Hometown Service Beyond Expectation

Life EMS - It's all in a day's work...

Photo: Jani Millard & Tim LeForge

It was all in a day’s work for Jani Millard of Life EMS, but not for everyone else associated with an emergency at the busy Ionia Expo held at Ionia High School in March.

It also wasn’t a fluke that Jani Millard was not only there, but prepared for just such an emergency.

What happened? Blackbelt Tim LeForge was demonstrating an advanced Tae Kwon Do move on the Firstbank Stage surrounded by spectators when he didn’t get out of the way in time as the board that was just kicked hit him on his chin. A deep gash bled profusely, resulting in great discomfort to Tim and left puddles of blood everywhere.

As soon as she was alerted, Jani’s paramedic training kicked into action. “My paramedic training is with me 24/7, whether I am on duty or not,” Jani said. “From an experience at the very first Expo, I was prepared with supplies, a portable radio, and an adequate first aid kit right at our Life EMS booth.”

Jani remembers her first task was to stop the flow of blood, and where the wound was located, it was difficult to apply pressure. Chamber folks and Expo volunteers were helpful dealing with the trails of blood while she tended to Tim’s injury; this really helped because Tim was very concerned – maybe more concerned - about cleaning up the area than about his cut.

“She calmed me down, cleaned the wound, and used steri-strips to hold it together,” Tim remembered. “Jani was very kind, knowledgeable and concerned. She made sure my face was taken care of and also directed that the floor was cleaned up so the crowds and especially the children wouldn’t be disturbed.”

Tim did seek follow up treatment at the emergency room, where the doctor affirmed Jani did a good job and he would have minimal scaring.

Later that same day, a woman tripped on a cord at the pancake breakfast and Jani was again the first responder. “It’s not unusual for me to get called to duty at functions. I’ve been a paramedic in the community so long, people know (and trust) me.”

Nominator Tim Hemenway, of Michigan One Community Credit Union, Expo’s Sponsor, agrees. “Having Life EMS at Expo was a blessing. True to her training, Jani jumped into action without hesitation and did a flawless job, very much in the style of Hometown Service Beyond Expectation!”

If you have a story of Hometown Service that has exceeded your expectations, please contact the Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce at 616.527.2560 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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