EMS: A family taking care of your family
Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
"They're coming in," one of the medics said. Just as morning report for the change of shift was beginning, the fire unit that had responded to an early morning fire in Bella Vista was returning to the main station. All other activity stopped until the returning fire and medical personnel reported safely back.
So began my shift with the Emergency Medical Services personnel of the Bella Vista Ambulance Service. EMS Week is May 18-24, and an opportunity for our nation to recognize these courageous men and women as they unselfishly care for the residents of their community. I decided to spend a shift with them to better understand what a typical day was like. What I found was a family of dedicated, compassionate, highly-trained men who understand the importance of being a family and treating those they serve as if they were members of their own family.
The Bella Vista ambulance emergency medical technicians and paramedics carry with them strong family ties. Within their ranks are two father and son teams who are still active in the service. Another is a third generation firefightermedic, following the footsteps of his father and grandfather. The day I visited, one of the young men was just returning from his honeymoon.
After the morning report, every vehicle was taken outside and carefully washed. Each piece of equipment was inspected and tested to be sure it would be in working order if needed. Both of the rescue units have on board the latest rescue equipment, including several so-called "jaws of life "used to extract people from crumpled automobiles. Medical supplies for each ambulance were inventoried and restocked as needed. The inside of each ambulance was thoroughly washed and cleaned with disinfectant. The safety of those who may need their services was foremost in the minds of the men as they prepared for the shift.
"What's for lunch ?"asked the newlywed. Plans for meals begin early. After considerable discussion, the group decided on something called "steakchunks. "I wasn't sure what that was, but I knew I wanted some.
Meals are a group decision. Each member of the team has a specialty they like to prepare. If their specialty is chosen for the shift, they become the head chef and assign duties to each member to help prepare the meal. A shopping list is compiled and supplies purchased at one of the local markets. The cost is evenly divided among those eating.
As they were preparing the meal, several calls interrupted the process. One call was from a family member of a patient treated and transported several days earlier. They wanted to once again thank the ambulance service for taking care of their loved one. The next call was for a unit to be dispatched. Three of the medics left immediately and two remained at the station if needed for another call. If possible, they would continue with meal preparations. I joined the outgoing crew.
We arrived at a residence to find an elderly patient who had been diagnosed with pneumonia several days earlier and started on oral antibiotics. The pneumonia wasn't responding to treatment and breathing was more labored. Skilled technicians made their assessment and carefully prepared the patient for transport to a local hospital as if it were one of their own grandparents. The trip to the hospital was uneventful, and the patient was safely delivered to the emergency room.
While we were at the hospital, a Bella Vista ambulance from a sub-station ar- rived, bringing a patient from another part of the community. By the time we returned to base, lunch was ready.
During the meal, stories were shared - stories about family and friends, stories about trips and adventures and of course local sports. During lunch, a patient stopped by the office with tightness in his chest.
He was carefully examined, and transportation to the hospital was offered. He decided he would proceed home for the time being.
After lunch, it was time for training. The personnel on duty from the other two sub-stations arrived at the main building for two hours of training.
At the conclusion of the seminar, written tests were administered to verify the information presented had been learned. The older men then shared their experiences with the subject matter and what they had learned from their years in the field. The younger men sat and listened carefully, just as a grandchild would listen when their grandfather was telling family stories around the dinner table.
As we were breaking up, another call came for a unit to be dispatched for a person who had fallen. One crew left, and those remaining behind began washing dishes and cleaning the area. A short time later, it was time for physical training. It is important the medics maintain proper physical strength in order to be able to do their job.
After the exercise period, plans were being made for the evening meal. Most thought sandwiches would be in order after the big noon meal.
The shift would continue for 24 hours. There were several more calls for help. The men worked into the early morning hours, responding to calls and transporting patients.
The next morning, when another crew arrived, the events would be repeated. Emergency services must be available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. These are family men who have dedicated their lives to taking care of our families. We owe them our gratitude every day and should offer them special recognition and honor during Emergency Medical Services Week.
• • • Tate is a retired physician living in Bella Vista. He currently serves on the Bella Vista Ambulance Service Board of Directors as liaison to the EMS.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online