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NEWS NETWORK Construction began on a 60-bed mobile hospital a week after the tornado hit. The other, based abut 30–40 miles away, was OK. Medical personnel also set up temporary clinics in other areas in Joplin. Smith, a former paramedic in Oklahoma, says he still can’t get over the amount of destruction. “I’ve seen tornadoes and their aftermaths before, but nothing compares to what happened here. It looks like a nuclear bomb went off. It tore bark off trees. You can’t tell the make or models of some vehicles because they’re that smashed. It pulled asphalt out of the road.” It wasn’t the fi rst twister to hit the area. On Mother’s Day four years ago, a tornado killed 27 and left more than 200 injured. And another about Stress? Trauma? Addiction? eight years ago hit the northern part of town. “Little did we know that one would be a dress rehearsal for the big one,” Smith says. He spoke of his pride and admiration for Joplin’s entire medical community who pitched in that day. “St. John’s is blessed,” he says. Call for backup. A trauma and addictions progr for EMTs and other uniformed service professionals EMTs are trained to call for assistance— but it can be hard when the situation is personal. Now, exclusive, strictly confidential support is available at the Brattleboro Retreat. d n ram nce— on Brattlebor Admissions 24 hours a day. 7 days a week. Call 802.258.3700 a week 16 JULY 2011 | EMSWORLD.com k. brattleboror attleboro Vermont lb o, Vermont brattlebororetreat.org/ems eat.org/ems Above: The view looking out from inside St. John’s Medical Center. Below: Miraculously, Sister photos remain hanging despite the windows being blown out. For More Information Circle 27 on Reader Service Card