First responders are an important part of the healthcare team by providing pre-hospital care on-site and during transit to TriStar Portland ER. Because of the strong community ties and partnership with area emergency medical services, the organizations were able to come together to save lives this past winter during one of the most severe storms in decades.
On the evening of January 22, Sumner County EMS received a call to transport a gentleman with severe chest pain and shortness of breath. The Portland Fire Department and paramedics were able to arrive at the man’s home during impassable conditions because of their four-wheel drive capabilities.
“TriStar Portland ER is thankful for area first responders and their commitment to take care of the community,” said Melony Scott, emergency services director at TriStar Portland ER and TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center. “These people risked their lives during a blizzard. Regardless of the inclement weather, when an emergency arises, we can always count on these heroes in our community.”
Sumner County EMS was able to provide intervention and medication to the patient on the way to the ER, ultimately saving the patient’s life. Upon arrival, TriStar Portland nurses and physicians assumed care of the patient.
“I was thankful to see Tommy, an ER nurse at TriStar Portland, waiting at the ambulance doors with a wheelchair, ready to take over care of the patient,” said Brent Dyer, deputy chief of training for Sumner County EMS. “This allowed paramedics to get back in service for another call that came in for a sick adolescent. That kind of teamwork meant the world in a crisis situation and I felt proud knowing we had help so close by with the bad road conditions.”
Throughout the evening, multiple patients who needed immediate care were transported to TriStar Portland ER by Sumner County EMS using four wheel drive trucks and ambulances when possible.
“Having a local ER in our community was a blessing during the snow storm,” said Dyer. “We continue to partner with TriStar Portland to bring emergency care to people who need it when time matters most.”
TriStar Portland ER accommodates more than 11,000 emergency visits each year. Learn more about TriStar Portland emergency services at TriStarPortlandER.com.