Massachusetts Medic Dies Following Call
The Massachusetts EMS community is mourning the loss of a well-known paramedic.
Richard Powers, 45, died Monday after returning from a call with Beauport Ambulance in Gloucester.
"He was a legend up here. Rich was known all over the EMS region here," said Kenny Rose, a supervisor at the commercial ambulance company.
After the call, Powers went down to the operations office and was laying on a bunk talking to his girlfriend on the telephone. "When the phone went dead, she called dispatch. They went down, and found him in cardiac arrest."
His paramedic partner started treating him, while others called 9-1-1, alerting the Gloucester Fire Department.
The resuscitative effort continued en route to the hospital. However, he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Rose said Powers worked for a number of ambulance companies, and was actively involved with training in the area.
"Rich has been a paramedic for probably 24 or 25 years," Rose said. "The knowledge we've lost is unbelievable."
Calls and e-mails of support have come from the EMS community, and many have indicated they will participate in the funeral service on Saturday. "The pipers from Boston say they are coming. That's great. Rich really deserves to be honored for his contributions."
Rose said Powers was a devoted father to his daughter, Samantha.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Keefe's Funeral Home in Gloucester. On Saturday, the procession will leave from there at 9 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. at St. John's Church.
A fund has been established for Powers' daughter. Donations may be sent to Rockport National Bank, 16 Main St., Rockport, Ma.
