He's quiet now.
Pull over, pull over. He threw up.
Wait, we're in the middle of the junction.
What have you done here?
Give me the napkins.
See, if you don't stay still? Look what you've done here.
Hold it to your mouth.
Okay. Drive!
Is it okay?
Excuse me, Nurse.
Do you have children?
-What? -Do you have children?
God, you like to chat. Yes, I have a son and a daughter.
The girl is 18, and the boy 27.
What else?
-Big, you have big kids. -Yes, yes.
Excuse me, Nurse,
but how old are you?
I'm not that young any more. I'm 55.
-55? -Yes.
In September.
In September? Just like Virgil, my brother-in-law,
only that he's 68. When in September?
Dear me, on the 1st of September.
He is on the 21st or the 27th.
Come on, pops, here's the hotel.
The Trauma Centre? From the accident?
Are you from the accident?
-We're with another case. -We've been sent for tests.
In that case, go somewhere else. We're crowded.
We've been sent from St Spiridon for tests.
Listen, woman, no one can take care of you.
Really.
Did I tell you to take him out? Pack up and go.
Why are you following me?
You have a customer.
-What do we do? -We'll see.
Trauma is full.
No room on the 1st or 2nd, nor at mom's or dad's.
Please go away.
We're going to Fundeni.
Then go. What are you waiting for?
Am I not clear enough?
We just need to do a CT scan.
What CT scan, lady? Give me that record.
What am I supposed to do now?
Come here!
Take this one to General Care. Come on, Mr Driver, time is ticking.
-Out with him, quick. -Move the car, will you?
And please clean the puke.
Now blame it on me.
Hold on, pops, don't wiggle.
Make room, make room, make room.
Could you let us through?
Thanks.
Easy, easy, easy.
-Wait outside, please. -For a hemogram.
I'll wait here, in the hall.
-Why don't you go in? -She told me to wait.
You may go in, I see you have an emergency.
Let's let him go in first.
Of course, ma'am, go in.
Come in.
-How do you feel, Mr Remus? -My head hurts, my temples...
And the booze, why did you drink it?
Get him inside.
Can you walk, just two steps?
I'll try.
Sit here.
And stay still.
I'll be here, by the benches.
Look at me.
-I don't like what I see. -I throw up morning.
-You threw up this morning? -No.
Since this morning.
We'll see in a minute.
But first, we'll take some blood for tests.
Help him undress.
Please sit.
Did you sign in the ambulance?
Then I need his hemogram and transaminases.
And place a catheter.
-He needs a CT scan, Doctor. -The vest, too.
Are you coming?
And look,
you've had ulcer surgery.
May l?
I'll use this arm too.
This drink. You never have enough of it!
Why do you drink if you've had ulcer surgery?
Did you take enough blood? I want an ionogram, too.
Come on, bend your legs.
-What? The right one is slower? -Yes.
Head to the side.
-Nothing here. -Don't influence me, drinking.
-What did you say? -Sometimes doesn't influence.
I don't get it. Who's not influencing you?
I palpated him, and his abdomen was hard.
I thought it was the colon.
It's not the colon. It's the liver.
Look at his colour, his liver's the problem.
-Did you throw up with blood? -No, ma'am.
-lt hurts here, doesn't it? -Don't get close.
What about black stools?
You know, melena.
I say things you don't want to understand.
No kidding.
Do you have melena? Yes or no?
No.
It's not the stomach.
I told you my head hurts.
Would you hold your temper with me?
Please.
I don't know about the CT scan. This is bad timing.
Instead of waiting, you'd better go to Filaret Hospital.
-Tell her the head hurts. -What? Your head hurts?
Actually we went to pick him up thinking it was meningitis.
I don't think so. Look at the light.
Does it bother you?
No.
You're not bothered.
Where exactly is the pain?
Here, the temples.
-Here? -Yes.
-Here, too? -Yes.
Raise your hands.
How mean you are, all these women.
Stay still,
Iook at me and don't move.
Squeeze my hands.
Harder, harder. Harder.
-The right hand can't squeeze harder? -No.
You can put his clothes on.
Please, call Popescu, from Neurology.
Quick.
I'll take care of you in a second.
