Business Gatherings & Friends in Far Places .... and A Commentary on the Human Condition

The Memorial Weekend is upon us and I reflect upon the fact that traditional observance of Memorial Day has somehow been lessened over the years (parades, flag flying, honoring those fallen in service to our country). Perhaps it isn't the lessening but the fact that it is difficult or uncomfortable to remember those who gave their lives in order for us to remain a free nation. And yet, sometimes doing uncomfortable things for the right reasons is a part of the human condition. Sometimes it is difficult to understand that some aren't that aware of the precious freedoms we have because we take so much for granted in this great Country of ours.

Yet in many ways, the spirit of gallantry and goodness, heroism and valor is still alive and can be seen all around us. I wanted to share a story that speaks to the human condition and gives me the confidence that regardless of the times, there are many who are authentic to their core beliefs, which, in itself, bears witness to the goodness that is part of the fabric that makes us the good people that we are.

Last week several of our Trident team members met in Florida to attend the Mechanisms XXV conference which took place in Orlando. We used the opportunity to connect in camaraderie and business with colleagues and associates we’ve known for many years. Trident hosted a dinner and one particular perfusionist guest was a name known to me, but a face I only saw for the first time.

It was some 10 years ago that we were working a locums account in North Dakota. One fateful day while on the pump, our Trident perfusionist felt chest pains. She continued her work, alerting the circulating nurse that it would be a good idea to contact the Home Office in order to find another perfusionist to quickly replace her so she could go to the E.R. and be checked. A call was made to the office and I was notified immediately..

A call was placed to one of our team members who was familiar with this account and also knew the name of a perfusionist in that particular town. I was provided the contact information of an immediate resource who was already credentialed and had previously worked at the hospital. I made the call and was able to reach him. He had just completed a case at another hospital where he worked. Without hesitation, without condition, without regard to the competitive nature of the current environment, he immediately asked how could he help. Could he come to the hospital and take over our ailing perfusionist’s pump? “Of course,” he replied and he arrived on the scene within five minutes of the call and took over the case so that the Trident perfusionist could get medical attention.

Not a beat was missed in all of this. O.R. staff already knew him, they historically worked well together, and the procedure went smoothly. It wasn’t until the case was over that the surgeon looked up to see that there had been a switch in staff. He hadn’t even noticed the switch because it was made in quiet sync with the procedure. .

The perfusionist who helped us was Mike Renfrow, CCP. Over the years I fondly remember the heroic quick actions that took place. Care and concern for the patient remained as the top priority. It didn’t matter that Mike worked for a competing hospital, what mattered was doing the right thing. A change in perfusion staff occurred in this case, but one thing didn’t change…. commitment to quality and compassionate care… because when it comes to taking care of patients, some things should never change.

This is a tribute to one special perfusionist who epitomizes the very best qualities of the human condition. Many were affected in a most positive way because Mike was there. He did not hesitate and he gave his all to help and without condition. He truly is one of our authentic heroes and we thank him and are grateful that he reacted like he did.

Mike's character and spirit is not exclusive to the part of the country that he works and lives. There are many "Mike's" around this great Country...in our proud profession...in every walk of life. They are there, all we have to do is look for them.

May your Memorial Day be reflective as you consider the honorable actions that take place within our present day human condition…. Just as we take a moment to remember our proud comrades in arms that gave their lives to protect our freedoms. Let us send a silent prayer for the safe return of those gallant men and women who currently are serving to protect our way of life and our freedom from tyranny and oppression.

Thank you Mike Renfrow...let us know how we can help.

Ralph E. Jordan
President & CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.