Below are letters and comments received by Sedgwick County EMS
from patients and family members we have treated. The names of the senders
and patients have been changed to initials or replaced to protect their privacy.
Sedgwick County EMS has
over 25 years of service caring for our citizens and visitors. Patient
care is our number one priority.
December 10, 2007
I wanted to thank the EMS crew (2 females) who arrived to help my
grandma, D.C. My grandma has cancer and we have never needed her to be
transported by EMS until December 6th. My grandma was very anxious and my
grandpa could not get her to the car and to the hospital on his own
(normally one of the family is around to help but no one was there that
afternoon). Her doctor said grandpa should call 911 to help him. My grandpa
called my mother and one of the paramedics gave my mother an update and
helped calm her down. The kindness, compassion and knowledge that these 2
paramedics showed to my grandparents means more than they will know. Please
tell them thank you, thank you, thank you.
Sincerely,
S.S.
May 2004
Thank you Card and Letter
Received
"Dear
Ladies,
I doubt
that you remember but [in May] at about 1-2 PM you ladies responded to a call
at my home for chest pain. When you ladies arrived I was not feeling very well
at all, you two took right over for the Fire Dept. and went to work. In no
time at all you ladies had me wired up to our machines, gave me some nitro and
wanted to know what hospital to go to. Even though I was having a heart attack
you two made me feel really comfortable and thinking that everything was going
to be alright. Next thing I knew you two had me racked up and in the ambulance
going down 61st street which is a rough dirt road, the brunette (I'm really
very sorry I didn't get either of your names) started to put an IV in my arm,
I thought to myself "no way", see I've had tests done at the hospital that
required IV's and they have had to call the IV Teams to get the thing started,
but that little lady whipped it right in with no problem at all, very
impressive. On the way to the hospital you were very attentive and calming,
because of your ladies demeanor I never realized how serious a thing was
happening to me, in my opinion it set the tone for the rest of what happened
that afternoon at the hospital. Upon arrival at St Francis you ladies had me
unloaded in the ER filling the nurses there in on what was going on, it was so
cool! You ladies ROCKED! You ladies were doing that while that nurses were
getting me ready for the cath lab, I was feeling better by then and kind of
got a kick out of you two and how you handled yourselves, before leaving you
did manage to get me to sign the bill though, he he! Things at the hospital
went fine and I am a lot better now, thanks to you two, you two were the front
line and got me stabilized and feeling better, my Wife, Sons and myself want
to Thank the both of you Very Much, without you two and your professionalism,
knowledge and apparent self confidence who knows what may have happened. I
don't know how to Thank someone enough for a second chance at life other than
to say Thank You, although that does not seem adequate.
With
Sincerest Thanks, DW
Wichita, Kansas"
Medics:
Mendy Lubbers and Angela Steinkirchner
December 26, 2003
Hello! This is an e-mail to follow up with you concerning the conversation
I had with you on 12/12/03 at the Region III Exam Site concerning two of
Sedgwick County Paramedics.
To revisit the conversation; my grandson, Noah, 14 months old, choked at a
restaurant, Chili's, in Wichita at approximately 20:30 hours. Through the
quick actions of some patrons the object was removed from Noah's throat! Good
job to whoever trained them, I was in the ladies room, but when my
granddaughter told me Noah was choking, it didn't take me but 15 seconds to be
at table side, but my training and services weren't needed as a Paramedic, but
"Grandma" took charge of "kids", hugs, kisses and wiping of tears!
The patrons at Chili's called 911 to advise the incoming ambulance unit
that the object was out of Noah's throat, but was told by the dispatcher that
the ambulance enroute could not disregard. No Fire response unit showed up
that evening, and if memory serves me correctly there was approximately 6
inches of snow on the ground and still snowing, and everyone was very
impressed on how fast the ambulance arrived, due to the weather conditions and
all the accidents being talked about around town.
In spite of the weather and I know a very busy evening, the crew on SCEMS
was very professional and courteous to my son and daughter-in-law who meet
them at the front door with Noah, obviously the "kids" were still very upset
and very shaken by the choking incident and the Primary Tech, Sara, recognized
their distress.