Hello, Dragos?
Can you come over, please?
Yes, it's urgent.
A 62-year-old man.
Come on, get serious.
I can't speak.
I just can't.
Maybe. If you bring me roses.
I'll be waiting.
Let's see.
-Should I put his coat on? -No.
Lie down over there. A neurologist is coming to see you.
Let's start with the EKG, Mrs Sandu.
First,
you have left ventricular hypertrophy,
meaning your blood pressure is high.
Nothing serious, but avoid straining yourself.
See? Tell her, Doctor.
'Cause she doesn't want to listen to me.
You also have signs of calcification on your aorta.
I'll take you on our way out, but first you need to be examined.
I'm prescribing a treatment
and I'd like you to follow it.
And check with your own physician
at least once a month.
Now, no more salt, fat, strain, coffee and alcohol.
You're done with those. You go on diet and rest.
We booked a spa holiday. Would that be okay for her?
Of course, rest doesn't mean being inactive.
We're celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary
and we wanted to go to a special place.
Congratulations.
So, where's the accused?
Did you bring me roses?
-Couldn't find any. Here's an apple. -Okay, thanks.
Let's go see him.
This is instead of Je T'aime Moi Non Plus.
Here he is.
His head hurts and he's getting right paresis.
He's also sort of dysarthric, but he drank.
We can get him to CT scan in three hours.
Trauma Centre turned into a slaughterhouse.
His liver is swollen, and he definitely needs a CT scan.
I agree, but in about three hours.
-Tell me your name, please. -Lazarescu Dante Remus.
-Lazarescu Dan... -Lazarescu Dante Remus.
What is it, Mr Lazarescu, what's wrong?
My head hurts the morning, today.
Your head hurts in the morning?
-Did you hurt yourself? -I found him fallen in the tub.
Didn't hurt, I slipped the bathroom.
You didn't hurt yourself?
Repeat after me.
Thirty three storks on the roof of Kogalniceanu's house.
Thirty three storks on the roof...
-Say, "Orange"! -Orange.
-Do you feel the same thing here? -Yes.
Would you please follow my finger?
With your eyes.
Down.
-Do you see clear or double? -Clear.
Relax your eyelid, please.
Now, touch your nose with your left index, like I'm doing.
And now your right index.
Squeeze my hands, please.
Raise your arms.
Close your eyes.
Now open your eyes.
I will ask you to bend your knees. Both of them at the same time.
Now!
Come on, stand up, take a few steps.
I don't think he can.
Come on, you can do it.
All right. Lie down.
Tell me, what did you do this morning?
I woke up at 6:00.
-I woke up a headache. -You woke up with a headache.
-Did you drink anything? -I took Distonocalm.
Saturday morning, I was back...
In market, switch back the seeds...
To switch the seeds? What seeds?
Instead of pansies, he gave me grass.
And I went
to get the pansies money back.
It was the man
with a moustache.
What is this?
You mean...
I mean what is this, what is its name?
You're asking me, aren't you?
What is the name of the object on my wrist?
If you know, why do you ask?
It's the time.
What is this?
A writer.
-You found him in the bathtub? -Yes.
When I got there, his neighbour was pulling him out of the bathtub.
Well, I don't know what to do.
I definitely need a head CT scan.
It might be a hematoma, but it might be something else.
We were sent from St Spiridon for blood tests and a CT scan.
They've sent you for nothing. Tomography is full.
No CT scans for the next three hours.
And even if you get one, Neurosurgery is also full.
I mean, work around the clock, like a power plant.
You might have something in your head.
A blood clot we have to remove.
Do you understand what I said?
Do you?
Lazarescu's hemogram and calcium. The transaminas is not ready.
That's it.
He needs a CT scan to know what we're talking about.
And I'm afraid it can't wait.
She should take him to Filaret Hospital.
They have both. CT scanner and Neurosurgery.
Check this out.
Look at the potassium value
and glycemia.
That's it. Take him to Filaret.
Stop fooling around.
Does it hurt?
Dragos, I'll call Tomography.
It's only a few minutes, after all.
Call them.
Wait another minute. I'll check Tomography.
I'm not coward, ma'am.
