Hero: A man or woman of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his or her brave deeds and noble qualities. Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary [In my way of thinking, this doesn't include some guy standing out in right field, scratching his tailbone for a million-two a year. . . . Please forgive me a little rant, here. . . . ed.] This is the first of several articles dealing with those people in our community that you hardly ever see until you're looking up out of an overturned vehicle or you can smell an awful lot of smoke. While the firemen, police officers and EMS people in New York on 9/11 cannot be praised enough for their sacrifices, we shouldn't forget our own heroes—men and women who serve us here in times of great need—the members of our volunteer fire department, EMS personnel, including First Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics and the members of our local police departments. I was a Paramedic at Grady Hospital in Atlanta for four years and believe me; they can't pay anyone enough to do these jobs. It requires men and women who are dedicated caregivers, willing to sacrifice in many ways to serve the people of their community. I visited the Levy County Emergency Medical Service Station just over the number 4 bridge and left at the power station. I spoke with Jeff Turner and Eli Ingram, who were on duty at the time. They graciously took time to talk with me and show me their facilities. 
Medics Jeff Turner and Eli Ingram show off their equipment
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The EMS equipment was up to date (better than we had at Grady) and spotlessly maintained. All EMS trucks in Levy County are in the Advanced Life Support category, which means that they are staffed with a paramedic and an EMT and have all the necessary drugs and equipment to provide complete life support for even the most critical cases. Their communication equipment allows them to be in constant contact with the hospital medical staff during the trip to the facility. Consistency in treatment is assured by medical protocols and procedures established by the Service's Medical Director. Of the six EMS units constantly on duty in Levy County, one ambulance is designated to transport non-emergency patients to local hospitals. All the rest are stictly for emergencies.
Inside the ambulance, looking at the 12-lead EKG and defibrillator equipment
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The next time you see the orange and white truck cruising the streets of Cedar Key, give them a friendly wave and hope that you never need them, even though they are always near. | 