I knew one of the crew members, Tracy Swihart, who took the information
concerning Noah from me; but her partner, I believe you told me her name was
Sara Cash, was so professional and very concerning and caring toward my
daughter-in-law. My daughter-in-law was very appreciative of the
non-judgmental and concerned attitude that Sara displayed and the way she
allowed Misti to continue to hold Noah while she "assessed".
I want to thank these ladies and your service for prompt and efficient
care; Thank God, they weren't needed but I knew when they came through the
door they had the professional caring attitude that all Paramedic's should
display in this type of situation.
Please thank this crew for me and I know that Noah and Whitney, my
grandkids, are in good care with these two Paramedics on duty!
Sincerely,
S. D., FF, MICT, IC
AHA-IT
ACLS Instructor
PALS Instructor
Crew was Lt. Tracy Swihart and Paramedic Sara Cash
December 20, 2003
Dear Crew:
Wanted to take a moment and let you all know how much we
appreciate all you did back in September. My new lease on life has truly been
special. Wouldn't have any of these daily joys were it not for you all. We
wish you a very merry Christmas and the best of New Years that's possible!
Keep up the good work... and remember you make a huge difference every day!
Thank for saving my life!
T. L. Wichita
Crew was Lt. Rick Mundt and Lt. Paula Rhodes
November 11, 2003
Lt. Handzo:
On November 11th you, Paramedic Guinn and a civilian named Greg
M. were responsible for saving my life.
I have been told that without Mr. M.'s help there would have been little
need for further assistance. And he is certainly on my list of Heroes for that
day.
However, while I don't remember a great deal of the details the one thing I
believe I can recall with some degree of comprehension is that you and
Paramedic Guinn worked on me constantly from the time I came around at the
golf course until we reached the hospital. I feel confident that the medical
treatment I received was excellent. However, during much of that time it was
extremely difficult for me to breathe, I was totally exhausted and unable to
fully comprehend what was happening to me. Medical treatment not withstanding
it would have been very easy for me to give up and without the encouragement I
received from you and Paramedic Guinn I am not at all certain I'd be here
today.
I'm doing well now. No after effects except healing up from the
defibrillation implant which the doctors are "99.9%" confident will keep me
from suffering from a similar fibrillation event in the future. One of the
doctors described my experience as a "fatal event". Another said that the only
explanation for my survival was that it just wasn't my time. They are wrong
and I've got 3 people who were there to prove it.
August 25, 2003
Dear
Mr. Pollan,
Shortly
after noon on August 25, city of Wichita Sewer maintenance
worker D. C. was hit by a car on east Pawnee. It seems miraculous that he was
released from the emergency room later that afternoon and will be able to
return to work with no serious injuries.
His
co-workers told me that emergency personnel arrived on the scene "in two or
three minutes". the EMS people at the scene gave him expert care
and calmly answered all our questions. The quick response and excellent
treatment provided by EMS was, I am convinced, a significant element in his
healing.
Please
accept my thanks on behalf of the workers of the City of Wichita
Sewer Maintenance Division for the care EMS workers gave to Mr. C.
Joe
Botinelly, Superintendent
City of Wichita Water Department
Crew: Lt Mike Sanchez and
MICT Paul Misasi
July 22, 2003
Dear
Gentlemen,
I am
writing to you in regards to June 7, 2003. I had taken my
Mother and Grandson shopping and when we returned home, we found my father
dead on the kitchen floor.
I
immediately called 911 as I was trying to find a pulse. Within a few minutes,
the ambulance and several policemen were at the house.
I do
not remember the names of the paramedics and policemen, but I wanted to write
and tell you what dedicated, sincere and compassionate employees came to our
rescue. I called 911 around 2:30 or 3:30 that Saturday
afternoon. A man and a women were in the ambulance and three or four different
policemen were at my house also. They were very helpful, patient and kind to
my family and I would like to call attention to them as they are truly
exceptional people.
