..." He was lifted out of the drain and taken away to safety...."
Hi Cathy B,
Seems like there was a similiar question which I'll try to find in the morning for reference, but it sure sounds like a retrieval to me. Did you set your intent even informally before sleeping to go on a retrievel?Some say that's necessary, otherwise your mind might just be practicing and not working with deeper levels to actually go out. If you felt abit extra tired the next day, you may well have used some extra needed energy on your retrievel experience.
You're definitely on the right path!--Congratulations!
bets

Hey Bets, I like your suggestion that the mind may just be practicing.  Never thought of it that way. 

Cathy, it is hard for me to interpret other people's dreams or experiences, of course.  I'm sure it's hard for anyone, but all we can do is make suggestions which I always find helpful.  So, how did you feel in this dream?  Did it feel different to you?  Did it look different to you?

Hi Cathy. It sounds like a retrieval to me because of two things:
1) you brought the ambulance by thinking of a rescue vehicle
2) you felt you performed a service, which gets the heart chakra involved.

my first retrieval I had to ask somebody if it was a retrieval too...so I think I know what you're feeling. hugs, alysia