Editor’s note: This isn’t a “big” news story. Or a dramatic rescue. Of all the articles we post on EMS1, this may appear pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of things. But, in this case, we decided to break convention a little by reposting this “letter to the editor” first published in a small newspaper in Pa. For us, it carries a powerful message, one that proves the little things EMS providers do day in, day out across the country really do make a difference to people’s lives. And that they remember them.
Letters Page
Intelligencer Journal
LANCASTER, Pa. — I’m 99 years old and fell a few times. First, in the house, I broke my knee. Second time in the yard and I broke two vertebrae in my neck. Third time, I broke my hip.
My neighbor called the ambulance and saved my life — three times. I lay a few hours on the ground. They got me in the house.
They were wonderful. They put heated towels on my chest and feet and quilt over that. I fell taking down the laundry (the emergency responders took the laundry down too).
I guess it was hypothermia. My neighbor called me the next day to see if I was OK. My son lives in New Jersey. I did not want to go to the hospital as it was dark, and I didn’t want to frighten him.
The hospital said I had a mini-stoke. My neighbor across the street helped make my bed. I have my good neighbors to thank and the emergency responders for doing such a good job and giving so much help. I’m sure God was with me.
Naomi Travis Reinholds
Copyright 2012 Lancaster Newspapers, Inc.