‘I just wanted to help’
OneWorld Clinic Driver assists patient in car accident
OneWorld Clinic Driver, Carlos Aldrete
For OneWorld Clinic Driver, Carlos Aldrete, helping others is not only a passion but also an instinct. When he saw a single-car accident at 33rd and Q street on January 19, he immediately took action.
Aldrete said he was returning to the Livestock Exchange Health Campus after dropping a patient off at their residence when he came across the accident.
“I saw a smoking car with glass everywhere and a woman inside the car all by herself,” said Aldrete. “I pulled over and asked if she was okay and if she needed medical attention. She started crying and said she had been there for at least 10 minutes and no one stopped to help her.”
The woman appeared to be in shock, so Aldrete called emergency medical services. The woman, who was also a OneWorld patient, did not have a cell phone, so Aldrete helped contact her mother as well. Around 15 minutes later, the woman’s mother arrived.
Once he knew the woman was stable and her mother told Aldrete she could handle the situation, Aldrete continued on transporting OneWorld patients to and from appointments. Later that day, the woman’s mother called OneWorld to express her gratitude for Aldrete’s help.
“I know the patient felt some ease and comfort when Carlos stopped to help her,” said Operations Director, Jennifer Mayhew. “Carlos’ kindness, generosity and willingness to help others stands as a shining example for all of us.”
Reflecting on that day, Aldrete said he did not think twice about pulling over to check on the driver.
“I just wanted to help,” said Aldrete. “I have always enjoyed helping people, and that’s something I do every day as a clinic driver. Knowing that I’m helping patients get to and from our clinics and making their appointment days a little bit easier is worth it every time.”