-What did you say? -lt is not afraid surgery.
This surgery is very simple. It's like appendicitis.
I did ulcer surgery
and not afraid.
You had ulcer surgery? Then it's even simpler.
The bombs got the house and the floor.
The bombs?
Stick out your tongue, please.
-Were you in the war? -ln '44,
Americans bombed Ploiesti,
Bucharest and Brazi.
We were in Brazi.
Me and Evelina
succeeded.
Put him on.
Dr Johnny.
Come on, make an effort. We need a quick scan.
And after those?
Cranial and hepatic.
And if it was my mother-in-law's uncle?
I do it for Gina.
It looks like a hematoma, but it might be a neoplasm as well.
You're the man. Thanks.
-Breslasu. -Come on, he's a good fellow.
So it's settled.
Run to Tomography. Tell Breslasu you were sent by me.
That is, Dragos Popescu.
Mr Patient is asleep.
Look, he's sleeping.
What are you doing, Mrs Bubulina? What are you waiting for?
I need some Colebil. My gall bladder hurts.
Do you have any?
Are you the ambulance driver?
Boys, come on, I have a job for you.
Doctor?
Phone call for you.
Yes, I'll be right there.
I have to leave, mi amor. Duty calls.
Aren't you going with them?
No, I have an emergency.
Yes, but anyway...
If I have an emergency, it's an emergency.
Do you know where Tomography is?
But aren't you keeping him here?
I don't think so.
If he has a hematoma, you'll take him to Filaret.
Here, both rooms are occupied with the bus accident.
Maybe they got free.
Don't waste time, okay?
I have to go, goodbye.
-Your stamp. -My stamp and my pen.
Get moving and don't lose the nurse on your way.
He has woken up. Good morning.
November 19th, a Scorpio?
Like my brother.
No need to wait for the rest of the tests. These are clear enough.
Tomography is on the 4th floor, the boys know.
Who's next? Come in.
Goodbye.
-Where are you going? -I can't take up.
That's what I'm saying.
Do you know where you are?
We're going to do a scan, to see if your head's okay.
There's a certain something about you that's attractive.
Okay, stay put and be quiet.
-Do you still need me? -No, you can go.
She come with Virgil?
Say that again.
She come with Virgil?
Beats me. Who's Virgil?
Virgil Muscalu.
I don't know, Mr Lazarescu. I don't understand what you're saying.
Eva second husband.
Second husband? I don't get it.
With the intercity train or the express?
Oh, Lord, what did I do wrong?
If you keep talking, I will tie your tongue.
Mariana.
What are you doing, girl?
Business or pleasure?
Lucky you're here. You look great.
Won't you help me put in a patient?
-I've had him since 10:00 p.m. -Just a sec.
Weren't you working at the MRl?
No, I've always worked here.
Please don't move.
Say, what's the story?
I brought him for a CT scan.
Dr Dragos Popescu spoke with your doctor.
So? I'll go tell him.
Take this, too.
It's gonna be all right.
We'll see on the CT scan.
I have my wife in there...
Mariana!
Be quiet, girl.
Did you get Doina's invitation?
What about the wedding at the lntercontinental?
Expensive. I can't really afford it.
But her daughter's lucky.
Her son-in-law's father is a PSD senator.
Big deal, what a catch.
Admit it, it's not bad.
Now you'll need to do your hair, won't you?
My hair? My dress isn't ready.
Look at the dark circles I have.
Maybe you'll catch a big fish there.
Shut up, I'm a married woman.
When's your son getting married?
I don't know. It's his life.
If they don't want to get married...
As long as they love each other,
it's like being married.
But I can't see my granddaughter as often as I'd like to.
Her mom and I are completely incompatible.
You do look great, babe.
-How do you do it? -What do I do...
I'm on a dairy diet, if you know what I mean.
Didn't you say you're a married woman?
Hold your tongue, my man is the milkman.
Nothing to do with you, then. I thought you were a feminist.
Can you open us, miss?
In a second. Hold on.
Come on, boys.
I told you it will be all right.
Come inside.
Good evening.
So you're the uncle of Dragos' mother-in-law.
-Any tests done? -Yes, here you are.
