Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Emergency and Ambulance Services/Respiratory Therapy Director Bob McLaughlin of Deerwood this week received Cuyuna Regional Medical Center’s Trophy Fish Award for going above and beyond in his job by assisting a patient who needed special transportation.
A Transitional Care Unit resident with complex medical problems who completed chemotherapy needed six weeks of transportation five days a week via stretcher to Brainerd for radiation treatment. When medial transportation services were unable to transport the patient for scheduled treatments, McLaughlin coordinated transportation with his staff and vehicles. This prevented the patient from needing to be transferred to another facility outside of the area away from his family.
“This is a huge undertaking and a show of commitment he and his staff have for the patients and residents we serve,” his nominators wrote. “What a relief for this resident to be able to undergo needed treatment while maintaining proximity to family and friends. The patient can worry only about radiation instead of learning a new facility and staff far away from home. Bob is an ambassador and is representing CRMC in a hugely positive light to our residents while demonstrating immense dedication and commitment.”
McLaughlin began working at CRMC in May of 1989 as an Emergency Medical Technician. He became a Paramedic in 1991 and a Respiratory Therapist in 1997. In 2008, he was promoted to Respiratory Therapy Department Coordinator and in 2015 was promoted to Supervisor. Last year, he became the Respiratory Therapy Department Manager and in 2018 was promoted to his current position. A union steward, McLaughlin served 23 years on the Ironton and Crosby Volunteer Fire Departments as Rescue Captain and Assistant Fire Chief where he had Incident Command System and Emergency Management training. He also served four years in the U.S. Navy. McLaughlin is studying toward a Bachelor’s degree in health care administration from Rasmussen College and is a graduate of Crosby-Ironton High School. He and his wife, Marianne, have two grown children and four grandchildren.