PULSE Magazine | June/July 2018 Issue PE

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EXCELLENT

Holly Craghead & Daniel Owens

On February 21, 2018 officers were dispatched to a crash with serious injury call on W. Slaughter Lane. The crash involved an 18-year-old female who had swerved her vehicle to avoid a vehicle collision, went up on the curb, and struck a 16-year-old male who was walking on the sidewalk. The male was seriously injured. The female driver remained on scene and was extremely upset and in shock. Officers immediately called for Crisis to which I responded. The female’s parents had also come to the scene. The female stated that she was feeling numb and contemplating suicide. She refused EMS stating that she did not deserve it. She was non-communicative at times and appearing to shut own. Her mother expressed concern for her and requested that EMS be called back to the scene to have her evaluated. While I spoke to the female, she shared several non-related stressors with me. I spoke to Officer Brown and informed him of my concern with the female making suicidal comments and he agreed to evaluate her. EMS personnel arrived at this time as well. While I was dealing with other issues on scene, the female went with Officer Brown, Medic Craghead and Medic Owens into the ambu- lance. I joined the conversation later and the female was no longer non-communicative and talking with all the personnel. I sat with them as we all provided support to the female. Officer Brown was relatable to the female and empathic as he explained his role and offering to get her appropriate help. It took a while before the female would admit to suicidal ideation. Officer Brown was very patient, waiting while I counseled with her regarding the non-related stressors understanding the need to give the female the time she needed to process. Medic Craghead and Medic Owens displayed genuine empathy and compassion to the female. They truly listened to her to support her and address her needs while offering education about what she was experiencing due to the trauma of the crash. They took the time to discuss future goal setting and positive outlook, which encouraged the female. All personnel were patient, kind, helpful and provided great service to the female. They each gave her the appropriate amount of time she needed to establish rapport and feel safe to express her feelings. It was apparent by the female’s demeanor and confidence as she left the ambulance that there was a significant impact resulting from their care. These first responders exemplified that night the service that our community expects and deserves.

Melby H. APD Victim Services

St. David's Round Rock Medical Center and four of our ATCEMS Medics were reunited with patients who survived their injuries from significant motor vehicle collisions back in early 2017. This heartfelt reunion between the patients, their moms and our medics was amazing. They were able to tell their stories and share some of the moments during their care. A sense of peace and gratefulness was definitely present. Congratulations Medic-34: Kevin Delashmit, George Bunting, District Command-2: Bryan Fitzpatrick Medic-10: Kristy Canales & Brandon McGarrh Medic-19: Marcos Lara, Jonathan Milburn & Chris Montgomery, District Command-2 Temple Thomas

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