At the heart of UF Health Shands Hospital are employees who support the well-being of our community with unwavering commitment and compassion. Earlier this year, two paramedics Todd Brooks, RN, and Bryan Goss, RN, experienced an opportunity to go beyond the call of duty while heading to work at the ShandsCair2 Base.
While carpooling on their route to Summerfield, they encountered a severe accident on Interstate 75 involving a semi-truck. Emergency medical services and fire rescue had not yet arrived, but these two trained flight clinicians knew how to help. They stopped and assessed the situation and found that a woman was trapped in her car underneath the semi. Knowing the importance of maintaining airway and c-spine alignment for the victim in this type of situation, Todd climbed into the crushed car to provide support until special equipment could help extricate the victim. While Todd helped the victim in the car under the semi, Bryan tended to others on the scene and then helped the Alachua County emergency response team remove Todd and the victim.
The lead paramedic for the Alachua County Fire Rescue complimented both Todd and Bryan in a personal note stating, “It is a comfort to know we have such capable partners in this job. They were not on duty and had no responsibility to act, other than their kind and caring nature. It is much appreciated.” Several additional notes of appreciation were sent on behalf of the Fire Rescue team.
It is this level of dedication and compassion that extends far beyond the hours of a workday – and truly makes a difference. In honor of Hospital Week, May 10 to 16, we ask that you reflect on a caregiver who has impacted you. A gift in his or her name will thank and encourage those who, like Bryan and Todd, have dedicated their lives to helping others. With your gift, consider leaving a note of thanks to let our UF Health staff know just how much they are appreciated. Thank you for your support.