With all the attention being paid recently to hospital
admissions for COVID-19, we shouldn't forget that other medical emergencies
continue to occur. And ham radio continues to be a valuable resource for getting
help. Newsline reports on a multi-state effort recently to get medical
help for a member of a 75-meter net who was suffering a stroke. According to
the report, when Con Parsons, K6CON, tried to check into the net one morning,
all he could do was say "I" repeatedly. Fellow net member Sheldon
Harms, K7ICB, in Montana recognized Con's voice and knew something was wrong, confirming
that by calling him on the phone. Calls to Con's fire department and paramedic
service resulted in recordings, Sheldon asked Rick Kunze, K6ISP, in a different
California county, if he could help. Rick got through to emergency services and
got an ambulance dispatched. Meanwhile, Dan Adler, WB0VQG, in Colorado, got in
touch with Con's county sheriff to make sure help was on its way; and Dana Roper,
N6DTR, who lives nearby, drove to Con's home to make sure the ambulance had
arrived.
Due to the quick response of the amateur
community across several states, as well as first responders, Con reached the
hospital in time for quick intervention and was released a day and a half later.
Next time someone asks you why anyone needs ham radio anymore when they have
cellphones, you might want to share this story with them.
