Friday’s transformer fire was more than just an inconvenience for local resident Dianne Watkins. The incident didn’t just knock out power at her home on Airport Avenue, it also took out Watkins’ breathing machine.
Recently released from Mary Washington Hospital, Watkins had only been home for two days when Friday’s fire occurred. A third party company tasked with installing Watkins’ at-home accommodations hadn’t yet completed the task, and her portable breathing machine’s battery wasn’t holding its charge. Watkins had little where else to turn.
While in touch with her daughter, Jeneka, via phone, the pair placed a call to the city’s non-emergency number. That resulted with a response from the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad’s Ambulance 18. After assessing her situation, first responders escorted Watkins and her friend to Anita’s Cafe & Dessert Bar in downtown Fredericksburg.
Why run code to a coffee shop?
“Because I know Anita isn’t going to question if I show up with something and say, ‘This is what I need,’” said Fredericksburg Rescue Squad Captain Eric Haas.
“I knew she would not say ’no’ in an emergency situation like this.”
FRS volunteers helped Watkins inside the shop to a seat in the cafe and ensured her breathing machine was connected to one of the outlets and operating properly. Watkins’ daughter arrived moments later to sit with her mom and ensure she had everything she needed.
It wasn’t a first, but the call was far from typical.
“Sometimes you just have to adapt to the situation,” added Paramedic Jay Lesko.
Watkins and her daughter stayed at the cafe for approximately an hour before returning home to ensure that once power was restored, it was there to stay. Watkins credits “everyone,” from MWHC staff to the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad and employees at Anita’s Cafe & Dessert Bar for extending her a helping hand.
“The community has been very supportive,” Watkins said.
Friday’s transformer fire resulted in intermittent power outages in the area throughout the afternoon.
Photo: Jeneka Watkins with volunteer staff from the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad’s Ambulance 18 and Anita Crossfield from Anita’s Cafe & Dessert Bar.
Note: hyperbole provides creative services to Anita’s Cafe & Dessert Bar.
