Staff at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs honored by first responders

Down the hospital entrance they came with sirens blaring and and lights flashing.  

Behind a motorcycle escort traveled fire trucks and police vehicles, all to say thanks to healthcare workers at Desert Regional Medical Center.

They are the people on the front lines in the battle against coronavirus.

“It warms my heart.  I tell you I can’t express in words adequately what it means to me.  it’s difficult to put into words,” said Emergency Department nurse Stan Hall, who has served at the hospital for 25 years.    

One by one, they drove by, as many of the hospital’s staff of 2,3000 stood along the drive, waving and smiling, with many of them holding signs expressing their gratitude to fire crews and police.

Palm Springs Fire Captain Nathan Gunkel organized the show of appreciation.

“We work with them day in and day out.  We appreciate what they are doing.  We witness first hand every day how they’ve stepped up to this challenge,” said Gunkel.

Captain Gunkel came up with the idea about a week ago and then contacted the Palm Springs Police Department.

They too wanted to participate. 

Nurse Hall also helped organize the tribute.

Hall says serving patients is nothing new, but says the coronavirus pandemic adds a new layer of stress for healthcare workers who have to protect themselves while helping others. 

“It is a challenge.  There are aspects of the care that have to be altered.  But again, as an emergency nurse, that is what we do,” said Hall.     

Hospital officials say they’ve treated a total of 49 people for coronavirus, with 9 currently receiving treatment.

Nine more patients are “under investigation”.

Hall says receiving support like this goes a long way in keeping them going.

“I can’t tell you how much it means to me and the facility as a whole to be able to give back to them as well,” said Hall. 

Desert Regional Medical center is giving gift cards for groceries to fire crews and other emergency services workers to say thanks to them for their service.

Hospital officials remind the public to seek proper healthcare and not avoid or ignore “emergent” healthcare issues including respiratory problems, heart irregularities or other pains or concerns while the coronavirus pandemic continues.