ElderPlace PACE Laurelhurst Staff Honored for Selfless Actions

Portland Fire & Rescue honored 14 staff members of ElderPlace PACE Laurelhurst, in Portland, OR, during its 2024 Awards Ceremony on May 7 for “going above and beyond the call of duty."

They were recognized for their response to a serious traffic accident on Aug. 30, 2023, when a Tri-Met bus driver experienced a medical emergency and crashed a bus full of passengers into a tree. PACE Laurelhurst staff heard the crash and called 911, then gathered medical supplies and rushed out to triage passengers and the driver. Staff had to force their way through a side door, then quickly check riders for injuries. Many passengers exited the bus unassisted, but a few were treated in their seats, including a person with an open fracture, until Portland Fire & Rescue arrived and took over the care.

Upon arrival at the scene, Portland Fire & Rescue noted PACE Laurelhurst staff “gave invaluable transfer-of-care reports to the Portland Fire & Rescue crews and offered to continue assisting as needed. As responders continued arriving and began treating and transporting patients, the staff members remained engaged and offered emotional and logistical help to the less injured passengers.”

At the awards ceremony earlier this month, Portland Fire & Rescue presented the Fire Chief’s Certificate to the ElderPlace PACE Laurelhurst staff members for their “compassionate, competent and selfless actions.”

Pictured (from left) are Stephanie Boden, Jodi Lane, Abigail Clauhs, Mary Cox, Jeanine Strickland, Christina Howell, Kelly Ma, Marla Kline-Johnson and Angela Campbell. Missing from the photo are Donna Winebarger, Rebecca Kimball, Ruth Weston, Cassaundra Teano and Joanna Anctil.