| Year Honored | |
|---|---|
| 2011 | |
| Honoree | |
| Richard Poorman | |
| Agency | |
| Clark County Ambulance Service | |
| Agency City | |
| West Union | |
| Agency State | |
| IL | |
| Last Call | |
| 10/9/10 | |
| Cause of Death | |
| Ambulance Involved MVC | |
| Biography | |
| Rick became an EMT in 1976, and he was instrumental in establishing the ambulance program for Clark County and the town of West Union, IL. Rick worked part time as an EMT while working full time in the propane business. He obtained his paramedic license in 1999. He then obtained his EMT Instructor License in 2006. He taught several EMT basic and intermediate classes and co-taught a paramedic class. Rick was dedicated to keeping his town supplied with good medical care, and he strived to maintain excellence in his performance as well as those on his team. In 2008, he took a full-time job as paramedic at United Life Care in Robinson, IL while still working part time for the Clark County Ambulance Service. This year Rick was one of 7 people to be honored by the Illinois Department of Public Health for his heroic act of courage and exemplary performance while on duty.<br /> <br /> On October 9, 2010, while caring for a patient en route to the hospital, the ambulance Rick was in was side swiped by a pick up truck that entered the roadway. Rick and his patient were thrown from the ambulance. Richard Poorman later died of his injuries at Crawford Memorial Hospital. Rick was 52 years old.<br /> <br /> In addition to his career as a Paramedic, Rick was active in his church. He held several different positions at the West Union Christian Church, including serving as a deacon, on the Missions Committee, and playing the organ. At the time of his death, Rick was the church's treasurer. Rick was a very selfless individual and never boasted of his many accomplishments; he loved his family and was the first to tell of their successes. Rick loved the beach, and each year looked forward to a new tropical vacation. Throughout his life, he was able to take several of these with close family and friends and could often be found lounging with a tropical drink soaking up the sun!<br /> <br /> Honored 2011 |
The United States Official National EMS Memorial Service
