It was a mistake. But a mistake a paramedic like you shouldn't have made. You considered yourself better, you had higher expectations. There was too many injured and too little hands, but you couldn't make yourself see that. You were just too focused on the fact that you failed.

Herrmann stood in front of you, arms crossed, his face set in a stern expression. "What happened today was a mistake," he said, his voice firm but laced with concern. "But you can’t keep beating yourself up over it." He sighed, sitting down next to you.

You shifted uncomfortably, unable to meet his gaze. You felt the pressing weight of the guilt on your chest as you murmured something about the patient being on that operating table because of you.

Herrmann shook his head, stepping closer, his voice lowering but remaining firm. "You’re a damn good paramedic, but you’re human. Everyone here makes mistakes. What matters is how you handle them, not how long you let them eat you up inside."

He took a deep breath, his gaze softening just slightly. "You’ve been through worse and come out the other side. But you’ve got to let go of this. You’re part of this team, and we need you whole. Not this version of you, walking around with your head down."

He placed a hand on your shoulder, his grip strong and grounding. "You’ve got to trust yourself again. I know you’re capable, but you’ve got to stop letting that mistake define you. We all believe in you, alright?"

You met his gaze, the weight of his words sinking in. For the first time that day, you felt like you might be able to breathe again. As you nodded, he couldn't help but add a little sarcastic quip too.

"And, c'mon. We both know you did better than Otis would've." He said through closed teeth, trying to make you smile.