EMS Stories from the North Fork

Cindy Owen

Cindy Owen, EMT-I from Paonia, has been an EMT with the North Fork Ambulance for over 8 years. After the most frightening day of her life, now she helps others on what may be their most frightening day.

Cindy Owen, EMT-I
Cindy Owen, EMT-I from Paonia, has been an EMT with the North Fork Ambulance for over 8 years. After the most frightening day of her life, now she helps others on what may be their most frightening day.

Drew Felix, EMT- B
Drew, EMT grew up in the North Fork Valley. After Drew joined the military, he became a lieutenant colonel and his family moved to the east coast where they lived for over 15 years. The Felixs are now back in Crawford volunteering with the North Fork Ambulance.

Heidi Hudeck and son Evan
In September 2015, Heidi and Evan’s car hydroplaned on the way to school one morning. Evan lost three fingers in the accident. North Fork Ambulance was there in minutes.

Drew & Cindy Felix – Crawford
Drew, EMT, and Cindy Felix, EMR, grew up in the North Fork Valley. After Drew joined the military, he became a lieutenant colonel and the family moved to the east coast where they lived for over 15 years. The Felixs are now back in Crawford volunteering with the North Fork Ambulance.

Jim & Rita Lang – Paonia
In 2009, Jim Lang, owner of High Country Printing and Graphics in Paonia, had a sudden stroke while taking a shower one evening. Jim and his wife, Rita, now have a special bond with the EMT that gave them calm, professional care that day.

Jan Simmons – Paonia
Jan Simmons fell from a ladder in 2010 while painting a ceiling in her Paonia home. She lost consciousness, and could have suffered a major spinal injury. North Fork Ambulance transported her quickly to the hospital, saving her from a life of possible paralysis.

John Records – Paonia
John Records, Paonia resident, works at HopeWest in Delta as the Chaplain and Support Specialist. He believes in supporting Emergency Medical Services in order to provide a safety net for all community members.

Ty Clock, EMT-P
Tyrell Clock, a 22-year-old paramedic from Paonia, has been an EMT since his senior year of high school. He encourages younger community members interested in Emergency Medical Services to contact the North Fork Ambulance about gaining experience and looking into the training course.

Tim Gonzales – Hotchkiss
Tim and Gretchen Gonzales, owners of Backcountry Goods in Hotchkiss, immediately called for help when they realized their three-year-old daughter, Rose was having an unexpected seizure. North Fork Ambulance quickly got her life-saving medications.