Discover the impact of declining volunteer numbers on ambulance squads with the retirement of Bob VanCoughnett.
Emergency medical technician Bob VanCoughnett sprang into action upon receiving a call about a possible stroke victim at 14 Grange Avenue in Adams, upstate New York. VanCoughnett immediately recognized the address as belonging to Kevin Fuller, a familiar patient who frequently requires medical assistance due to his excessive alcohol consumption. Despite the challenging nature of the call, VanCoughnett approached it with his usual professionalism and compassion.
Kevin Fuller, a 65-year-old man, lives with his wife, Valarie, in a second-floor apartment near the ambulance squad headquarters. The couple often relies on emergency services for various health issues, making them well-known to VanCoughnett and his team. As they arrived at the scene, a rundown house on a hill, the summer heat added to the urgency of the situation.
VanCoughnett and his team wasted no time in assessing Kevin’s condition and providing the necessary medical care. Despite the familiarity of the situation, each call is treated with the same level of importance and dedication by VanCoughnett and his fellow emergency medical technicians. Their commitment to serving the community and helping those in need is evident in their swift response and professional demeanor.
As they transported Kevin to the hospital for further treatment, VanCoughnett reflected on his decades-long relationship with the Fuller family and the unique challenges they face. Each call serves as a reminder of the importance of their work and the impact they have on the lives of individuals like Kevin and Valarie.
In a small town like Adams, the role of emergency medical technicians like Bob VanCoughnett is crucial in providing timely and effective care to those in need. Their dedication to their work and the community is evident in their quick response times and compassionate approach to each situation they encounter.
Despite the often difficult and demanding nature of their job, VanCoughnett and his team remain committed to serving the residents of Adams with professionalism and empathy. Their efforts help to ensure that individuals like Kevin Fuller receive the care they need in times of crisis, highlighting the vital role that emergency medical technicians play in keeping communities safe and healthy.
Source: The NY Times
