Dayton Children’s Level I Pediatric Trauma Center recognizes Dayton Fire Department for going above and beyond

Dayton Children’s Hospital recognizes members of the Dayton Fire Department with challenge coins for their above and beyond care during a call this summer. Dayton Fire Department Lieutenants Derrick Wilcox and Joe Cloud, and firefighters Rusty Ashley, Zach Heitkamp, Matt Thomas, Erik Neal and Brandon Adkins were recognized in the ceremony for their quick and expert work to get a child to Dayton Children’s within the “golden hour” of trauma.

Seconds matter in a trauma. Often getting a child to the hospital within the first hour, or “golden hour” as it is sometimes called, is imperative to recovery. On July 22, Dayton firefighters responded to the scene of an accident where a young girl had been struck by a vehicle while on a walk with her family.

While emergency crews commonly deal with serious situations, less than 10 percent of their calls are for accidents involving children which adds to the difficulty level. In addition, this was an emotionally charged scene as the child’s family witnessed the accident and the child had severe injuries.

The crew responded with compassion and speed, navigating the high-pressure situation with the precision and calmness that only comes from rigorous training and a deep commitment to saving lives. They accessed the situation, applied tourniquets and necessary stabilization in the field, then rushed the child to Dayton Children’s Level I Pediatric Trauma Center.

“We are so grateful to have partners like the Dayton Fire Department,” says Tami Wiggins, senior director of emergency services for Dayton Children’s. “I can’t understate how different severe injuries and trauma are for kids, and this crew went above and beyond for this child to save her life and achieve the best possible outcome for her.”

what are challenge coins?

Frequently seen in the military, law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical services, challenge coins recognize members for their service, achievements or participation in specific events or challenges. These coins are small, medallion-like pieces that typically bear an organization's insignia or emblem. Dayton Children’s coins bear the whirligig logo and the phrase “going above and beyond.”

Dayton Children’s launched a challenge coin initiative this summer to recognize the achievements of our community partners in stressful situations and the hospital’s respect for the job they perform every day. Area firefighters and EMS undergo specialized pediatric training to be ready when needed, underscoring the fact that children are not just little adults but have distinct physiological and psychological needs that necessitate a different approach in medical care and emergency situations.