This letter was written by one of the flight medics that took care of the North Charleston Firefighter flown to MUSC for injuries sustained in todays fire. He graciously let me post it here for all to see. Thanks to the OMNIFLIGHT crew for a job well done!
Dear Chief Gregory A. Bulanow,
Today I had an unfortunate meeting with one of your finest. I’ll call him “Bob”. Even through his pain he was able to describe his actions that may have helped save a couple of his brothers from certain injury. Since he had suffered a fall, our first concern was for any traumatic injuries, then we could focus on his burns. We gave him a good amount of pain medication during the flight and kept monitoring his mental status. We were aware of the rapid spreading of information (some true, some exaggerated) about the incident, but had no idea what we would encounter upon landing.
After landing with the helicopter, we placed him in an ambulance for the short drive to MUSC’s Trauma Center. He voiced concerns about his wife and her “expecting”. He continued to fight off the pain he was still feeling in his hand.
We then arrived at MUSC. As the rear doors of the ambulance opened, our fears of an onslaught of people were immediately met with Bob’s “brothers”. Fellow firefighters were gathered at the back of the ambulance. NONE of these professionals were pushy nor demanding. Instead, they calmly offered help. Gently grasping an IV bag and making eye contact with me, asking if I wanted him to squeeze the bag. Another at John’s left ear letting him know they were there for him. At least 8 others gathered around but in no way obstructed our path. Assisting, but being very cautious. Offering to make phone calls for Bob, letting people know he was “ok”.
I simply wanted to drop you this note to say how PROUD I was to be a part of Bob’s care. The professionalism and compassion shown by Bob’s “family” at the entrance to the Trauma center was moving to say the least. I only recognized one face and can put the name Michael to it. Being a Firefighter myself (about 20+ years ago), it gave me a good feeling to witness the brotherhood called the North Charleston Fire Department.
From the Landing Zone in the Super Kmart parking lot, to the doors of the Trauma Center, I can assure you Chief Bulanow, you have a group of dedicated, professional, and yet compassionate individuals. As of this note I understand Bob is on his way to Augusta for further treatment of his burns. I salute you sir AND your loyal employees.
Today’s events, although catastrophic in some people’s eyes, renewed my faith in this family called “The Brotherhood”.
Sincerely,
Rich Cooper, Flight Paramedic
Omniflight Helicopters – Charleston, SC
Other Crew Members on this flight:
Rosemary Harrell, Flight Nurse
John VonRosenberg, Flight Paramedic (Orientee)
Tom Cutcliffe, Pilot
Also on SConFire…
- Greyhound Bus vs. Log Truck – November 30, 2010
- Explosion Sends Man to Burn Center – January 5, 2011
- St. Andrews FF’s Work Horrific MVA – November 10, 2011
- SC Highway Patrol Probing Crash That Killed EMS Patient – October 12, 2011
HERE’S TO A SPEEDY RECOVERY OF THE BROTHERS HURT AT THE FIRE YESTERDAY… I HOPE THE DEPARTMENT CONDUCTS AN AFTER INCIDENT REVIEW TO LEARN ALL IT CAN FROM THIS NEAR TRAGEDY. NCFD HAS ALWAYS HAD A STRONG BROOTHERHOOD OF DEDICATED PEOPLE… I HOPE GRANT AND THE GANG KEEPS EVERONE UPDATED ON THE PROGRESS OF THE THREE BROTHERS RECOVERY.
Thank you Richard for your letter of praise for our brother John. On behalf of John’s family, we really appreiciate all the care that was given to him yesterday. John has and will always be our hero. Being a fireman has always been his dream. We are grateful the other fireman who were with John are safe and we have them in our prayers. We are so proud of his bravery and everyone who serves with him. Thank you to the North Charleston fire department and all the medics who were their for him yesterday. We apprieciate all that you do and please stay safe. John’s wife is expecting, so please keep John, Olivia and their child in your prayers.
Kelly Bolton Cummings on belhalf The Boltons, Guesses, Cummings, Diglios and Burbines Families.
To the flight crew and the EMS personnel that responded to help Bob. I am a close friend of Bob and his wife. I want to express my deepest thanks for taking great care of him. I work for the Charleston Fire Dept. I want to say thanks for everything you did that day and everything you do everyday to take care of us.
Bill Haigler
President
Charleston Firefighters Association
IAFF Local 61
Thanks for what yall do and for a job well done.If we ever need you and hope we wont ever we know we are in the best of care.
As a current flight paramedic and still volunteer firefighter, I wish Bob and his brothers a speedy and complete recovery. And to the flight crew a heartfelt thanks for service.
As John’s mother, I would like to express my deep thanks for what you did for him and the other injured firefighter. John, came through surgery very well, and know he will be anxious to get back to work. I want to thank all his fellow firefighters for their prayers and well wishes.