Page 55 - Lubbock Senior Link Magazine Summer 2022 - Online Magazine

FIRST RESPONDERS

program at Texas “Most passers-by don’t an accident. But when atrocities are
Tech University slow down or even move perpetrated on children, that’s the
Health Science over much, and they fly by worst.”
Center in Amarillo. the scene at 60-75 mph. We
have had several close calls, “My career as a firefighter has been
“I would like to especially when it’s icy.” a blessing for me and my family, but
do something it can be trying at times. Like, when
with nursing Paramedics and firefighters you are gone for 24 hours, and that’s
that is related to face huge challenges when a pipe at the house decides to
the [emergency] regularly, danger burst.”
healthcare I am sometimes, and a roller
doing now.” Chris coaster of emotions often. “I work with a dedicated group of
would eventually For example, they once firefighters and EMTs/Paramedics
like to become a rescued a young girl from who work extremely hard to help
Flight Nurse/Paramedic because he inside a burning residence. “We our community. It is part of our job
loves helping people in emergency performed CPR and were able to to risk our lives to help people who
or acute situations. “In order to do get ROSC (Return of Spontaneous may be experiencing the worst time
that, I need a minimum of two years Circulation.)” Tragically, the of their lives.”
of experience in the Emergency celebration was short-lived. The Chris’ passion and dedication is
Department (ED) or Intensive girl did not survive due to smoke obvious. He went almost directly
Care Units (ICUs), and most air inhalation, but her family was able from serving his country to serving
ambulance companies now want to life-gift her organs for others in his community. Having men and
candidates to have a BSN.” need.
women like him as first responders
Chris says the scariest experiences “When children are involved, it’s should help all of us sleep a little
are motor vehicle wrecks on I-40. especially challenging, even if it’s better every night.

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Lubbock Senior Link 55