Shiny red, white, and blue balloons punctuated the “Ambulance Only” entryway at TriStar NorthCrest Medical Center in Springfield on Tuesday, May 23rd. That unique site heralded the grand opening of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Lounge, a fitting celebration during EMS Week, observed May 21st through 27th this year. 

The hospital welcomed the Robertson County Chamber of Commerce, other community leaders, and the EMS Department for the ribbon cutting. “Our EMS workers are a valuable part of our healthcare community and often operate in high stress environments,” said Sean Patterson, TriStar NorthCrest’s Chief Executive Officer. 

“Our team at NorthCrest wants to ensure that as our EMS teams provide care for others, we are caring for them as well and provide an opportunity for rest and relaxation between runs,” he continued. 

This resting spot houses recliners, a massage chair, dimmed lighting, keyboards, and charging stations, as well as refreshments for those times when eating on the run is necessary. According to Barb Hutcherson, Training Captain for EMS Station #1, “It’s a place where you can shut yourself off from the chaos between runs and gather your thoughts.” 

A decompression zone for those that often drive directly into tragedy, the lounge offers a big gulp of air for a breathless occupation. Barb remarked, “We are so very grateful and excited for this gift.”

This gift was months in the making as TriStar NorthCrest, under Patterson’s direction, turned an idea into reality. “[the hospital] cared a lot about wanting to do something nice. They really wanted to know what would benefit our department,” commented Brent Dyer, Director of EMS for Robertson County. “It’s one of the first times in twenty-three years that I’ve seen a CEO visit our EMS department during one of our quarterly trainings. Patterson is working hard to promote support of the hospital within our community.” 

That extra step of intentionality and communication helped create specific additions to the lounge, like keyboards and charging stations. “One of the simplest things, yet so impactful on our economics and efficiency,” states Dyer. Having full-sized keyboards available for the EMT’s tablets to plug into makes completing their run reports easier, and the charging stations keep the tablets running smoothly. Simple, yet impactful. Dyer also lauded the fully stocked drink and snack area. “We really push hydration, so for our crews to have water, Gatorade and snacks at the ready—that’s a huge benefit as well.”

For a community that’s growing, and a hospital that keeps expanding, (TriStar NorthCrest Medical Center just reopened their Obstetrics unit) this addition is a reminder of how crucial it is to care for those who spend their days caring for others. 

“A lot of people would be surprised,” said Dyer during the ribbon cutting, “at the number of intense cases that come through the doors of this hospital.” With each case comes a need for respite between runs, and this is now made possible through the lounge. 

Today, the balloons have deflated, and EMS Week has passed, but this helpful space remains to refill those whose lives are continuously poured out for their community.