Local Nurse Awarded EMS Chief’s Commendation For Actions At Accident Scene

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A local nurse who stopped to assist at the scene of a serious accident in November, was presented with a Certificate of Commendation and a Meritorious Service Coin by Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Bruce Krauter this week.

Stefanie Willoughby came upon the crash while out driving and assisted those involved before EMS and other first responders arrived.

The coin and certificate, which recognize extraordinary personal action, were given to Willoughby at Essex-Windsor EMS headquarters in Essex on Monday. Present were paramedics Lori Poole and Wendy Willis, who responded to the scene of the motor vehicle collision.

“Not everyone stops and lends a hand,” Poole said. “It was awesome to have Stefanie working alongside us during the call, assisting us in making a difficult job easier.”

Willoughby, who is a first aid and CPR instructor, said it has given her an extra appreciation for the challenging work paramedics do.

“You are the ones who get there first all the time. I don’t know how you do it,” Willoughby said to Poole and Willis after receiving her award.

She said her actions “didn’t feel like much at the time” but, like the paramedics, she was focused on using her skills to do all she could to help.

Willoughby’s nursing and first-aid experience proved invaluable when she arrived at the accident scene, and her compassion to the victims and bystanders was greatly appreciated, Krauter said.