It seems he's had a glass tonight.
We sure did, we had some sauvignon.
What did you say your name was?
Lazarescu Dante Remus.
Once again, please, and from the heart.
-Lazarescu Dante Remus. -Lazarescu Dante Remus.
Give me the form, to get him registered.
You have a big name, Uncle Lazarescu.
Now we're gonna take a picture of you.
Does that make you happy?
So, pops, something's broken here and here as well.
The tests say so, you see?
It will be quick, we're skipping the contrast.
We'll take a picture of the pate and of the roof.
Hold this.
Say, Mr Dante, does it hurt now?
My belly swelled my back.
What? What did he say?
His stomach aches.
We picked him up with nausea. He was saying that his head hurts.
The neighbour that found him said he vomited blood.
Could be tomato skins.
He said he vomited threads of blood.
-Define threads of blood. -That's what he said.
-Put him on the slide. -Yes, Doctor.
Easy, pops, don't worry, nothing bad will happen.
Any metal on you? The necklace stays.
Any coins in your pockets?
We'll loosen the belt a little.
Can you help me get him admitted?
Wait till we finish the scan. Allow me.
I'd like to ask you a favour.
Don't move, or the picture will blur.
If you get an idea you'd like to share,
just speak in the microphone.
-Give me those. -Which ones?
This one.
I'm cold.
And what can I do about it? Jump up and down to warm up.
It says here you gave him glucose. Did you?
Yes, he was weak and confused.
I gave him an analgesic, too.
And if it's a CVA?
They did the same at St Spiridon.
That changes everything. Let's give him four more.
-Doctor, he wet himself. -I need toilet.
-Great, pops, to your health. -I need toilet, miss.
Don't stress out, you might crap yourself as well.
I want you to give me...
Pops, you just pissed yourself.
First the picture, then we'll get changed.
-I want pyjama. -Never mind the pyjamas.
First the picture,
and then the pyjamas, okay?
-I want the pyjama. -Pops, pay attention.
We'll go to the toilet, but first we need to get the picture.
Nurse, I want wash, I'm...
-Do you have something for him? -His pyjamas.
I want to toilet, I want wash.
Come over here to help the lady change him and all.
Easy.
The legs.
What did you do, pops? Wet yourself?
-What's on your legs? -Why didn't you mention the varicose?
Were you keeping it as a surprise?
Let me get those wet underpants off.
Don't be so ashamed, you're not the first one.
Easy with the leg.
Lift the leg.
Careful. Sorry.
Stop moaning like an old woman.
-That's it, get him up. -Wait, boys.
Just a second, Doctor.
-These hands. Ready. -Up.
Mind your head.
Ready, Doctor.
Ready, pops? Satisfied? See, it's done.
You peed, they changed you, and your pyjamas are on.
It won't take long.
If you have other needs, please, hold it in.
It'll take five minutes.
-You're losing your papers. -It's not mine.
It's Mr Lazarescu's.
Okay, keep your eyes closed and stay still.
It was somewhere over here...
There it is.
The bigger one, please.
You got yourself a bunch of rags.
Mariana, love, bring me another frappuccino.
And one for the lady from 91 1.
That's kind.
-No sugar? -No sugar.
What are you saying? Mr Lazarescu?
If we move, we spoil the photo.
We'll start the launch. Steady now!
Six, five, four, three, two, one, zero.
We begin with the head and we stop at Stalingrad.
Here's your coffee, Doctor.
For the head, it's settled.
If he takes anti-clotting drugs for the varicose, Heparin, Sintrom,
he's dead.
Not dead. Dead and buried.
Back to the starting point.
Mariana, position the gentleman for the abdomen.
We're done with the head.
Now a picture of your abdomen and we're finished.
Did you hear what I said?
Mister?
Hey, mister?
Gee, you scared me.
He fell asleep.
Come on, help me raise him. We're getting up a bit.
Is it okay?
We're almost finished.
Okay, we lay down slowly.
Slowly. Enough.
We keep our hands behind our head.
You hold him, he's feeble.
We will tie them a bit.
We close our little eyes.
And it turns out the good doctor was right.
These neoplasms are Discovery Channel stuff.
