Local 307 Members Aid Family in Time of Need
August 12, 2011
EMS professionals constantly surprise the public, exceeding their duties by putting in the extra time and effort to give back to those in need. Members of IAEP Local R12-307 with the Douglas County Fire District #2 in Roseburg, Oregon, are a prime example—they not only revived a man with a diabetic problem, but proceeded to make him lunch and give money out of their own pockets to provide food for the man to eat for the next several days.
The EMTs responded to a call on Plateau Street in North Roseburg, where a diabetic man was unconscious and not responding. He was given an IV and slowly began to recover. Since he was diabetic, the team knew that he also needed food to fuel his system. The man claimed to not have any food in his house and wouldn’t be able to buy any until he was paid in a couple of days.
Brian Burke, one of the EMTs responding to the call, told local media the team collected some of their own money to put towards the man’s situation. Burke said that his employers are kind enough to give them the opportunity to help people in need when they see an emergency situation.
The team went back to the man’s house and helped the family by making some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, also bringing pancake mix and other items for the house. Battalion Chief Rob Bullock told local media he was impressed with how the team handled the situation.
“We are so proud to see a team go above and beyond and bring positive light to such an unfortunate situation,” said IAEP National Representative Greg Behan. “It’s great to see them look after the community even after the emergency is over and I know the family is grateful for what the medical crew did for them.”
Click here to view local coverage of the incident.