If you
could find out who these employees are, please let them know how much my
family and I appreciate them and for being so sensitive to our situation.
Thank
you very much.
Sincerely
M.C., Wichita
Crew:
Lt. Mitch Helfferich and Lolena Davis
July 3, 2003
My name is J.D. and I live at Pratt, KS. One of your EMS crews was
called out to a residence in northeast SG county a few days
ago for a possible MI. My father-in-law has a very checkered
cardiac history and has been in fairly fragile condition for years. Your crew
responded quickly and from what his wife tells us, did a very good job of
getting him assessed and loaded up for transport. He had an inferior/posterior
MI in progress and evidently continued to brady down to the point that his
heart actually came to a stop. They put on a TCP to keep him going until he
could be turned over to the Wesley staff. I may not have all the details
exactly accurate but feel that he was in very competent and caring hands. I
have been an EMT-I/D in the past and am now an RT and know how close he came
to being in the obits by what I was told of his situation. He is currently
walking the halls of Wesley and joking with the nurses and looking forward to
coming back home. Just wanted to thank you for all the thankless, dirty,
crappy and dangerous situations you deal with everyday and want to express our
thanks for your care of my wife's father and my friend.
J.D.
April 19, 2003
Dear Friends;
On the evening of December 15, 2002, you responded to our cries for help
when our two-year-old was struck by a car in the 3500 block of west
Macarthur. You must have known immediately on your arrival that our baby was
mortally injured. I would think that it must have been extremely painful and
frustrating for you to put so much of your heart and professional skills
into what might have appeared to be a futile effort. Please be assured that
your efforts were not in vain.
Because of your professional skills and persistence, you maintained A.J.'s
life long enough for hospital personnel to place him on life support
systems. A.J. survived less than twenty-four hours. Yet that time allowed us
to hold his little hand, sing his favorite songs, read his favorite books,
touch his little body and kiss his sweet lips and tell him how much we love
him one more time in the quiet of a hospital room. The gift of time you gave
also allowed his last moments to be prayerful and gentle, held in his
parents' loving arms as they whispered their goodbyes.
It must be so difficult to know that a young life you struggled so hard to
save was lost. But please file this case under ""highly successful." You
gave this grieving family the wonderful gift of time; a gift that only you
could have given . . . time to say goodbye. We will be forever grateful to
you. With our deepest thanks, love and prayers,
The Family of A.J., age 2,
Sept. 6, 2000 - Dec. 16, 2002
Crew: Capt Tim MacDonald, Lt.
Mark Handzo and MICT Don Schauf
February 26, 2003
A. W. called this morning to say Thank You to the crew that transported
her on Wednesday (2/19/03) from Nature's Way on E. Kellogg. She had a
seizure (her 1st) and could not remember the names of the crew. She said
that she was released from WMC on Friday and is doing well. Great Job guys.
Crew: Lt Steve Latta and MICT Duane
Cook, Medic 33
February 19, 2003
Although I don't know the names of the teams sent to my house I would like
to Thank them none the less for their quick thinking & fast action when it
came to me & my daughter.
On January 30 at 5:25am my husband called 911 because I had, went into
labor & my daughter was already on her way out. My daughter was born at 24
weeks & only weighed 14 oz.
The EMS teams that came to my house not only kept me calm but saved my
daughter's life until they could get her to the hospital. For this me & my
family are eternally grateful.
Our daughter, while still in NICU is fighting.
Without them our miracle wouldn't be a part of our lives. So again thank
you for all you do.
Sincerely, D.C. & Family
Crew: Lt. Monte Baughman and MICT Jennifer Ladd
January 9, 2003
Dear Director Pollan:
In the early evening of
Sunday, January 5th my wife suffered what was beleived to be a heart attack.
My call to the 911 dispatcher resulted in one of your units arriving at my
home in very short order. The two young emergency medical technicians
could not have been better. They immediately took charge and it didn't
take long to convince me they knew what they were about. My wife says
the lady who rode with her to the hospital was a tremendous source of
comfort. Please determine the names of the crew who made this call and
express our gratitude. It is great to know that people who are
pleasant, polite, qualified and professional are available to respond to our
emergency medical needs.