It deserves a snapshot, doesn't it?
Smile, please.
I also thought he had cancer.
I say you'd better stop playing doctor,
and be careful with that glucose.
I was joking.
The way our Mr Lazarescu looks,
you could have injected him with compote.
He's departing, poor pops.
The film will take a little while.
Mariana, get him out.
-Nurse? -Yes, Doctor.
You wait for the scans
and you take him to Neurosurgery, to drill his head.
-Okay. -Okay?
Yes, Doctor. I understand. To Neurosurgery.
Mariana, there's a client waiting.
Yes, I'll be right there.
Take him straight to Floreasca or Bagdasar
to have him instantly operated upon.
What is it?
Didn't they give you a note?
Yes, for Filaret.
Very well, take him to Filaret.
-From the accident? -What?
The gentleman, is he from the accident?
I don't know, they sent me from ER.
He needs immediate surgery.
Couldn't you keep him in here, Doctor?
He has pyjamas, can't you give him a bed?
Yes, Doctor, can't we help her?
Look at them. They got me surrounded.
Where do we put him? Don't you know surgery is full?
Neurosurgery is full.
Take this one to Filaret, quickly operate
so that he can die of cancer at home.
Please, Doctor!
Don't be a piglet!
You think I wouldn't keep him, if I could?
Didn't you hear it's an emergency? He needs surgery right now.
Where do we take him, Doctor?
Tell him it's a subdural hematoma with intracranial pressure.
-You owe me for this. -lf it works.
If it works? You owe me, period.
How long?
And the other one?
I got it, thanks.
Bad luck, Nurse.
Both rooms are busy, and will stay that way until 10:00 a.m.
Go and position that one for the cervical.
I could also take him to the crematorium.
He keeps saying he's cold anyway.
Neurosurgery is full. Enough, time out.
Come on, give me this to sign, stamp and everything.
I've been lugging him around all night.
You're exaggerating, the night is still young.
I thought it might help if you spoke with Neurosurgery.
Well, it didn't.
Hurry up, he might die on the way.
Nice meeting you. Careful with the scans.
I'm sorry.
Good luck.
This way, Mioara.
Sit there quietly, if you want to feel better.
If you want to throw up, let me know.
Before, when you were upset... You told it to me.
You son of a bitch!
What's he saying?
I don't understand.
Let me add it up for you.
For medication,
another 500 for the consultation, CT scan, 2 million.
Admittance, bed, meals, more money. What do you think?
I'm thirsty.
You're dodging the question.
There's the vehicle, too.
Fuel, service, spares and all.
And we earn less than nothing.
I'm thirsty, folks.
My gallbladder again.
Imagine the bus driver.
What misfortune.
In the end there are only 11 dead.
Hold on, I have some water. It's still.
It's okay. Pass it here.
You never thought about marrying? Do you like being single?
Don't mention it, I got a divorce over a year ago.
You don't say. Were you married?
Yes, and I have a two-year-old daughter.
I can't believe it.
You're such a messed up generation.
You already got a divorce.
My son already has a kid and he's not married to his wife.
Really, now!
We're doing what we can.
My son has a daughter too. Mihaela.
I call her Mica.
Who could've guessed you were married?
You see.
-What's your daughter's name? -Geanina.
What a beautiful name.
She's beautiful, too.
The cutest little thing you ever saw.
She's got brown eyes like me.
I hope you don't mind,
but you shouldn't have divorced your ex-wife.
For the child, I mean.
Good evening.
"Good evening" was eight hours ago.
I brought a patient from University.
Bring him in.
Come on.
You know what I forgot to tell you?
Hold on, she'll be right back.
Be calm, we'll be done in a second.
What's wrong with him?
For Neurosurgery, a subdural hematoma.
Give me the record.
He wet himself, see?
I know, we've been running around since 10:00 p.m.
You wet yourself. So, what happened?
Have... Pan... Belly between us.
I don't understand you. Corina, are you finished?
-Check his blood pressure. -Right away.
You wet yourself.
Come on, easy.
You have cold handle.
I have a cold handle?
We're coming from University.
It's mobbed over there, from the bus crash. They sent us here.
There's vomiting and a headache.
