JOHN DAY – Scores of well-wishers gathered for a prayer vigil Monday night for T.R. Hilton, Blue Mountain Hospital’s ambulance director, who collapsed during bicycle ride last Saturday in John Day.
On Tuesday, Hilton remained at St. Charles Hospital in Bend, where he was taken by Air Link helicopter after being stricken with an apparent cardiac problem. He was listed in critical condition.
The events began Saturday morning, when residents noticed a man on the ground with a bike, and called 911.
The Blue Mountain Hospital ambulance crew rushed to the scene to find one of their own on the ground. Also on the scene was Hilton’s wife, Kara Kohfield Hilton, who works alongside him in the ambulance department.
John Day Police Officer Damon Rand and a passer-by had begun administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and Houser said the ambulance crew arrived to continue the procedure. Once they got to the hospital, they connected him to specialized auto-pulse equipment that delivers perfect CPR as long as needed.
The air ambulance transported him to Bend, leaving John Day about 11 a.m.
Houser lauded the care and professionalism shown by the local ambulance and hospital staff. He said there was no break in composure until the helicopter had lifted off and headed to Bend.
“This is very tough on everyone,” he said. Although many staffers are shaken, he said they are talking with each other and also reaching out to support the Hiltons.
As word spread, a flurry of messages from EMTs and other well-wishers flowed in to the Hiltons’ Facebook pages and other sites online.
Monday night’s vigil, held in the parking lot at the hospital, drew medical workers, EMTs, police, firefighters and friends.
Dr. David Hall gave an update, describing Hilton’s condition as dangerous yet hopeful.
Two ministers, Dave Hoeffner of Prairie Baptist Church and Levi Manitsas of Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, shared Bible verses and prayers, inviting others in the group to offer prayers as well.
Todd McKinley, a firefighter and undersheriff, read a poem he had written about Hilton and the “seed of caring” he’d sown in many others in the responder community. The poem is published online at www.MyEagleNews.com.
An account has been set up at Old West Federal Credit Union to help with the family’s medical costs. Friends also are planning a fun run as a fund-raiser.
Hilton, a paramedic, has been with the hospital since 1992. He heads a three-person department that includes his wife and Rebekah Domes, both paramedics. They work with a network of volunteer responders throughout the county.
Houser said Air Link, which is based at the Bend hospital, has volunteered to send paramedics to John Day to offer some relief help for Domes.
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