- MedRide
Going the Extra Mile: A Higher Standard of Care in NEMT
MedRide Colorado driver Brian Harris recently received a commendation from the Custer County Sheriff’s Office for outstanding service to the community. His actions helped protect an at-risk client from a dangerous situation. His care and compassion set a strong example for NEMT drivers across our company and the industry.
From Law Enforcement to Medical Transportation
More Than Just a Ride
Late last year, Mr. Harris was transporting a new client from Custer County to a medical appointment. The client–who had recently suffered a stroke–had difficulty speaking, but nonetheless bonded with his driver. During the drive, the patient confided in Mr. Harris that he was not being properly cared for at home, something that Mr. Harris took very seriously. The patient’s doctor also recommended he acquire a walker, but due to his difficulty speaking, it was nearly impossible for him to converse with anyone over the phone.
Brian took it upon himself to acquire a walker for the patient, contacting the local rotary club in his free time after the client had already been returned home to secure a walker for him. Mr. Harris arranged for the walker to be delivered by a friend in the local sheriff’s office, hoping it would improve the patient’s quality of life and safety.
When Concern Leads to Action
In the weeks after the walker was delivered by the deputy, he drove past the house several times and noticed the walker still sitting on the porch, not in use. The deputy grew suspicious as to why the patient wouldn’t be using the walker, fearing the client’s care might be in jeopardy. A tip was given to the Department of Human Services, who—after conducting an investigation—found the client was not being properly cared for and was unsafe in the home. The client was removed from the home and is now living in a care facility, much to the relief of the deputy and Mr. Harris. According to the DHS’s findings, Mr. Harris’s actions in conjunction with the sheriff’s office were essential in safeguarding an at-risk member of the community, and the situation likely would have ended in tragedy had he not acted.
Honored for Going Above and Beyond
After the events involving the Department of Human Services, the sheriff’s office contacted Mr. Harris to inform him that he would be recognized for his actions. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office awarded Mr. Harris a Certificate of Commendation for “Outstanding service and life-saving intervention to Custer County’s vulnerable community members.” We are proud to have Brian as a part of the MedRide family, and we are happy to highlight his achievement as a prime example of what it means to be a care provider. Through his actions, Brian sets a higher standard for our drivers and the NEMT industry as a whole. We hope others will see his compassion as a shining statement of what it means to go the extra mile.
