EMS, fire department response was exemplary

After reading several articles about the quality of care provided by Beaufort County EMS, and also the subsequent reader comments, I felt compelled to share my story of the level of care my family received from EMS personnel.

On Feb. 8, I left my house to go shopping, leaving my husband with our two boys. Shortly after I left, my husband called to tell me that our 5-year-old son's face was swelling rapidly and covered with welts. From my prior experience as a licensed practical nurse, I concluded that he was having an allergic reaction. I told my husband to call 911 as I rushed back home.

I arrived home and the Burton Fire District and EMS came shortly after. Both the fire and EMS personnel performed absolutely wonderfully. EMT Diana Jones, the primary attendant on the ambulance, was the consummate professional.

I went with my son in the ambulance, and I watched with great relief as Jones conducted a very thorough examination and was prepared to inject my son with an IV had it become necessary. Her primary concern was his well-being and comfort, and she struck the perfect balance between the two, strictly following protocol and ensuring that everything she did was as minimally upsetting to my son as possible.

EMT John O'Neil also did an excellent job. The response from both agencies was truly in line with the motto on paperwork we had from EMS: "Professionally we serve, personally we care."

Kelly Erdel

Beaufort