Sincerely,
B.F.S
Wichita, KS
October 31, 2002
To Whom it may Concern,
I just wanted to give Todd and David the Thank You they deserve for
delivering my son E.A.D. @ 15th and Hillside on October 14th, 2002 @ 0740. If
they would not have been at the station when they were, I surely would have
delivered my son in the car on the way to Wesley Birthcare Center.
It was an honor to have my son delivered not by strangers, but by people
who I consider to be peers and co-workers working in the same unmodest
profession I do.
The experience by far will be one of the most unforgettable ones of my
life.
Thank You.
Sincerely,
A. D. MICT
Butler County EMS
Crew: Lt. J. David Reed and MICT Todd Goetz
June 13, 2002
Letter from Wichita State University Department of
Physician Assistant Emergency Services Education. (Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view.)
June 12, 2002
Dear MICT Donald Schaut,
I just wanted to send a note
to say Thank You for all your help you gave when called to our home on the
morning of March 24, 2002.
For a nurse to have to
realize there is "nothing that could be done" is a tough thing especially when
it's your best buddy as Chris was to me.
Thank you for all you do.
God Bless
S.M. and family
Wichita, Sansas
Dear Lt. Mark Handzo,
I just wanted to drop you a
note to say "Thank You" for being so helpful on the morning of March 24, 2002
when you were called to our home. I will always remember sitting on the
barstool on the phone to 911 when you and MICT Schauf came in.
Thank you for all you do.
God Bless
S.M. and family
Wichita, Sansas
February 26, 2002
Chris House
Division EMS training officer 538 N. Main
Wichita, KS 67203
Dear Mr .House :
Thank
you so much for participating in the Wichita Collegiate School Alumni
Association Mentor Program this year. We feel that this program provides an
opportunity for our Collegiate seniors to gain a sense of reality. It also
reminds the students that there is a purpose for the studies they are pursuing
and the college majors upon which they are about to embark.
It would
help our review of this program if you would please complete and return the
attached questionnaire at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
LS
Wichita Collegiate School
February 6, 2002
Sedgwick County Fire Engine 38 and EMS Medic Unit 39.
My
husband and I recently moved back to Wichita after spending 32 years m
Florida, and had forgotten about the ice storms. On Tuesday, January 29th,
soon after the ice had started to accumulate on our drive, my husband decided
to get the mail. He stepped into what he thought was a small puddle of water,
and it turned out to be ice. He fell immediately. He was able to get up and
get back m the house, and about 3 hours later decided it was time
to call for help. I called
911 (for the first time m my life) and received the greatest service one could
ask for. Within minutes (it seemed) the fire rescue service was at our door
with oxygen, heart monitor (my husband has had mitral valve surgery and was
having trouble breathing, which I told the 911 operator), and much kindness.
Shortly thereafter, the ambulance arrived and again -wonderful people who were
so gracious and so helpful.
Today I
am writing a letter to the emergency room staff at Wesley Hospital, but I am m
hopes that you can convey our thanks to the 911 staff and the fire rescue and
ambulance staff - since I have no idea how to do so myself. My husband
suffered 3 broken ribs, and because of the great attention he received, he is
fine.
We have
always loved Wichita - have many good friends here - and plan to spend our
retirement in this beautiful city. Now we know that if we need help, it is
available.
Sincerely,
RJR
Wichita, Kansas
January 30, 2002
Dear Service,
While visiting my lifelong
forever friend who is 96 years old and lives alone, it became necessary for me
to call 911 for assistance early in the morning of Tuesday, January 22. (Pt
Name) did the dreaded for an old person and fell.
I am writing to thank you for
the expert, professional, kind and compassionate help which your (Paramedics)
gave to my dear friend when they answered the call at 1400 North Woodlawn, at
the Highland House. The driver of the ambulance and wonderful in charge guy
Jim LeBaron, a young woman and a young man named Cory were kindly and gently
helpful to my friend and to me. Will you please check your records and convey
our deep appreciation to these three personnel for getting us to St. Francis
Hospital. (Pt Name) broke her scapula. Painful but she is recovering nicely.
