appropriate EMT gift?

[luv2nascar]

My daddy collapsed on Tuesday night in his drive way. He was with my Mother and a friend. My mom had the friend call 911 on his cell phone. My daddy is 59 yrs old and healthy. He almost bleed to death. He coded in the ambulance on the way to the hospital and had two more episodes of very low blood pressure in the hospital. Needless to say my mom, dad, and I owe the EMTs quite a debt of gratitude. My daddy is well on the road to recovery now turns out he had 3 bleeding ulcers that he did not know about. He actually came out of ICU yesterday and home today.

What can we send or give to the EMTs ?n Nothing seems like enough? I think a monetary donation would be great plus something for the specific guys on duty that night. I was thinking some kinds of food gift basket? Harry and Davids? Any ideas?

 

[crazee4mickey]

Have no ideas for gifts...just glad to hear your dad is doing better

 

[AllyandJack]

My best friend is an EMT. I just sent her a text message to ask her. Hopefully, she'll answer soon.

I'm so happy your father is going to be OK.

 

[luv2nascar]

thank you both. can't wait to hear what the EMt says.

 

[AllyandJack]

OK....my best friend used to work in a REALLY bad part of town late at night, so nobody ever gave her anything (except being tackled and punched). But, she said that in most states, if you write a letter to the company naming the specific EMTs, they will be commended by the OEMS in the state. They'll get awards and bonuses and it looks really good on their record when promotion/raise time comes along. In MA, it's called an "Attaboy" (or something that sounds like that). To her and her colleagues, that was the best thing someone could do for them because it made an impact in their careers. You can call the company and see if they have anything like that in your state - sometimes the company will also be recognized by the state.

Maybe there are some EMTs on here that worked in better areas.

 

[luv2nascar]

Thank you for checking. I will have to check further my parents are in VA. Maybe we could write a letter if that would help them out.

 

[Buckalew11]

The letter sounds nice. Lord knows EMTs/Paramedics don't make enough money for what they do and know how to do.

DH (medic)would say there is no need to do anything that they were just doing their job but I still think your gesture is very kind.

Happy to hear that your dad is doing so well. Hope he continues with each new day.

 

[froglady]

When I fell skiing (not the same situation at all, except that I was grateful for their rapid response and care "skiing" me down the hill) in addition to sending a note to the ski resort company, I sent a Popcorn Factory gift to the ski patrol.

 

[Bildmouse]

I'm sure snacks or goodies of any kind are appreciated as well as the letters of commendation.

 

[fireman17]

As a Firefighter/EMT the best gift I can recommend is a nice home cooked cake. Call the station where the EMT's are at find out when they are on and tell them you are stopping by. I can tell you from past experience, that goes a long way from any monetary gift.
That gift comes from the heart of the family..

 

[froglady]

As a Firefighter/EMT the best gift I can recommend is a nice home cooked cake. Call the station where the EMT's are at find out when they are on and tell them you are stopping by. I can tell you from past experience, that goes a long way from any monetary gift.
That gift comes from the heart of the family..

If I had lived closer, that's what I'd have done.

Every once in a while I stop by "my" firehouse and drop off home-baked cookies, fresh doughnuts, a fruit basket, etc. I've never had to call them (thank God) but at least when I do they won't all be strangers.

 

[Mandy_in_NC]

I am an EMT and a 911 dispatcher and the greatest gift I have ever been given was a Thank You card. It ment so much to me that I had made a diffrence in somebody's life and they took time out to remember me. I deal with people every day when they are at their worst and a lot of times people don't remember to say thanks and that's ok I know that they are thankful that somebody was there to answer the phone and to send help. So in my humble opinion a thank you card or letter is the best. But hey a cake or cookies etc never hurts.

 

[Servants of Evan]

A co-worker of mine "dropped dead" at his son's house a little over a year ago. Fortunately for him, an officer in a police car carrying an AED was within two blocks of his location when the son dialed 911. The AED detected no pulse so he was shocked with the unit. Shortly after the first shock was applied, the Fire Department Paramedics arrived and took over. He was rushed to the hospital where he underwent a triple bypass. He was one of the lucky ones who survived. To show his appreciation, when he was feeling better he went to the Police Department and Fire Station and passed out gift certificates for those involved to a local restaurant. He has said the paramedics where shocked to see him, first -- because odds were definately not in his favor, and secondly -- because no one ever makes a point of thanking them. Along with his son, he was also happy to purchase three additional AED units so each police car in that small community would carry one at all times.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

The best thing you can do for them is to write a letter to their ambulance company or firehouse, to their supervisors or captains, and to them personally. Those types of things get put in their personnel files, and believe me they would appreciate it.

 

[luv2nascar]

I know they were just doing their job but it seems like so much more to us. My father collapsed in the drive way and puked up quite a bit of blood and only had a shallow pulse. They arrived quickly, within minutes and had him in the ambulance and riding to hospital when he coded. They actually told him they did it the old fashion way. He was punched in the chest twice to restart his heart. All night long when ever they brought anyone else in they stopped by the ER to check on my dad. They told them he gave them quite a scare. Hopefully whatever we decide will show our sincere appreciation.

 

[Big Dude]

Hey luv2nascar, I had been an EMT for a number of years and had the opportunity to treat a number of people. The greatest experiences have been the ones who were on dire starights and managed to pull through. I'm glad your dad was one of those cases.

The suggestions mentioned in the previous posts were spot on. A thank you card (and possibly a donation to the squad) is always welcomed. In my experience, and I belonged to a volunteer squad, the best "thank you" was when a family member came to our monthly meeting and stood before all of those in attendance. They went on to thank those that helped and those that are ready to help in any given situation. That was followed up by a letter to the editor of the local paper.

One family member even went so far as to cook a meal (chili as I recall) for the squad that night. That was really appreciated.

EMT's/Firefighter's/First responders are a different breed. They don't look for the glory. They just do their jobs.

Adam aka Big Dude

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

What part of VA are they in? Maybe a local deli can deliver lunch to them? Maybe one of those big sandwiches? (In addition to the letter of course )