Phoenix Children’s and First Responders Celebrate Emergency Medical Services for Children Day with Reunions
Phoenix (May 18, 2012) – Governor Jan Brewer has proclaimed Emergency Medical Services for Children Day – Wednesday, May 23. To celebrate EMS first responders - Phoenix Children’s Hospital is honoring them by reuniting them with the children they rescued.
A reunion event is planned at Phoenix Children’s hospital with two young patients just outside the Emergency Department at Phoenix Children’s, 1919 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix at 10:00 a.m. Pediatric emergency staff from Phoenix Children’s and survivors of pediatric trauma, along with their EMS providers, are gathering to acknowledge and honor specific police and fire department team members who have proved their dedication and contributed to child safety and injury prevention. On hand to be interviewed are physicians, pediatric specialists, responders and survivors.
During the program, trauma patient 4-year-old Alonzo Trinidad will reunite with members of the Phoenix Fire Department and fireman David Follet who responded when he was terribly injured in early May. Alonzo, was rushed to Phoenix Children's Hospital when he tripped and fell at his preschool while holding Rhythm Sticks. Alonzo was impaled in his left eye, narrowly missing his optic nerve. Thanks to the quick response of Phoenix Fire, doctors are expecting Alonzo to make a full recovery and have normal sight.
Toddler Richard Knott Jr. and his family will also be reunited with the first responders who saved Richard’s life in a near-drown incident on April 4th., Richard’s parents found their then 21-month-old floating face-down in the family’s swimming pool. Richard had no pulse, but as his parents were driving him to the fire station they pulled over when they saw a police car in a driveway on the way. Eloy police officer Kendall Wright, who was off-duty at the time, immediately began CPR on Richard. An ambulance soon arrived and other paramedics took over and rushed the toddler to Casa Grande Medical Center, where he was immediately airlifted to Phoenix Children’s. Although Richard had no pulse for 26 minutes, he is making a complete recovery - thanks to the skills of an off duty police officer- he survived.
The families of both boys welcome the opportunity to reunite with their first responders and express their gratitude for giving their children a second chance at life.
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Media Contact:
Jane Walton
602-546-5871