Thank you
SF
Leawood, Kansas
From
the Wichita Eagle, September 29, 2001
"Giving
their best
I
read and hear about the great work being done by the Wichita Fire Department
rescue squad and the Emergency Medical Service here in Wichita.
Recently it was necessary for me to call upon them for help by calling
911.
It
seemed I had only gotten the words out of my mouth when these true professionals
arrived and became busy trying to revive my wife.
When you see men sweat profusely in their efforts, you know that they are
giving their best. It wasn't meant
to be.
Thank
you team.
L.F., Wichita"
09/01/01
Letter from Via Christi Regional Medical
Center Burn Unit. (Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view.)
08/29/2001
I wish to express my sincere thanks to 911, the Sedgwick County Emergency
Medical Service personnel, the Valley Center police officers and Wesley Medical
Center's emergency room and nursing staffs for their quick response and
excellent care on several trips to the hospital during my recent, very scary
illness.
You are very much appreciated by me and my family.
SJM
Valley Center
Dear
EMS Crew.
I
don't know your names, but I do know what a terrific job you did when my
grandmother collapsed at the Mid America Indian Center on July 14th. The
gratitude my family feels towards you cannot be expressed in words because we
can enjoy our beloved Grandma a while longer, thanks to you. Your speed,
efficiency, and caring demeanor was truly admirable. I believe that God will one
day reward you in the highest way because of your wonderful work. Very
Sincerely yours,
JT -
Wichita, Kansas
4-15-01
City
of Wichita
This
is the second time I have had a need for your service.
I want to commend the people who cared for me for their excellent help.
They were polite, efficient, and caused me no unnecessary embarrassment.
May the Lord bless all of you in your work.
E.
S.
06/04/2001
Dear Mike Buchanan,
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you and all those involved in the
near drowning accident at my house on May 20th. It was such a whirlwind of
events I didn't get everyone's name, but I believe it was Mark Handzo and
his partner Don Schauf who made the call. They were very kind and
reassuring to me and my family. Before they arrived, I spent some time on the
phone with dispatch. I have no idea who I was talking to but he was a great
comfort to me. When everyone around me was so panicky and hysterical, having a
calm and rational person to talk to, helped me more than he could imagine.
He reiterated all that I had done and was doing and he helped me keep it
together, even with all my training, when something like this happens so
unexpectedly, at your home and to people you love it's a whole different scene!
It was good to have that dispatcher to talk to.
I am curious about something; I know Medic 22 came from in town (it must have
been a busy time), how long was their response time? We hear from patients and
families so often how long is seems to take to get help, it seem like 20 minutes
to me, EMS even arrived before fire. I was just wondering about my
judgment of time during the crisis.
And last but not least, I want to thank you for making the trip out after the
incident to check up on us. I really appreciated the gesture and for the offer
to have someone come out to be with us.
"S" has fully recovered. Although he swims with a life vest now.
Please pass this thanks on to all who were involved. Everyone did a great
job."
Sedgwick County, Kansas
May 24, 2001
Wichita Sedgwick County EMS
538 N Main St Ste 1
Wichita KS 67203-3754
Saving lives is probably an every day occurrence for each of you. I have
never before been in a life threatening situation, and I sincerely hope I
never am again. I can only make this feeble attempt to thank you.
I was at the Old Town hotel in downtown Wichita on May 22, 2001, away from
family and friends when I began to have an allergic reaction to the prescribed
medicine I had taken. The EMS team arrived in record time and immediately
began the procedures that saved my life. I remember thinking I would never see
my kids again, but thanks to your fantastic experts, I will spend many happy
times with them again.
I was unable to obtain the names of the EMS team who rescued me, but I
sincerely hope you will relay my undying (get it?) gratitude to them. How can
you thank anyone for the gift of another day? If there was a way, I wish I
could find it. Until then, from the bottom of my heart, I thank each of you.
Sincerely,
S.G.
Omaha, Nebraska
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