The watcher became the watched

Last Saturday was my 34th Colorama Parade. I will likely remember this one more than the rest.

I had sat at my vantage point for over an hour before the parade started. It was really hot out.  Just as the first part of the parade reached my location the heat got to me and I passed out.

This is really about our local healthcare providers and how they help us when we have problems.

On the scene almost immediately was Rick Paris and his ambulance crew. While I wasn’t tuned in to much, I remember how pleased I was that Paris was on the scene.  I had watched him over the years and was so impressed with how he conducted himself. Many EMTs have benefited from his leadership.

I was rushed to the hospital, and the fine staff there had me hooked up to a mile of wires. Each person identified themselves and told me what they were doing and why.

My doctors who spent a lot of time with me bringing me up to date on what they were doing, explaining everything along the way.

I believe I went through most of the possible procedures possible. It was a whirlwind experience. Two hours later, things started to settle down.

I can say that every healthcare worker, regardless of what they were doing, was polite and professional. I couldn’t have asked for better care. Even the lady taking blood samples punctured me without even so much as a prickly pain.

All the while I was on my best behavior so I might be in good shape to go home after the half day and night I was at the Coulee Medical Center.

While CMC is a small hospital, the staff goes through all the training needed for what they do.

It is the second time I have been taken to the hospital here for care.

To Rick Paris and his ambulance crew, my doctors and the care of many others who helped me, thank you.

I made it home barely 24 hours later, and in the morning after, I received two calls from people at the hospital, checking to see how I was and if I had any questions.

We are lucky here to have a hospital staffed with such caring people. I will be careful to stay in the shade when my 35th Colorama Parade rolls around.