Last week, a Phoenix a physician, Dr. William C. Bonfield, penned a letter sharing his perspective and experience from his day “on the job” during a recent ride along with Phoenix Police. The doctor, who was “moved by the compassion and professionalism of the police and fire employees, admonished the press for missing the real story.
The Phoenix Police and Fire were called to an incident involving a young girl being bitten by a pitbull. The girl’s mother was upset and concerned but the officers and paramedics quickly assessed the girl and determined that her injury was minimal. They turned their attention to the frantic mother, according to police.
The doctor’s letter reads:
The Rest of the Story
I am a physician and psychiatrist. I know something about psychological trauma. Today, July 26, I was on a citizen ride along with Lt. Steve Haynes. He responded to a call for a little girl bit in the face by a pitt bull. When we arrived, mother, who was shaking and crying, got out of her car with an adorable 5 year old girl in her arms. The girl had tiny mark on her lip and cheek – no cut, no blood. EMT arrived immediately, 4 guys. The leader (I later learned was Fire Captain Nunuz, Engine E930) engaged the girl, put her at ease and examined her then did the most amazing thing. He reassured mom the girl was physically OK and then acknowledged how shaken mom was and how her being shaken could traumatize the girl. He gave her some thoughts about how to take care of herself and suggested she make this into a great day for the child – ice cream, movie, whatever.
They left. Lt Haynes first made sure the girl was in air-conditioning. The mother didn’t want to run her car because was almost out of gas – he made sure she had money for gas and sent her across the street to fill up so girl would be cool. Before they left, he took mom slightly aside and, in the most kind and supportive way, reinforced the message from the EMT that she should take care of herself and not scare her child. She got in the car so thankful for the support and reassurance.
We went to look for the pitt bull and its owner. Shortly rabies control shows up and went to talk to mom. Then the press with a giant camera arrives. As soon as they found the girl was not seriously hurt they packed it up and left. I realize now I should have stopped them on the spot and told they they were missing the real story.
We should be really thankful for two things. First, I was amazed at the responsiveness and respectfulness of our Phoenix Police, the EMTs and rabies control. Second, and most impressive, was the psychological sophistication with which they dealt with and supported a very traumatized mom to minimize the negative impact on her child of this event. I would have never expected that.
The press missed the real story.
William C. Bonfield M.D., M.P.H.