Compassion in the Storm, When Kindness Takes the Wheel
ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – During one of the most severe storms Robertson County has faced in decades, we’ve heard stories of neighbors helping neighbors, along with EMS, law enforcement, and fire departments going well beyond the call of duty. Amid these acts, this particular story highlights the spirit of compassion that both citizens and first responders displayed during this harsh storm.
According to Robertson County EMS Director Brent Dyer, the incident unfolded amid relentless snow and sleet that strained emergency services across the county. “In one of the worst winter storms I have seen in a 26-year career,” Dyer said, he learned of an EMS crew who found time between calls for “a simple and noble act of kindness.”
The crew was dispatched to the home of an elderly couple after the husband experienced severe back pain. He had fallen the night before and had already been treated by physicians at TriStar NorthCrest Medical Center. When he was discharged with prescriptions to aid his recovery, the first wave of winter weather was moving in. Concerned about icy roads and the risk of another fall or accident, the couple rushed home without stopping to fill the medication.
The husband attempted to manage without it, but as his pain worsened, his wife was left with no choice but to call 911.
Field Training Officer and Paramedic Alex Shearer, along with Advanced EMT Jake Grayson, responded. After assessing the patient, they determined there was no new medical emergency. The man had already been evaluated by an ER physician and did not wish to return to the hospital. What he truly needed was the medication he had been unable to obtain due to the weather.
Hospitals were already overwhelmed, and the patient’s wife wanted to remain with her husband. The crew also shared concerns about sending her back out onto snow and ice, where she could easily fall herself.
It was then that Paramedic Shearer noticed the unfilled prescriptions lying on the table.
After confirming the patient’s condition and honoring his refusal of transport, the crew found another way to help. With the patient’s permission, they carefully drove their four wheel drive ambulance to a nearby CVS pharmacy. Once the pharmacy understood the situation, staff worked quickly to prepare the medications. The EMS crew paid for the prescriptions out of their own pockets.
They returned to the couple’s home, reviewed the medications, answered questions about safe use, and made sure both husband and wife were warm, comfortable, and settled in before leaving.
“At a time when everything was moving so fast and chaotic out there,” Dyer said, “these gentlemen found a way to calm some of the storm with compassion and kindness, and by going the extra mile… and back.”
Dyer also highlighted the service of the two responders involved. Paramedic Alex Shearer has served Robertson County EMS for five years and previously worked with Louisville, Kentucky EMS. He is also, Dyer noted, “a wonderful daddy to his princess.”
Advanced EMT Jake Grayson has served Robertson County for 18 years, while his wife, Ashley, has served for 15 years. Both are longtime county residents. Ashley also works in local real estate, and Jake has spent his days off driving school buses when driver shortages affected Robertson County Schools.
“I am very proud of them,” Dyer said, “and each person in our team.”
