Front Lines of Coronavirus: OH Medical Helicopter Nurse Knows How Quickly Life Can Change

Chris Stewart Journal-News, Hamilton, Ohio (MCT) Dec. 26—A constant witness to the fragility of life, Jessica Oakley offers advice in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. “Something this job has really taught me is how quickly life can change,” she said. “I wish everyone had that realization so that everyone makes the most of what time they have and to not hold grudges.” A flight nurse on board Premier Health’s CareFlight since 2013, Oakley said her job can be both heartbreaking and rewarding. “I see people that are having probably one of the worst days of their lives. But I want to be there to try and make it just a little bit better,” she said. Oakley, 36, is a single mother who lives in Troy with her 10-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son. “She represents one of the unsung heroes during all of this,” said friend Scott Marshall, who nominated Oakley as one who helps and inspires others in the region. “Not only is she on the front lines out there helping those in need with being a flight nurse. But one of the other sides of all of this … is that parent who’s at home with their kids during online learning,” Marshall said. Oakley works three 12-hour days, which often stretch into four with meetings and continuing education. On her days off she’s home helping her neighbor’s kindergartner and first grader, and he...
Source: JEMS: Journal of Emergency Medical Services News - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Coronavirus News News Feed COVID-19 Flight Medic Source Type: news