Crisis and tragedy
bring out courage and compassion
To the editor:
It is often said that great crisis and great tragedy can bring out the very best in who we are as a people. No one could have imagined the experience that Cary Medical Center’s emergency room staff and other hospital personnel were going to have the morning of November 20th.
At around 8 a.m. when the Mass Casualty Plan was paged overhead we all thought it was another drill. But as soon as I walked out of a meeting into the main lobby of the hospital I knew this time it was different.
As the fire victims, including the three young children, were brought into the Emergency Department the plan went into action. While the outcome was not what we would have hoped for, the courage and professionalism displayed by this team including the hospital’s emergency department staff working with the Caribou Fire and Ambulance crew, other members of the hospital’s medical staff, nurses, laboratory and respiratory staff, the Caribou PD and other support, was, as Dr. Regen Gallagher, who helped lead the response, said, “nothing short of amazing.”
Individuals who work in the hospital emergency department must be prepared at any moment for anything to come through the door. Much like those who go to work every day at the Caribou Fire and Ambulance Department, or Crown Ambulance, the police department or other emergency services who often must respond to unthinkable tragedy
As Fire Marshal Joseph E. Thomas said when I interviewed him on my radio show today; “This kind of work isn’t for everyone, these are very special people and this kind of work is truly a calling.”
During this incident everyone worked together. When it was over the hospital reached out to the family and friends and our Social Services along with crisis staff from the Aroostook Mental Health Center were there to support and comfort them. There has been an outpouring of concern and support that has now been joined by the American Red Cross, Aroostook County branch.
In my years at Cary I have been through a number of crisis, tragedies, and near miracles. This event with the loss of three young children is the most tragic I have personally experienced. It is traumatic for a person to experience such tragedy and yet it can bring on a great sense of family and community.
I was so proud of how our staff and how everyone responded. I was awed at how everyone came together courageously even though there was virtually no saving the children because of their condition. It was people at their very best in the very worst.
Our hearts ache and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families who have experienced such an immeasurable loss and we applaud all those who are offering support, especially for the surviving children. We too are working on some ideas, especially for the holiday season.
Godspeed to the men and women who are there in those moments that no one wants to think about. Thank you.
Bill Flagg, director
Community Relations/Development
Cary Medical Center