Wouldn't it have been better to keep him there?
I don't think they could.
It must have been busy.
-They have two rooms in Neuro. -I only know of one.
You should've gone to Bagdasar, it's a neurosurgery hospital.
That's right. You should know that.
He needed to be operated right away.
Mr Lazarescu, can you hear me?
Do you know where you are?
Look at me.
Follow this pen.
Look at the state you're in.
Follow the pen.
Since when has he been confused?
This is the third hospital already.
At St Spiridon they told me he was drunk and needed a CT scan,
and from University they sent us here.
-Where do you live? -Maroshva... Mures...
-You live in Bucharest. -The lady from Emergency...
We can't communicate.
He also has liver neoplasm. He needs surgery right away.
May I examine him?
But the results are in there and...
Because if you don't mind, I'll ask you to let me do my job
and go wait outside.
I apologise, but it's 3:20.
We're an ambulance service, there are other patients...
The pulse is 1 10. Are you new here?
Sometimes in hospitals you have to wait.
-No, I don't know. -Nurse, go tie the bathroom.
I've been doing this for 16 years.
So you should know by now. Should I dress him?
What cancer are we talking about?
Has he had a biopsy test?
Abnormal structures. Do you know what that is?
Are you familiar with the terminology?
The biopsy will tell if it's cancer or not.
Thanks, Miss Resident. One more lesson, we have all night.
The backs are scratchy.
Good Lord, the tests are clear. Check his record.
Let me explain how we stand.
It's 3:00, and we're tired too.
You do your job, we'll do ours.
And don't you patronize me.
May l?
-Are you feeling better? -We're fine.
-Who's with you? -His brother-in-law.
So he will take you home.
-Can we hurry up, please? -Aren't you needed somewhere else?
Think. Have you filed his data?
Look, the nurse is waiting for you to do it.
-Why satisfy your ego on me? -Prescription?
Don't talk to me like that. I have a kid your age.
Spare me the lecture, will you? You all think you know better.
Does anybody have a Nokia charger?
What's the smell? Open a window.
-Corina, open the window. -It's stuck, Doctor.
It doesn't bother you? What's that?
-He's just came from University. -He has an SDH.
He's the one that smells. Couldn't they clean him up?
He did it in the car, on our way here.
The way he looks, he needs urgent surgery.
Up we go, slowly. There's no hurry.
What kind of mobile do you have?
A Nokia.
-Like this one? -Yes.
Can I have your battery for a minute?
My wife's away with the boy.
I have to wake her so she'll get off the train.
-Use it. -Just the battery.
-It's all right, really. -Okay, I'll make it quick.
And the nurse gave us a lecture.
I only said he needed surgery.
And who decides, you or a specialist?
-A doctor at University... -A specialist...
Yes, Dr Breslasu said he needed an operation.
And what is Dr Breslasu?
A specialist.
His lD card.
No signal. Can I try again later?
-Who's with him? -Me.
No, lady, has he got someone? Wife, sister, mistress.
He has a sister coming from Targu-Mures.
So he's alone. Watch out.
There we go.
Here you can follow me better.
I am Mirica. I'm the neurosurgeon on duty.
Let me explain.
Your CT scan indicates a subdural hematoma.
This causes the headaches and the vomiting.
My head aches from the ulcer.
It aches because of the hematoma.
That's normal. But the vomiting might come from the liver.
I have a headache and belly, sir.
Easy, now. Your state is good, but stop moving.
And don't talk, 'cause I don't understand.
You're not in a coma, you're not lethargic.
You feel a bit sleepy. Me too. It's 3:35.
-Do you have relatives? -I have ulcer.
He has a sister, I told you.
He needs immediate surgery. He has dysarthria.
Dr Breslasu told me this.
And look, he also has a hemiparesis.
Unbelievable, isn't it?
I thought the doctor was exaggerating,
but you really don't respect us.
I only said we needed to hurry up.
We've been on the road since 10:00.
You don't say!
You should start by learning your place and letting us do our job.
But you told me to get out, miss.
We're all medical staff here.
No, we're medical staff with different degrees.
You can't teach me, a doctor, the procedures.
That is called insolence.
