I knew Scobey. Charles "Scobey" Newman joined the emergency services field over 40 years ago and has affected the lives of countless people. As one of the first paramedics to join Erlanger's Lifeforce program, he quickly became well-known to volunteers and first responders around the region. After nearly 25 years of air medical service, he came back to ground services, working primarily with Hamilton County EMS and always picking up overtime with peripheral EMS services.
Ever the consummate professional, Scobey had a way, that when he arrived at whatever the situation was, first responders knew everything was going to be okay. He instilled calm in every person he was around, whether patient or peer. Ever the student, he was never without educational materials, striving to be a better healthcare provider. He was always someone volunteer firefighters, doctors, and everyone in between could go to about reviewing a call and how things could have been done better. Nearly every time, Scobey would affirm whatever care was provided while offering medical insights into why and how other options could also be utilized.
As his legend and his, well, disdain for attention grew, what started as a joke of "I Know Scobey" took off. Of the dozens of stories I have heard over the years, the fondest I have was from his son Nick just this past weekend about how, while on vacation to this tiny fishing village in Alaska, Scobey walked into a bar and no less than three patrons turned around and said: "Hey Scobey!" We all laughed so hard at this, shaking our heads, knowing that sounded just as legit as many of the other wild tales of his far-reaching friendships.
As the healthcare and emergency services now mourn the loss of his passing, I challenge everyone that got to experience his patient care and personality to be like Scobey:
Help the patient like they are your own family.
Ask your coworkers how they are today and take a minute to truly listen and empathize.
Love your own family with everything you have.
Cherish and enjoy every day because we don't know what is next.
And smile. Reeeeeally Big.
I am sad to say goodbye to my hero but I am so much more full of gratitude to be able to say...
"I knew Scobey".
Michael Hailey