Firefighters Reach Beyond our Border to Help One of Their Own…
When the call came into the Fire Station #5 in Garland and that firefighting team was notified of Lt. Randy Baker’s heart attack, a rescue effort was immediately set into motion. A firefighter for 24 years, Baker was struck down by a myocardial infarction while on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean. Having departed from Galveston, the ocean liner was headed for the Mexican Riviera.
At the time of Baker’s attack the cruise ship was 8 hours from the nearest hospital, located on the island of Cozumel in the Yucatan Peninsula. Baker’s condition was grave, and the medical staff aboard the ship had to resuscitate him 3 times before he was finally admitted into the Cozumel Hospital, according to reports. He remained in critical condition on a ventilator for the next several days. He was kept in a medically induced comatose state while the Mexican medical staff attempted to stabilize the 54 year old firefighter.
Back in Garland, David Riggs, President of the Firefighters Association, was arranging to fly Baker’s son and daughter to their father’s bedside. Baker’s daughter had a valid passport, but her younger brother did not. With the help of two of our local politicians, Riggs was able to arrange for the issuance of an emergency passport for the young man.
Once Baker’s condition would be stabilized and he would be strong enough to travel, a Medevac plane, with the necessary medical staff and equipment, would have to be chartered to bring Randy back to the U.S. and into a Dallas hospital. The Medevac plane trip would cost $12,000 paid in advance. Garland firefighter James Hawkins set up an online gofundme.com account to help finance Randy’s travel and rapidly mounting medical expenses. It raised $56,000 donated by individual firefighters and other private citizens across the nation.
When he was stabilized and strong enough to be transported, Baker was brought back to Dallas and was admitted to Baylor Medical Center. He began to show dramatic improvement immediately. The “Help Bring Randy Home” project had almost reached its goal. As he regained full consciousness it became apparent that Baker had not suffered brain damage, as previously feared. He was immediately responsive and alert, amazing and delighting family and friends. After regaining his strength and getting back on his feet, Randy Baker was finally discharged from the hospital in early February and is recovering at home He’s still got a long way to go, but our local firefighters accomplished their goal. They did indeed get Randy back to his home!
This 21st Century rescue did not involve fire trucks or hoses, but was made possible by modern technology, social media and the inspiring loyalty of a brotherhood. For these noble men saving lives is just part of being on duty and answering the call; something they do everyday.
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