Fallen Wyo. paramedic was ‘compassionate,’ ‘kind,’ witness says

By Laura French

CASPER, Wyo. — A Wyoming paramedic who died from a cardiac arrest while at the scene of a fatal car crash was “very nice and compassionate,” according to a truck driver who stopped to help with the crash.

The Wyoming Fire Chiefs’ Association posted on Facebook announcing Wamsutter Ambulance Service Paramedic Mike Wilder died in the line of duty on Saturday.

https://www.facebook.com/Wyofirechiefs/posts/2250974781669086?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDRkIltaRjcSl7A1Kxe4Olruvg6IfzmaaXtjPqO0Y5Gq8xriGA_5MCt4XzOHmkbrx0YHHpuekFPRAlL4gr1yfJzriz6grNGLq_QcR2STdGACHIuZ5ugif8DTbO0MalJ6CMeK_qUvSL_CWdYCVQgdAlAaq6N994VQJgp8NH10ReF0PblXhzsAz586rkC4OpDdAqFTjSvZ6OdmgI5tuLEMxRJWlyRdXOcx5M3Yd3AVUlxC8l-8fVt2AVLcSJV5cS_vul6ff_pZp6pDBzu_0A26JvGUnnvnl8lySj-jdYfRebHR9sEMXu4p3ifWQkTaYWcXqfIFpIhgiIzwB5KdKhlVw&__tn__=-R

Irvin Derington, a truck driver and Marine veteran, commented on the post saying Wilder had also assisted him during the incident.

“I ended up cutting up my hand on the door while trying to pull it open. The paramedic that died wrapped my hand,” Derington told Oil City News.

Derinton said on Facebook that Wilder was “very nice and compassionate.” He said he and four other motorists had stopped to help with the crash that killed a 60-year-old man.

“He was very nice and caring towards me and the victims,” Derington said.

Memorial services for Wilder will be held on Jan. 25, Wamsutter town officials announced on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/townofwamsutter/photos/a.402455047239031/619425488875318/?type=3&theater