DALLAS – Every day, a Dallas-Fort Worth resident owes his life to a paramedic, EMT or firefighter. Doctor's Hospital at White Rock Lake has begun an innovative reunion program to recognize and thank emergency medical service (EMS) professionals for their commitment and the exceptional care they provide.

The monthly program at Doctor's is one of the few in this area. The emotion-filled gatherings of patients, EMS medics and hospital staff are important for rescuers, who often do not know what happens to patients after they get them to the hospital. Patients are able to thank these medical heroes for saving them so they can enjoy their lives once again.

Steve Park, a 45-year-old Mesquite resident, was the first Doctor's patient to take part.  He was reunited with EMS medic Rob Williams and the emergency department staff who helped him

"Sometimes patients may come by the station and follow up with us, but usually, unless we call the EMS chief, we don't hear about the outcome," said Williams.  "I'm glad Doctor's has started this program. I remember Steve very clearly because I have five kids. His situation stuck in my mind, and I wondered what happened afterwards. Now I don't have to wonder."

Park, young, athletic and without a history of heart disease, had experienced severe chest pain while mowing his lawn. His wife, Tina, nine months pregnant with twins, called 911  Williams and partner David Judd recognized that Steve was having a heart attack almost immediately and began administering the appropriate medication to help stabilize his condition.

Upon the request of his wife who was registered to give birth at Doctor's Steve was transported to the hospital, an Accredited Chest Pain Center by the Society of Chest Pain Centers.

Ten days after Park was released from the hospital, his wife gave birth at Doctor's.  The family welcomed twins Levi and Lewis who joined their two big sisters.

The simple, yet powerful reunion involved photos, hugs and stories of the events that saved the life of Steve Park. Mike Adelhardt, Doctor's Cath lab supervisor , showed EMS workers a video of Steve's heart and the room where his procedure took place.

"Everyone took wonderful care of me – from the EMS to the doctors and nurses at Doctors Hospital," Park said.. "I thought about taking something by the fire station to show my appreciation for what Rob and David did for me, but I didnft know what was the right thing to do, so this reunion was perfect. It was nice to be able to meet everyone who worked on me and express in person how much gratitude I have for them saving my life."

About Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

For half a century, Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake has devoted itself to the health and well-being of East Dallas. With our continued commitment to the community we serve, Doctors Hospital is upgrading its full suite of services with hotel-inspired surgical suites, a new womenfs imaging center and a comprehensive heart center. With 218 beds, this full-service hospital has specialties ranging from orthopedics and bariatric surgery to neurosurgery and obstetrics and gynecology.

Over the years, Doctors Hospital has achieved many accreditations and awards. For example, Doctors Hospital was one of the first hospitals in the Dallas metro area to receive accreditation by the American Society of Chest Pain Centers for outstanding work in the emergency department. Other accreditations include the American Heart Associationfs Get With The GuidelinesSM Gold Performance Achievement Awards for Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Failure, and Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Come see community health care in a whole new light – right here on White Rock Lake.