Therefore, if you want to stay,
please, keep your mouth shut. Or else, you can wait in the hallway.
Stamp my record and I'll go.
What did you say?
If you stamp it, I will go.
I thought doctors decided that, too.
I'll have to repeat myself.
Nurse, you can either shut up and let me do my work,
or go down the hallway.
So, you have a subdural hematoma that requires surgery.
Please bring a disclaimer.
Fill it in, please.
We have to operate,
but before, I need you to sign a disclaimer saying you accept the risks.
Now, you know what a hematoma is?
Yes, I have a cruise.
-What? -A bruise.
Right. It's a broken vessel that bleeds between dura mater and the arachnoid.
It creates a pressure or pushes on the brain.
This is where we intervene. If we don't, it's lethal.
-Doctor, watch the trolley. -Yes.
Pay attention.
The surgery is not without hazards,
and it is my duty to inform you about them.
Some colleagues don't, which I don't think is fair.
The patient must be fully informed.
Yes, it's a problem of mortality.
Be serious. Can you die from appendicitis?
It's just like appendicitis.
There is a risk of paralysis. That is true.
Losing control of the limbs.
I don't want paralysis, to hand, in here.
No one said you would be paralysed.
Do you hear me?
There is a risk.
Because of that, the patient has to sign.
-Have to go to... -No, pay attention.
You are drunk, 'cause you smell, you fell,
and you got a hematoma.
We will take it out, but before, I need you to sign.
Say that again.
Have to go to Christmas
with the girl Bianca.
Don't worry, you'll be fine by Christmas.
We're going to the operating room. But before that, I need your signature.
Eva with her husband come.
Pay attention, will you?
She will take care of you.
You have to sign. Give it to me.
Sign this so I can operate you.
Put it on something.
Do you understand me?
You have to sign a paper.
Mr Lazarescu. This is a disclaimer. You see?
I've filled in your name.
Now you have to sign that you agree.
I'll help you.
Take this pen and sign, so that he can operate you.
-I can't paralyse... -You won't, sign here.
Sign here, Mr Lazarescu.
Evelina on New Year's Eve.
Would you sign this, please?
What do we do, Doc?
Are you signing or not?
He's in no condition to sign.
He can't even hold the pen.
Should we break the law, Nurse?
Look at her, she wants me in jail.
If I operate without a signature and he dies, I'll go to jail.
Come on, sign here, we'll clean you up,
I operate and you'll be as good as new.
-No. -No what?
Want medicine in my home, at drugstore.
What are you saying? You're aphasic and you have dysarthria.
Do you want to go home?
Will you come home?
Calm down, we're not gonna force you.
Have you recorded him?
Perfect, now record his release.
And note, "The patient refuses the surgery."
The patient has to sign, not you.
He doesn't want to.
-On my record, I mean. -No kidding.
If he signs, but he's not lucid, then the signature is worthless.
Just admit you don't want to operate, and I'll take him away.
-Take him where? -To Bagdasar Hospital.
Or back to University, I guess it's calmer now.
Sorry, but I think I can tell when a patient is confused or not.
Now you're quarrelling with the doctor, too.
Or you know what?
Get him in the car, drive for about an hour.
When he's comatose bring him back.
No need for signatures or relatives.
So far he hasn't signed, so I can't operate him.
If you're so good at law and medicine, find him the proper hospital.
He didn't sign the paper, so I have no responsibility.
Or go to Bagdasar and find a doctor
that will operate without a disclaimer.
But if he dies in the car it'll be your fault.
Don't want.
-What do you not want? -Don't want.
Nurse, get him out of here.
When you've decided what you want, I'll be here on duty.
Call someone to get him out.
What are you staring at? Go to Bagdasar.
Goodbye, have a nice trip.
Come on, Mr Lazarescu.
We're going to Bagdasar.
I'll go get croissants.
Would you like anything?
It doesn't smell any more.
What was that?
What did you say?
I said I didn't get that.
The smell is not so bad any more.
Can you let us through?
Hold on. I'll take the record inside.
Good morning.
I'm bringing a patient.
-Speak with the head nurse. -Okay.
The record.
He soiled himself.
We came all the way from Filaret.
