What started as a mission to help with Project Orphans in Africa, quickly turned into a life-saving journey in more ways than one.
“It was a God thing,” said Tulsa, OK Local 176 President Matt Lay.
Several members of the Tulsa community, including Lay, were on their way home from a medical mission trip to help children and families in Uganda when a man on the plane suffered a heart attack.
“The doctor with us was attending to the patient while I stood by with an AED, ready to assist if needed,” said Lay. “A cardiologist with us onboard had heart medications and a pocket-sized EKG that transmitted data to the ground via radio. Although the plan was to land in northern Africa for the emergency, the patient stabilized after two medication doses and the pilot continued to Amsterdam.”
The doctor with us was attending to the patient while I stood by with an AED, ready to assist if needed.
local 157 president matt lay
Lay says the man was successfully treated and taken to the hospital. “Also onboard was nurse Courtney Wood, the wife of Sapulpa, OK Local 194 Fire Fighter Josh Wood, who helped with the medical response.”
Lay says the life-saving moment in the air reflects what fire fighters do every day. In Tulsa, that commitment extends beyond emergencies, as fire fighters have volunteered for years at Tulsa Boys Home and, later, at Tulsa Girls Home.
“Through that work, we learned about the organization’s international mission, Project Orphans,” said Lay. “My wife and I eventually started sponsoring a young girl in Uganda and we’ve been covering her school fees and basic necessities for years now.”
He says the organization’s director challenged him to go a step further and make a trip to the country.
“I’m so glad I did. It was the medicine I didn’t know I needed,” said Lay. “Every year, we hold a medical camp and see up to 600 people, many who walk for hours just to see a doctor for the only time that year. We eventually helped raise money to open a hospital on the campus, and every year we go back, add more to it, build it out, and see the impact it’s making.”
Just keep an eye on what pulls your heartstrings.
local 157 president matt lay
Witnessing the impact firsthand, Lay says he now has a new outlook on life. “When you step outside your day-to-day reality and walk a mile in someone else’s shoes halfway around the world, you see the desperation, you see the need and it completely reshapes your perspective.”
When it comes to giving back, Lay hopes more fire fighters find a passion project that speaks to their hearts.
“Just keep your eyes open for that need that pulls your heartstrings,” he said. “We’re all busy with work and family, and that’s okay, too. But when you do see a need, answering that call can bring a deep sense of fulfillment and peace. I think fire fighters need that now more than ever.”
