Scold in private. That’s the old saying. And usually, I try to follow that advice. Well, usually. Less than a month ago, I posted some deserved criticisms of an EMS response and the organization’s followup.
Early this morning, my mother had another emergency that required a response from our local EMS system (Austin/Travis County EMS). This response was the polar vortex (to use the current Weather Channel cliche) of an opposite to the previous response. From the initial 911 call-taking to the handoff at the emergency room, Austin/Travis County EMS proved that it can still provide compassionate and proficient patient care.
The Austin Fire Department first responders and the Austin/Travis County EMS paramedic crew worked as a true team to deliver compassionate and clinically competent medicine to my mother. Sure, they recognized the cardiac arrhythmia and treated it properly. But equally importantly, they nailed all the little things just right. Before they brought her outside on a stair chair, they made sure to provide a blanket. And when we got to the hospital, the other paramedic even mentioned that he avoided a certain notorious street so as to avoid the potholes and bumps on the way.
I apologize if I embarrass anyone, but the following people deserve praise in public — the entire crew of Austin Fire Department Engine 21, including Firefighter/Paramedic Dave Williams, the crew of Austin/Travis County EMS Medic 7 — Paramedics Jacinto Andry and Randy Vickery, and Austin/Travis County EMS District Commander Temple Thomas. You’ve more than redeemed the system to my family. You provided comfort and care. That’s what EMS is all about and I cannot thank each of you enough. It’s my sincere hope that these words from a fellow paramedic and (hopefully) a friend can begin to express my gratitude to each of you. Each of you represent what this local EMS system is supposed to be about. Your care, your compassion, and your treatment reflect highly upon both yourselves and your colleagues.
Thank you.
