| Year Honored | |
|---|---|
| 1997 | |
| Honoree | |
| Ann Gartman | |
| Agency | |
| D'Arbonne Ambulance Service / Metro Ambulance | |
| Agency City | |
| Birmingham/Monroe | |
| Agency State | |
| LA | |
| Last Call | |
| 3/15/96 | |
| Cause of Death | |
| Ambulance Involved MVC | |
| Biography | |
| Annie Gartman was en route to Union General Hospital in Farmerville with 2 injured patients. It was raining heavily and she was driving on a rural highway. On a curve the ambulance hit a 4inch drop in the pavement, "sling-shotting" the vehicle across the road. The ambulance flipped on it's side and slammed into several trees. Annie Gartman was the only casualty. The date was March 15, 1996. Annie was 53.<br /> <br /> Her son, Robert, spoke these words during the memorial service held in Annie's honor at the Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge on May 22, 1996: "Our mother had a laugh and spirit that would illuminate a room. She was not only our mother, she was our best friend. Even before Mom was part of EMS she was levelheaded in emergency situations and would be there for family and friends during times of crisis. Being an EMT was the fulfillment of her dream. Although Mama was on the scene of many traffic accidents, most of the patients she attended were elderly patients being transported to hospitals and nursing homes. She had a special way of talking and joking that put the mat ease and brightened her patient's day. In her diary she wrote:<br /> <br /> 'I love to be with a group of people and laugh. I love to try to help people in any way I can; as I feel more meaningful and complete with the satisfaction of knowing that I have been useful and helped where I could.'"<br /> Ann Gartman had joyfully served her community as an EMT for 8years. A lifelong resident of Minden, Louisiana, she was survived by her mother, Dorothy Pevy, and her 2 children, Robert and Donna DeLoach.<br /> <br /> Honored 1997 |
The United States Official National EMS Memorial Service
