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Saturday, December 01, 2007

Update on Scott Hetherington

First of all, I want to thank everyone involved in saving one of our own. I have enjoyed reading the comments and appreciate the additional information.

One comment caught my eye:

Why do all the articles and news reports keep saying that he was just injured? He wasnt injured, he suffered full cardiac arrest and was brought back on scene by his own co workers. I think some outlets are down playing what happened and what was done to save him. Great job to all that was there.....and hope you get well soon Scooter.

Absolutely, Scooter had a heart attack which caused cardiac arrest. Scooter was essentially dead on the floor, however the guys on scene saved his life. This is a true testament to early CPR and early defibrillation. Scooter is not out of the woods yet. He is still in the hospital and is undergoing care to correct what caused the heart attack in the first place. His family wishes that he not be bothered, although you can visit with them. The department will keep you up to date on when he can have visitors.

As far as playing down the information...read on:

I agree completely, although I kinda understand why. Some might say, HIPPAA regulations and that might be so, but I also think it is because the reports were not confirmed until late that he had actually suffered a cardiac arrest. I don't mean by what people were saying, I mean what was officially reported by spokespersons for the department. From what I could tell this was Chief Hoback on the news and Tiffany Bradbury through the press release.

You have to realize that this is was a very delicate situation, and still is. I think they did a decent job at getting information to the news. All this was done while Scooter's relatives were still learning about the incident.

As for not playing down the situation. Firefighter Hourly.com and The Secret List both had Scooter's story online.

The Secret List released this:

FF CARDIAC ARREST: A Virginia Firefighter is recovering after he went into cardiac arrest while operating at a house fire in Roanoke yesterday. The firefighter, Scott Hetherington, 39, was in stable condition last night. Firefighters pulled FF Hetherington out of the house fire and initiated CPR. Our best for a quick recovery.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

There is something to be said about privacy during these types of events. I thoroughly enjoy visiting with everyone myself, but my wife has said many times that if anything like this happened to me she wouldn't want the crowds around her either. The stress of having us all in and out would probably cause his condition to worsen.

As for HIPAA, I'm not sure that would apply to a work related injury. The whole thing is a sticky subject. The department 'doing the right thing' is a few and far between action but I think they have all done an excellent job. I don't think there is any 'spin doctor' work going on. I think they are trying to play catch up.

Everyone flood his room with cards and well wishes and give him some distance. Rhett and Rodney, approach his family and ask if they need help with Christmas, decorating and presents, and let the membership know. We'll take care of the rest.

Anonymous said...

Yes, please let us know about Christmas presents. A lot of folks dont know he has to buy for 6 kids. A fill the boot drive for Scooter's familys Christmas would be awsome!

Anonymous said...

Well Rhett? Any ideas on Christmas for the kids and his wife? We're waiting to help man.

FireFleitz said...

I can help get something going. Why don't you call me at the Credit Union tomorrow 342-5809 and we can discuss it. I will be back at work on tuesday and we will likely begin then.

Anonymous said...

Why does everyone want Rhett or Rodney to do something? Come on all you Toby's and Robert's step up to the plate. I believe the person above-- "Well Rhett" ought to get somethihg going.

Anonymous said...

I already have