November 23, 2009: Patient Experiences
Dr. Rev. Mary Westfall
Senior Minister Durham Community Church
“I was in my office at the church, working on the computer, while thunder and lightning crashed outside. Lightning struck the church and, we believe, traveled through the heating system, destroying several computers and other electronic equipment throughout the church, and shocking me.
My heart began racing and pounding. My thoughts were fuzzy, and I felt a tightness and pressure in my chest. I was frightened.
We called 911, and McGregor Memorial EMS was there almost immediately (accompanied by the Durham Fire Dept.) I felt very confident and reassured by the skill and knowledge of the McGregor Paramedic and EMT who came to my aid. I deeply appreciate the quality of care, the sensitivity and compassion, and the reassuring presence exhibited by the McGregor EMTs. The compassionate ‘bed side manner’ of these professionals helped calm my fears. The town should be proud of their fine service. They have my deep thanks.
Since being struck by lighting, I have learned more about the dangers of using electronic equipment during a thunderstorm. The American Red Cross advises that it is dangerous to use a telephone, computer or other electronic appliances during a thunderstorm. In my case, it is believed that the lightening travelled through the heating system and into my chair.
This was not the first time that McGregor Memorial EMS had provided skillful and compassionate care to me and my family. In 1999, shortly after joining the Community Church as pastor, I became severely ill following ingestion of seafood containing toxic bacteria. As the reaction became worse, breathing and swallowing became difficult. I called 911 and received attention immediately. Once again, during that incident, the skill, swiftness, compassion and professionalism of the McGregor EMTs was an immense help. They assessed my condition and quickly got me to the hospital where I was successfully treated. That was the first time I had ever ridden in an ambulance and the first time I needed emergency medical attention. Knowing our community had a team that could respond to quickly provide the care that was needed was truly reassuring. I never would have guessed that I would be in a position, twice in my life already, to need this kind of care, but am so grateful it is available. I have great respect and admiration for these professionals and hope our community knows how fortunate we are."
Background
The Rev. Mary Westfall has been part of the Durham community for almost twenty years. She currently serves as the Senior Minister at the Durham Community Church. For nine years, she served at the University of New Hampshire as the Executive Director of the United Campus Ministry and Chaplain.
The daughter of a Presbyterian minister, Mary grew up in Colorado, attended seminary and after graduation served for several years at a church on Manhattan's Upper West Side. Then, she wanted to make a change, and a good vision caught her.
“In 1990, at my first interview, I fell in love with the UNH campus," she remembers. In 1996, she helped organize a conference entitled "The Greening of Faith: God, the Environment and the Good Life." The conference turned out to be a launch point for her search for a Ph.D. program.
"I wanted to connect religion, theology, the environment and ethical issues," she explains. "So many programs were just one or the other." Ultimately, Mary chose UNH's interdisciplinary natural resources program. By then, she had become pastor of Durham Community Church. "I loved working with students, and I wanted to bring spiritual questions to academic life," she says.
Now as pastor of the Community Church of Durham, UCC, Mary enjoys being back in a faith community while also remaining connected to the academic community. "When I arrived in Durham in 1990," notes Mary,” I was not sure how long my family and I would stay since all of our family still lives in the west. But over that time I have come to deeply value and appreciate the sense of community that exists here and the amazing quality of life that is possible. We are grateful to feel so at home here and look forward to many great years ahead."
Elizabeth Finnegan
Durham Resident
“In 1948, I was working in the UNH library when I experienced some unusual pains. On arriving home, my husband took me to Dr. McGregor. He quickly administered tests then drove me to the Exeter Hospital where he removed my appendix.
His response was one which I associate today with the McGregor Memorial EMS. On two occasions in my later life I have called for help and was confident that you would respond quickly. All of the professionally trained people on duty at those times provided with reassurance and compassion immediate attention to my needs which were relayed to the hospital.
After 24 years with the births of eight children and living as an Air Force family in the US, Europe and the Far East I can only say the night that I was in dire straits with a pacemaker which failed to work your rapid response to our call for help has to be one of the most memorable experiences. Thank you so much.”
Other Patient Experiences:
“I felt I was in good hands—and safe if anything were to go wrong on the way to the ER… They were wonderful—worked hard to make me feel at ease” Call # 07-0659
“About those two young men, I have but 'Thank you' and thank God… I think they were wonderful and wish we had more young people like them. So from me, they get an A+ in every way.” Call # 07-0995
“I cannot speak highly enough concerning the complete professionalism of the people of the ambulance corps.” Call # 06-428
“All excellent. Dr. McGregor would be proud. We are.” Call #: 06-076
“The crew was the nicest, professional group of people I could have expected. They introduced themselves, explained everything and went out of their way to be warm and compassionate. I am so grateful to them; please let them know that…Thank you!” Call # 06-079
“I credit the ambulance crew that responded that night with helping to save my life. I will be forever grateful. Their timely response and exceptional treatment of me resulted in allowing the hospital staff to quickly diagnose my problem (heart attack) and treat me accordingly…Please convey my deepest appreciation to these wonderful people as I remain forever in their debt.” Call # 06-258
“I became ill at my sister’s house she immediately called McGregor EMT’s. Your response time was extremely quick and I was afforded the best possible care at the house before going to Wentworth-Douglas Hospital and also in the ambulance. This was my first experience in an ambulance and I was made quite comfortable and was reassured that everything would be all right. It’s comforting to know that my sister lives in an area where such TLC is given to everyone in need. Please keep up the good work as you are very much needed and appreciated for all that you do.” Call # 06-692
“I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks for the wonderful treatment I received. I was having a severe heart palpitation that I could not reduce by slow breathing when my department called 911. The response seemed almost instantaneous and many of my colleagues have remarked at how quickly the ambulance arrived since that incident.
[The EMT] was very soothing, but kept me informed of what she was doing and what was happening. I like information, so this was perfect. I knew what was happening that they were trying to get my heart rate down a bit and stabilized before transporting, and what they were giving me to make this happen. She also was very gentle with getting the IV/medication into my system. They both kept checking in on how I was doing while taking my blood pressure and administering the medication. As frightened as I was, I knew they would do their utmost for me…
Please extend my appreciation to your team for their efforts and for the wonderful care they provided. It made a frightening experience that much easier to handle. Thank you very much.” Call# 06-0251
“Because of the quick response, I feel as though my daughter was getting the best quality care. She was extremely frightened and was calmed by these professionals whose concern at all times was my daughter. I love them!
In the extreme heat of the day, the situation, and the unknown seriousness of the accident, these EMT’s who responded so quickly were not only courteous, professional, and caring, but also were very calming for the accident victim. They also made sure to stop in to see my daughter before they left the hospital. They spoke directly to her about being brave and doing everything they asked her to do perfectly. They took the time, which is a rare commodity these days.” Call # 07-0895
