Above and Beyond: TCMH Employees Provided Roadside Assistance

Texas County Memorial Hospital’s Ray Bruno, FNP, Jason Steelman, EMS, and Aaron Petersen, EMS, received the sincerest thanks from patient Jeramy Lee of Bucyrus after they demonstrated exceptional care and professionalism in rendering roadside assistance.

Jeramy was involved in a motor vehicle accident on her way to work in September.

“That morning, it was raining with bursts of extremely heavy downpour. I was on Highway 63, approaching the downward curve just before Twin Bridges, just as the skies opened, dumping buckets of rain. At the same time, I lost all visibility, my car lost traction, and I started to hydroplane. I ended up crossing the center line, rolling twice, and ending up facing Houston in the opposite ditch,” shared Jeramy.

Fortunately, her phone was connected to the vehicle and automatically dialed 911. A car pulled over to check on the accident as the call connected. Almost immediately, a sheriff’s deputy also pulled over, and after they checked the scene for safety, both men approached the car.

The men got out in the pouring rain and headed towards her, continued Jeramy, “TCMH family nurse practitioner, Ray Bruno, was the first vehicle that stopped; he and the deputy cut away my side airbags, and Mr. Bruno climbed into the car with me to assess my condition. I have previously been seen as a patient by Mr. Bruno, and his familiar face and calm demeanor were helpful then, but very much so this morning. While waiting for an ambulance, he sat dripping wet in my car, making himself late for work to make sure I was okay and to offer any assistance needed.

“This goes above and beyond his normal ‘doctor’ duties. I appreciate him stopping and being there with me. You have an excellent and kind gentleman on your staff, and I want to pass on my thanks,” Jeramy said.

She continued, “Jason Steelman (EMS) and Aaron Petersen (EMS), with the ambulance, made sure I was safely out of my vehicle and taken to the hospital. They were so calm and helpful, taking good physical care of me.”

After arriving at the hospital, Jeramy’s care continued in the emergency room, which quickly sent her for imaging.

“In the imaging (Radiology) department, Kristy McCown and Lori Dailing took excellent care of me,” said Jeramy. “Getting a CT scan and x-rays while injured can be painful, but they took the time to ensure I was as comfortable as possible. They explained each procedure and allowed me time to make the transitions slowly without rushing or showing impatience.

“One of the great things about a local hospital is knowing the people caring for you; these ladies are no different.

“Thank you for hiring excellent staff and employees who go above and beyond,” concluded Jeramy.

Thank you, Jeramy, for trusting TCMH and our staff with your healthcare. We’re thankful that all is well and that we could be of service.

For additional healthcare information at TCMH, call 1-866-967-3311 or visit us at www.tcmh.org