ADEL, Iowa — Luke Dahl of rural Casey, a nationally recognized paramedic with the Dallas County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), was honored Friday with the Willow Award for Excellence in End-of-Life Care in ceremonies held in the Dallas County administration building.
Dahl was nominated for the national award by the family of Jean Dowd of Perry, whose sudden death in May was very stressful for her family. In a letter nominating Dahl for the award, Dowd’s daughter, Kristina Sowers of Iowa City, praised “the extraordinary compassion and professionalism he provided during our mother’s medical emergency earlier this year.”
Willow Award National Director Janae Strovers of Little Rock, Arkansas. said Sowers’ letter described Dahl as “the calm in the storm” and praised “his clear communication, reassuring presence and compassionate support” as her mother was transported to the hospital following a heart attack. She said Dahl “remained by her side in the emergency department, helping her navigate one of the most difficult moments of her life.”…