South Valley paramedic meets thankful family of patient he treated one year ago

TULARE, Calif. (KFSN) -- A South Valley paramedic received some much-deserved recognition Wednesday.

LifeStar Paramedic Chris Kinser responded to an emergency situation in Tulare about a year ago. A construction worker fell 12 feet off a roof and landed on his head. Kinser says the man had significant spinal injuries and was unresponsive. On the way to the hospital, the paramedic stabilized the man's spine, secured his airway, and started an IV. Doctors say the man would not be able to walk today without Kinser's skilled care.

Today, Kinser met the patient's family in Tulare, where they thanked him for his help.

"Once we drop them off we give a report and we turn over the patient to the hospital's care," Kinser said. "We go right back out and do our stuff. It's kind of nice to find out that your efforts actually made a difference."

The patient is now in rehab and doing well. Kinser says he eventually hopes to meet with the patient himself.