Dallas Fire Rescue paramedics, the Black family and Winnie Turner. Photo by Raven Jordan.
Two families and Dallas Fire Rescue members were recognized during a presentation Friday morning.
The presentation took place at Dallas Fire Station #37 in Lake Highlands among the families of two people — Robert Black and Winnie Turner — who were found unconscious in their homes a week apart in January. Three paramedics responded to both calls.
Turner has worked as the Black family’s housekeeper for years, and they consider her “family.” Dr. Alex Black, the son of Robert Black and resident at Methodist Hospital of Dallas, is a former Dallas firefighter who says his life has revolved around DFR.
“It’s beautiful to have what I consider my family — Dallas Fire Rescue — to save my family. It’s just unbelievable” Alex said. “I think the most important point here is the quality of care these teams provided. they did it perfect.”
On Jan. 16, DFR Engine 37 and Rescue 27 responded to a call for an unconscious person on Sarahnash Court. Black was found lying unconscious on the kitchen floor while his wife, Mary, performed CPR.
Black and his wife spoke on the incident during once the floor was open for questions.
“My wife heard me fall, and she came to my rescue and was able to dial 911,” Black said. “The paramedics came and they were able to do CPR, and I wanted to thank them for their getting to be here today.”
Mary shared how much it meant to have the help of DFR in doing what she couldn’t to help save her husband.
“I knew once they got there that they could do what I could not do,” Mary said. “And I just had such confidence, and they were so kind to me.”
A week later, on Jan. 24, DFR responded to another call for an unconscious person on Desco Place. They found Winnie Turner unconscious on the kitchen floor and began CPR and other life stabilizing measures.
Turner’s son, Issac Caldwell, thanked the DFR paramedics and Presbyterian Hospital staff and said the incident highlighted the importance of CPR.
Two plaques were presented to Rescue 27 for their life saving efforts in both events.
Winnie Turner, her son, Issac Caldwell, and Danny Lane
Robert and Mary Black read their plaque. Photo by Raven Jordan
Dr. Alex Black
