Courage of emergency medical techs increases people's odds of surviving

Story and photos by Shiloh Crawford III
Diversity Institute Fellow

09.13.02

Printer-friendly page

The EMS vehicle

Editor's note: Diversity Institute Fellow Shiloh Crawford III, a news photographer, rode several times with an Emergency Medical Services crew in Nashville, Tenn., in summer 2002 during the inaugural session of the Diversity Institute. His story and photos chronicle the work of one team's dedication to the life-saving service they perform.

Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, many people appear to appreciate more the courage of the rescue workers who respond to 911 emergency calls.

David Lockyear

According to paramedics, however, many others still take for granted the efforts of men and women who put their lives on the line in response to 911 calls.

Pat Caruthers, David Lockyear and Kevin West are paramedics with the Metro Fire Department Medic Unit 11 in Nashville, Tenn.

As part of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), they use their emergency-response skills to provide medical care and frequently save the lives of Davidson County residents who need their help every day.

West grew up in a family of public servants. His father and uncles have been police officers.

“There was something about public service that piqued my interest,” said West, who has been a paramedic for more than eight years.

Kevin West

“It’s just the pure fact of knowing when I go home at night, I’ve done something to help someone that day,” West said.

Lockyear’s first experience with EMS occurred when he was shooting independent video footage of the fire department. That exposure led him to take emergency medical technician classes.

Now, after seven years with EMS, Lockyear says the work is still always rewarding.

Pat Caruthers

“Whether someone lives or dies in a bad call is not up to us, but we can increase the odds,” Lockyear said.

For Caruthers, even after eight years in EMS, dealing with small children on emergency calls is still the hardest part of the job.

He remembers his first call — a motor-vehicle accident in which three children were killed.

Paramedics tend to an old man having trouble breathing.

“I don’t think there was anything anyone could do,” Caruthers said.

“It was horrific and it’s one of the pressures of being a paramedic that the public doesn’t understand or appreciate,” added Caruthers.

These paramedics say they always look forward to going to their jobs — because they get to be part of a team that does life-changing work.

“If you like the people with whom you work," said Lockyear, "you can do anything and work anywhere."

“That’s the most important part” of the job, he added.

Related

Articles, photos by 2002 Diversity Institute Fellows
Collection page for articles written by 2002 Diversity Institute Fellows.  07.23.02