Atlanta-area paramedics step up to help fellow first responder

ATLANTA — Rachael Sensing says it was just a matter of minutes that seemed to last forever.

“The whole time, I’m upset. I’m saying to him, ‘why can’t you be here to help me with you?,’” said Sensing.

Her husband Matt is a paramedic with nine years at Grady EMS and most recently with American Medical Response.

A week ago, while Matt and Rachael watched television together, he suffered a rare type of stroke.

She immediately performed CPR until help arrived. Matt has been in the ICU ever since.

TRENDING STORIES:

• One year later: Georgia’s Jan. 6 defendants and where their cases currently stand
• Boy who lost family in Athens house fire forms special bond with UGA football players
• Video shows car thief lead police on wild chase before crashing, running from officers

“When you have that connection with someone, there’s nothing you wouldn’t do for them. I feel like we owe that to him,” said fellow paramedic Kelley Navaja.

Navaja is rallying the first responder family to help Matt and his family.

Matt and Rachael have four children. Colleagues set up a GoFundMe to help with the mounting medical bills.

Sensing says it’s comforting to know that she’s not alone. She spends most of her time at her husband’s side in the hospital.

“I cherish that time with him for as long as we can get. I do see positive things happening. Last night he opened his eyes some. He does communicate with hand squeezes. I’m grateful for that,” said Sensing.

A prayer vigil will be held Saturday morning outside Piedmont Henry Hospital. Rachael hopes many will attend.

Metro school employees say they aren’t being paid if classes go virtual because of COVID-19 Metro school employees say they aren’t being paid if classes go virtual because of COVID-19

©2022 Cox Media Group