Beyond the Call: Celebrating National EMS Week
05/16/2024HEROISM IN LIFE AND BEYOND
Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper Tyler James Edenhofer responded to 911 calls after someone threw rocks at cars on I-10 in Phoenix. He passed away after being shot. In his final days of training, and recently engaged, Tyler died at 24.
Tyler was kind and caring and always had a desire to help. He showcased that as a Navy veteran, in his short tenure as a trooper, as well as having registered as an organ and tissue donor.
Two women in Arizona regained their vision through Tyler’s corneas. Both can now take in the desert sunsets or see their loved ones’ smiles. Tyler also donated different types of tissues that helped roughly 20 more people to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
“I know Tyler was proud to donate,” his mother says. “Gone way too soon, he had so much more to give.”
HONORING EMS HEROES
May 19 – 25, we recognize National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. As this week unfolds, let’s take a moment to recognize the unwavering dedication and courage of our EMS professionals. These individuals serve as first responders in times of crisis and deserve to be recognized and celebrated.
What is an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Profession? There is a broad range of careers that are categorized as an EMS profession, but it all boils down to providing immediate medical care in emergency situations. Some, but not all, of these professions include:
- Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
- Paramedics
- Medics
- Emergency medical dispatchers
- Flight nurses
- Police officers
- Fire fighters
- Emergency nurses
- Emergency physicians
RECOGNIZING ARIZONA EMS HEROES
On Wednesday, May 8, Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) took a moment to celebrate Arizona EMS professionals alongside Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix (B-UMCP).
Vikki Burdine, the mother of donor hero Jaimy Burdine, joined the celebration and shared her daughter’s story. Jaimy was a fearless and devoted mother of two kids. While on a horse cart ride with her son and mother, the horse began to run uncontrollably.
Jaimy made the brave decision to jump backwards from the cart with her son in her arms, saving her son’s life. However, Jaimy landed on her back and hit her head on the ground, suffering a devasting brain injury. The paramedics did everything they could to save her, but her story didn’t end there. Jaimy went on to save and heal others through organ and tissue donation.
EMS professionals were recognized for the roles they play in stories like Jaimy’s. In fact, first responders were involved in 856* cases that resulted in organ and tissue donation in Arizona in 2023. Together, DNA and B-UMCP presented awards to:
- Tolleson Police Department
- Phoenix Police Department
- Phoenix Fire B Shift – Engine 40 and Rescue 40
- Phoenix Fire B Shift – Engine 21 and Rescue 21
- Phoenix Fire A Shift – Engine 6 and Rescue 3
- Banner Air 4
*Some cases may be counted more than once if multiple agencies responded.
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE
It’s a common misconception that EMS professionals will not work as hard to save your life if you are a registered organ and tissue donor. This is FALSE.
In an emergency, physicians, nurses and other EMS workers don’t have time to even check a patient’s name—let alone their donation registration status, assuming it’s even shown on their ID. (Not all registered donors have the donor heart insignia on their identification.) EMS professionals still work hard and swiftly to stabilize a patient. That’s it.
Learn more about registration status and the process of organ donation in Why doctors WILL NOT let you die if you’re a registered organ donor.
THANK YOU
To all of our EMS professionals: Thank you! We work in partnership with you and your dedication to saving and healing lives does not go unnoticed.