It is a cool spring morning and the Red Cross Senior Transportation drivers are beginning their routes. One driver, J.D. Driver (yes-he is a Driver who is a driver for the Red Cross), picked up his schedule and headed out to the Chapter vehicle. Over the past year J.D. has routinely transported elderly individuals to their medical appointments. This day turned out not so ordinary for J.D. and one regular rider.

Arriving at Ms. B’s home, J.D. pulled the car into the driveway and went up to the house to offer assistance. This morning she didn’t seem to be her bubbly self. Ms. B was having trouble moving to the porch even with her walker. Her response to J.D.’s greeting was too subdued. J.D. knew her from previous trips-even knowing her to sing while in route to her appointment. Something was wrong.

As J.D. approach the door he could smell the pungent odor of gas. He knew what was wrong-the house was filled with gas. He quickly moved Ms. B to the car and contacted the Red Cross dispatcher who called the Muskegon Heights Fire Department. J.D. stayed with Ms. B while the fire department shut off the gas, found the faulty connection to the stove, and aired out the home.