Can we bring him in?
-How are you? -How are we?
Busy, with all that fuss from the bus accident.
But it's over now.
What did you feed him that makes him stink so bad?
-ls he drunk, too? -Poor soul, he soiled himself.
Yes, he needs cleaning.
Dr Zamfir has to see him first.
What are you talking about?
Let me see that.
He has a subdural hematoma and has to be operated.
Just a second.
Here are the CT scans, Doctor.
Is that a clot?
Yes, Mrs Marioara. Bleeding near the brain.
It's not that serious, is it?
It's not, but it could be.
This one is pretty serious.
But this shade on the liver is more serious.
And I'm afraid nobody can fix this.
What is your name?
Repeat, please.
All right.
Lazarescu Dante Remus.
That's not what I understood.
Why didn't they keep him at Filaret?
He did not want to sign. He didn't want the surgery.
I think it's written in his record.
Yes, I saw that.
But I don't think Lazarescu Dante Remus understood.
I repeat, "Understood."
Don't tell me he reached this state on the way over here.
It's 10 minutes at this hour.
It took us longer, ma'am.
With getting him out of the hospital and into the car,
not to mention the drive over here.
It took us about half an hour.
-I see. And you're the driver. -Yes.
Nice to meet you.
Have a rest on the seat over there.
No thanks, I'll stay here.
Is he going to Neuro for the operation?
Yes, of course. Did you record him?
-Anyone with him? -Yes, a sister.
She's coming from Targu-Mures, tomorrow.
I mean today, at 6:00.
That means he has no one.
I don't understand why they didn't keep him at Filaret.
Did you show them the results, or did you keep them for yourself?
Of course I showed them, but the patient didn't agree.
Nobody will ask for his agreement any more.
Write him down with Glasgow 8 and call Surgery.
How come it's so quiet?
Our shift is almost over.
We had our daily serving of junkies,
drunks, traumas. Don't you worry.
Hold on.
Put Anghel on.
We had those from the bus crash as well.
Tough day.
Are you done? Can she leave?
Mrs Marioara, tell the boys to take him to the pre-op room.
Doctor, I'm sending you a SDH. From Filaret.
-ls he with someone? -He has a sister.
She's arriving from Targu-Mures, around 6:00.
He has a sister arriving from Targu-Mures.
Yes, it's pretty bad. I wrote him down as unconscious.
Right away.
62 years old.
I don't know if he's an alcoholic, but I know he drinks.
Left temporal.
Now, of course.
If I don't send him now, I won't send him at all.
Can I have this stamped?
I can't find the stamp.
Here it is.
-Thank you. -Take him to pre-op.
Mrs Marioara, take care of him. Clean him...
And shave him for surgery.
When she's ready, take him and transport him to Dr Anghel.
Understood? Come on, quick.
Thank you, good evening.
Wait!
Where's my head?
Give these to Dr Anghel.
Where are you going? You're done.
They left with our stretcher.
We'll leave him in pre-op, take our stretcher and go.
And our stretchers?
Ours are upstairs, and one is in the operating room.
We're just taking him upstairs.
We'll take him upstairs and get down right away.
Don't forget the papers.
Excuse me.
Here you are.
They're going to operate, to cure you.
Stay still, don't move.
Put him there.
Watch his head.
These are Mr Lazarescu's clothes.
I'll get the cover off and we'll go.
Mrs Marioara.
Cut his hair and shave his head. And fast, if possible.
God, what a day we had with that bus accident.
-Can you manage? -Yes.
These people, driving without a thought for others.
Yes, you're right.
I'll be outside, having a smoke.
Out of 14, only three are out of danger.
Good Lord!
It was like during the war.
Like the '77 earthquake.
Did the driver survive?
How would I know which one was the driver?
What a disaster. Two more days like this,
and they can put me in the hospital, too.
Come on, Mrs Mioara, I'm done.
Good night and good luck.
Watch his legs, he has varicose veins.
My respects.
What did you do, pops?
Look at your legs.
Easy.
Get him a cover.
Give me the alcohol.
There you are, handsome.
I'm ready. Virgil.
Come get him and take him to Anghel!
I can't stay with him here any longer.