An American EMT – Well done, sir.

American All Call

An American EMT – Well done, sir.
By Sam Frescoe, Veteran’s Recall
samfrescoe@gmail.com
http://veterans-recall.blogspot.com/

 

On my honor I will seek what is right, do what is right, and stand by those who do right. – The American Honor Code

An American’s life is sacred. – American Moral Code

I will appreciate, respect, dignify, and esteem my fellow Americans as myself. – The American Ethic

Everyone is singularly responsible for their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. – American Personal Responsibility

May I have your attention!

On 28 October 2015, Qwasi Reid, a New York EMT, while transporting a nursing home patient elected to discard the direction of his employer to render aid to a 7-year-old school girl in an attempt to save her life. While transporting a nursing home patient, Mr. Reid was approached by a man at a road intersection with an active medical emergency. Qwasi Reid assessed the situation, and while under intense pressure to the contrary, elected to give the active situation priority attention. With disregard to his own well-being, and the urges of his partner to not render aid, Mr. Reid departed the back doors of his vehicle and administered first aid to the girl who was choking and not breathing. Mr. Reid, you are an honorable American. Thank you for your service.

Additionally, on 28 October 2015, a frantic man flagged down medical assistance at a co-located stop signal in order to acquire emergency medical services for a 7-year-old girl that was choking and not breathing. With disregard for his own well-being, and with no assistance from bystanders, this man entered a traffic intersection to secure immediate help for another human being. Sir, you are an honorable American. Thank you.

Finally, on 28 October 2015, Noelia Echavarria, a 7-year-old girl, began choking on her lunch while at a school. During the course of her struggle she stopped breathing prior to receiving emergency medical assistance. Noelia fought for her life until overcome by her circumstance. To the family and loved ones of Noelia Echavarria, please accept my deepest sympathies and condolences.

I’d like to extend a personal “thank you” to Edmund DeMarche for bringing this to the nation’s attention.

 

Postscript

On 28 October 2015, the ambulance partner of Qwasi Reid, upon learning of an ongoing emergency medical situation, elected to not render aid and went so far as to tell the representative of the victim that they could not offer assistance because they were transporting a nursing home patient. To the partner, in my opinion, your actions on that day were dishonorable, immoral and unethical. In so far as I am concerned, you are singularly responsible for your decision.

On/Near 28 October 2015, Assist Ambulance, a New York ambulance service, suspended Qwasi Reid because he stopped his ambulance when not authorized by the company dispatch in violation of company policy without regard for Mr. Reid’s actions in attempting to save the life of a child. Additionally, Assist Ambulance elected not to suspend Mr. Reid’s assigned partner as the partner resisted rendering aid. To Assist Ambulance, in my opinion, your actions on that day were dishonorable, immoral and unethical. In so far as I am concerned, you are singularly responsible for your decisions.