Photograph: (L-R) Captain Lenny Collins; Graeme Gilmour, Driver/Operator; Dennis South, WRMC patient and honoree; Leila South, Lieutenant Michael Casanova; Justin Heinrichs, EMT-Paramedic; and Robbin Lee, CEO or WRMC
Wellington Regional Medical Center (WRMC) recently held a “Call of the Quarter” celebration to reunite Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) Engine/Rescue 34 crew with Dennis South, a patient the crew rescued and transported to WRMC. WRMC also recognized PBCFR Engine/Rescue 34 for its continued service to the community.
On March 20, 2018, PBCFR Engine/Rescue 34 responded to South, a 72 year old male, who was unresponsive and experiencing chest pain. The crew quickly assessed the patient and confirmed he was having a heart attack. WRMC was alerted and, setting the hospital team into action, where they prepared for the patient’s arrival and immediate transport to the cardiac catheterization lab.
“Today we celebrate a team that starts before the patient gets to the hospital and continues to work together as the patient receives care within the hospital,” said Robbin Lee, CEO of WRMC. “We are thrilled to celebrate our first Call of the Quarter and reunite a special patient with a special team of people.”
The patient’s care was directed by Emergency Department Physician Jacob Chachkes, M.D. and the cardiac catheterization was performed by Interventional Cardiologist Scott Midwall, M.D., who also attended the reunion. In addition, PBCFR administration, WRMC physicians and nurses, and hospital leadership joined the celebration.
PBCFR Engine/Rescue 34, along with Dr. Chachkes and Dr. Midwall, received commemorative plaques and a reception followed the plaque presentation.
