Calling all EMS photographers! EMS1 wants to see pictures of you in action or training. Submit a photo — it could be selected as our Photo of the Week! Be sure to include your name, department information and some background on the photo.
This week’s Photo of the Week comes from VCU Health Flight Nurse and EMT Jamie Graff, who was part of the Virginia State Police MedFlight 1 team that rescued a 3-year-old girl after she went missing last month.
In the photo taken by Graff, Chesterfield County Firefighter-Paramedic Nik Ronesi holds the toddler, who got lost in the woods after chasing after her family’s dog, as she is flown to safety on MedFlight 1, piloted by Virginia State Police Aviation 1st Sergeant-Pilot Jeff Bush.
“We located her in a very swampy area with her dog. We landed in a nearby field and the two of us hiked thru the swamp (sometimes chest deep) to get to her. She was cold and ran to us when she saw us. Nik never had time to put his mask on (at the time we didn’t wear them on every patient),” Graff told EMS1 in an email. “We wrapped her in the isolation gown I had in my pocket for warmth, loaded her in the aircraft, and flew her back to her family, landing in their side yard. I love the photo and (it) shows the sacrifice and dedication of EMS providers and how patients are always our priority.”
According to a statement from the Virginia State Police, Ronesi had spotted the fluorescent collar of the dog, a yellow Lab, from the air.
“We did try to convince her dog to get in the aircraft but he was not having it,” Graff said, “but he made his way back home safely.”
