Larry Wingo, AEMT, an emergency medical technician at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital, put his aspirations very simply: “I am just here to serve.”
The desire to help patients at some of the most difficult points in their lives was a major reason he decided to enter the medical field. Growing up in Indiana, he got a head start on that track during high school and completed a certified nursing assistant training program, and shortly after, he earned his EMT license.
After moving to Tennessee, Wingo worked in emergency medical services in Macon County. He often wondered about the care a patient received after being dropped off at the hospital. With VWCH only a few minutes from his home, the slight career change made perfect sense for Wingo.
“I realized that I loved the closeness of doing patient care,” Wingo said. “In the ambulance, we only have the patient for a short time, but in the ER, you can connect with patients on a whole new level. In the hospital atmosphere, you can develop such a close relationship with patients and their families that you don’t necessarily get when doing transport.”
Wingo was among seven employees chosen this year to receive a Patient and Family Choice Award.
Nominations are submitted by patients and families. The award honors employees from across Vanderbilt Health who act with compassion and excellence to provide an exceptional experience for patients and their families. This year, Vanderbilt’s patient and family advisory councils bestowed awards to seven individuals from Vanderbilt University Hospital, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, Vanderbilt Adult Ambulatory Clinics, Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital and Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital.
As one nominator wrote, “Larry was incredibly busy, but managed to be very welcoming anyway. He was professional and gave me a painless stick when I needed an injection, and he engaged with me on a personal level.”
Wingo was surprised and honored to receive the award. “I had received a nomination for it the previous year,” he said. “My supervisor asked me if I would like to go and support the nominees this year, and I was glad to do so. That was how they got me.”
While he was surprised, the heaping praise Wingo received from a number of his colleagues paints the picture of a clinician with a servant’s heart who was a no-brainer to receive the award.
“Larry treats every patient as if they are his family,” said Heather Dunn, BSN, RN, a nurse at VWCH. “He goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is treated kindly and all their needs are met. He watches over them all with a caring eye using his extensive medical knowledge to notice any changes or issues. … When we are a team for the day, I know we will be great, and we will be able to handle whatever comes our way.”
Kristie Haston, RN, another member of the nursing staff who often works with Wingo, called him “one of the foremost patient advocates” and complimented his attitude toward his colleagues as well.
“Larry comes in smiling and telling everyone good morning — what positivity that radiates!” said Haston. “He is thoughtful, understanding and respectful to everyone, especially his patients. He genuinely cares about them and his co-workers and tries to aid everyone as quickly as possible.”
Wingo’s positive attitude is no surprise given his upbringing. With both parents involved in the church, Wingo said he was raised on the foundations of loving everyone and treating people with respect.
“Being a minister outside of work, I can often connect with patients and families,” said Wingo. “I strongly believe in prayer and pray constantly for those that I come in contact with. I believe having that strong belief in faith helps to keep me grounded during some of the most difficult times.”
Like many EMTs, Wingo recognizes that not every day in the ER will be smooth sailing. And knowing this, he’s found the right attitude to navigate working in that environment.
“I tend to remind myself that I am here for the patient, and they don’t need to see me torn up,” said Wingo. “There have been many times that I had to put on my ‘big boy’ face in spite of what I saw or knew. There are times that after a call I had to have a moment. Even in the ER, I have had moments of knowing when I needed to step away from feeling overwhelmed emotionally and not wanting my patient to see that.
“I try to be that person of hope and a leaning post when the patient or their family needs it the most.”
Wingo’s kindness and professionalism showed up as worlds collided last Thanksgiving, when his colleague Kim Paris, RN, needed support after her father suffered an injury in a farming accident.
Paris, a nurse in the VWCH Specialty Holding Unit, said Wingo was working a shift with her on the holiday when her father arrived at the emergency room. Wingo met him in the parking lot and assisted him into a wheelchair.
“Larry kept looking over his shoulder to check on me, too,” said Paris. “It’s that level of compassion and attentiveness that makes him so special. He’s not just a professional, he’s a truly good man who sees and cares for everyone. I’m so thankful for him!”
