THE phe·nom·e·non PROJECT: Mr. Gilbert Vallian
Stories of Black Greatness — In Spite of Real Experiences of Racism
/fəˈnäməˌnän,fəˈnäməˌnən/
Noun
- a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question.
- a remarkable person, thing, or event
The Phenomenon project provides a forum to amplify and explore the varied voices of the Black experience. Here, today, be inspired by stories of greatness. Gain an understanding, that despite many achievements and examples of progress, racism has not disappeared. Proactive and intentional steps must be taken to educate, inspire, and build a world without racism.
Please join us as we work to amplify stories and images of Black greatness, in spite of real experiences of racism.
Meet Mr. Gilbert Vallian. Mr. Vallian has been saving lives for more than 30 years as a paramedic. Born in New Orleans, and now a resident of New Iberia, Louisiana, he was named Louisiana Paramedic of the Year in 2007. Mr. Vallian is currently a paramedic for the West Feliciana Parish Hospital. Mr. Vallian’s greatest work is his role as father of four, grandfather of four and great grandfather for one great grand baby girl.
In 2007 Mr. Vallian was recognized as Paramedic of the Year for saving the life of a 1.8 pounds baby born on the bathroom floor of the home, accompanying the mother, sent to the hospital by AirMed. The baby had agonal respirations. Mr. Vallian started an IV, with EPI (epinephrine). The doctor said to “work the baby” and that is exactly what he did, keeping the baby alive until arriving safely to the hospital.
It is the 21st Century, in the United States of America and yet here are several stories of folks who would risk death before allowing a Black man to help save their life.
In the area called Maurepas, Mr. Vallian and his team responded to an emergency call. Upon arrival they found a pair of confederate flags on the trailer and the walkway. There was a patient in severe respiratory distress. Mr. Vallian’s basic partner was an African American female. Upon seeing the color of their skin, even though the patient was in severe respiratory distress, she did not want to be treated by Mr. Vallian or his partner. After waiting for a while, hoping other medics would arrive, she was in so much distress, she finally relented and allowed treatment to begin, allowing Mr. Vallian and his partner to do their job. Resulting in a harrowing trip to the hospital via ambulance.
In Livingston Parish, deep in the woods, Mr. Vallian walked into a full fledged Klan meeting. There was a large empty trailer, full of men in white Ku Klux Klan robes. Upon arrival inside the trailer there was an elderly gentleman having a heart attack, in his white KKK robe. Seeing that Mr. Vallian was the paramedic, they refused to tell him anything, rather directing all of the important life saving information to his white partner. The white partner reminded them several times that Mr. Vallian was the paramedic. The white partner was what is referred to as the “basic EMT”. As the paramedic it is Mr. Vallian’s duty to take the lead, as he is the only one allowed to give medicine and actual medical support. They went ahead and put the man in the back of the ambulance. Just as Mr. Vallian and his partner were leaving, they opened up the door and told Mr. Vallian, “Don’t worry about doing anything. They’re going to do everything at the hospital.” They didn’t want Mr. Vallian to treat the patient at all. They preferred to potentially die, rather than being treated by a medic with 30 years experience.
Finally, there was the white female in active labor. Mr. Vallian and his colleague, both African American, were on the scene. The husband rushed home and upon seeing that this African American man was about to deliver his baby, the husband ran into the room and ran back to put the barrel of a rifle to his partner’s head, telling him to “Get the ‘F out! No (N word) was going to deliver my baby!” Mr. Vallian and his partner had to stand by until a white medic came to the scene. All of this while the mother continued to be in active labor and the baby was crowning!
Despite many such stories, Mr. Gilbert Vallian continues to suit up and answer the 911 calls throughout his area, saving lives of all colors, still thirty years later and counting.
99% Invisible Episode 405- Freedom House Ambulance Service
“The two men were some of the world’s first paramedics, and, like Moon, they were Black. This is the story of Freedom House Ambulance Service of Pittsburgh. They were the first paramedics and they changed the way we think about emergency medicine.”
