PAX Centurion - March / April 2013

Page 34 • PAX CENTURION • March/April 2013 617-989-BPPA (2772) THE BOSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT PEER SUPPORT UNIT We are a peer-driven support program for police officers and their families. Our program is completely confidential and is available to ALL police officers and their families. Group or individual help with handling family and life issues, alcohol, drugs, anger and domestic issues. Referral for specialist as needed. 251 River Street, Mattapan, MA 02126 Office: 617-598-7888 (M-F 9 am-5 pm) Off-Hours, On-Call Peer Counselor: 617-343-4680 Sometimes even WE need a little help from our friends! In honor of our EMS members Boston EMS Corner: Eric McDevitt, C73 EMTs among us M ost EMTs and Paramedics at Boston EMS approach their jobs with a great deal of humility, and dismiss the no- tion that they are anything beyond the norm. To them, it’s just ‘work’. Nothing special, just work. It’s what we do for a living. Just like everyone else in the City. Well, most everyone. While working, EMTs are a valuable resource, and take many sick and injured people to the hospital, as a matter of routine. EMTs at Boston EMS do not realize the value they represent to their communities even when off duty. One only has to look at events on the overcast afternoon of Sunday February 3 rd at the Cronin Rink in Revere Mass. EMT Rafael Del Razo had taken his daughter skating for the first time. While teaching his young daughter to skate, the Del Razos had to exit the ice for the Zamboni to do its circuit. As the pair exited the ice, Del Razo heard a thump noise behind him. Whirling around, he saw the young woman behind him had slipped and fallen on the icy surface, and had struck her head, causing a serious head injury. EMT Del Razo sprang into action, stopping the anxious rink’s staff from standing her up, helping to keep the victim still, and carefully protecting her from hypothermia with his own jacket. As they waited for help to arrive, he stayed by her side, reassuring her, and gathered her information for the arriving EMS crew. Had Rafael not been there, the outcome of this incident could have been quite differ- ent. Examples such as this occur with some regularity, but you wouldn’t know it from reading the paper of watching the news. EMS members and their department seldom get any credit, and when they do, they typically downplay their role. To them, it’s just ‘work.’ Nothing special, just work. Likewise, local com- munities probably don’t realize how lucky they are to have dedicated EMTs like Del Razo in their midst. As little Miss Del Razo was reunited with her dad at the side of the rink as the injury victim was transported to the hospital, she knew, and I’m sure, was very proud of her dad. – Ed McCarthy I n honor of some of the finest individuals who have spent over half their lives protecting and saving more lives than one can ever count, The Boston EMS membership would like to say thank you to the following individuals who were able to hang up their Trauma Shears and Stethoscopes after their last tour of duty. In Memoriam T he BEMS family would also like to extend their condolences to the family members of Lt. Paul Colon (retired) who passed on February 8 2013. Lt. Paul Colon served the citizens of the City of Boston and Beyond for over 46 years retiring in 1990. His mentoring and knowledge that he bestowed on members of this department who had the privilege of knowing him helped to develop many young EMTs character for their career here at Boston EMS and beyond. Thank you Paul.You will be missed by your family here at Boston EMS. Lieutenant John Healey October 20, 1976 - March 29, 2013 Paramedic Gary Safer July 1, 1979 - December 12, 2012 Captain Linda Kanavich December 2, 1979 - January 31, 2013 Captain Peter Holland June 16, 1979 - January 31, 2013