A Good Samaritan

My mom just died. This is my first real significant loss. I cannot express my gratitude for the support that my family and I have received from this community. It has made all the difference.

The nature of my job puts me out there, in our community. I am the prevention and public information officer and volunteer battalion chief for Key Peninsula Fire. I am also an EMT. I love our community, I love our people, and it makes my heart feel good to work with others to help anyone.

I was on a bereavement day Aug. 8 with my daughter returning from errands needed for her return to college. Heading south on SR 302, we hit traffic at 118th, near Ravensara. I saw a man lying on the other side of the road who seemed to be experiencing a seizure. There was a woman, another driver, on the phone over him. I quickly positioned my car to protect the scene from northbound drivers and got out to help.

I was immediately challenged by a man in the car behind me who did not appreciate my parking.

“You can’t just block traffic like that!”

“I am protecting the patient, sir.”

All part of the job.

I teamed up with another young lady and her companion who had called 911 and was able to provide initial care, gather info, and then assist the KPFD medic team on their arrival with loading the patient. The ambulance crew were not only my co-workers, they were also good friends. They knew I’d just lost my mom, and we acknowledged each other with a familiarity that was like family.