Paramedic Bazelow needs assist with Medical bills

Flight Paramedic Bazelow needs assistance with Medical coverage and bills

In December of 2022 Jason developed his first of several pneumonias. Throughout the spring and summer of 2023 Jason continued to be seen by his pcp and urgent care for multiple lung infections, bronchitis, and pneumonias. Even when not acutely sick a dry cough persisted, and he was frequently short of breath. His vision, which was always above average, was deteriorating and he started complaining of numbness in his arms and face. His family, friends and coworkers noticed dramatic weight loss and commented on his inability to focus or remember simple tasks. Jason sought out expert medical advice on several occasions, but no one could seem to connect the dots. In late September of 2022, Jason reached out to a family friend who was a cardiologist; by this point he was coughing up clear froth on a regular basis which frequently contained blood. He was put in contact with pulmonary oncology at ECU and was seen within days.

On September 28th Jason was admitted emergently by pulmonary oncology to ECU health for symptomatic hypercalcemia, borderline kidney failure, and anemia from advanced bone marrow suppression. His chest CT showed mediastinal adenopathy and multiple large pulmonary nodules. His lungs were completely scarred, the lymph in his chest turned to “cement.” and was told that he was days away from being placed on a Ventilator.

Jason was diagnosed with stage 2/3 Pulmonary Sarcoidosis which they believed contributed to his neurological, kidney and anemia issues. He spent a week admitted to ECU health and was placed on a dozen medications including high doses of steroids and chemotherapy. Weight loss continued and his weight dropped from his normal 230lbs to 186lbs.

Jason attempted to return to work but after one shift on the helicopter it was apparent that it was too soon. He continued light duty for as long as he could while taking medications that caused severe fatigue, irritability, immunosuppression, and cataracts. Jason was eventually placed on short term disability in November 2022 to allow his body to heal.

While on disability the appointments, procedures and weekly bloodwork continued. Since then, he has also been diagnosed with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, and aortic aneurism. He also tore his left meniscus and has had surgeries on his right kidney and right knee.

At the end of February 2024 Jason’s FMLA ran out, and he was placed on long term disability equaling less than 60% of his normal pay. He now must pay for all his benefits out of pocket which equals $1,200 a month and do not include coverage for his multiple medications. Jasons medical bills are mounting from repeated admissions, surgeries, bloodwork, and procedures. His appointments with specialists are scheduled months out and chemotherapy will last another 18 months. He will need bilateral knee replacements; additional kidney procedures and his aneurism is being monitored closely. He has sought out government and social assistance programs which at this time he does not qualify for. Jason has full support from his department and coworkers but at this time his ability to serve the community is in question. Although determined to return to serving his community, Jason has been made aware that he may never be able to return to work again.

Public Service Career Summary

For those that don’t know him, Jason started serving the public in 1995 as a volunteer with pine bush volunteer ambulance. Since then, Jason has worked as a paramedic in NY CT and NC. He has participated in several large-scale rescues and has received several awards and commendations for his service. He has worked for numerous hospitals and educational institutions in several states and has flown with the NYSP Aviation Unit, ECU Health’s EastCare and Novant Health’s AirLink/VitaLink. He has written education programs for HSI, the United States Military at Fort Bragg and continuing education programs for the county in which he resides. While he served on the Board of Directors for International College of Advanced Practice Paramedics Jason wrote and taught for the Pittman Course, served on the AMTC education subcommittee, and contributed to the second edition of ASTNA’s Critical Care Core Curriculum. He has presented at several conferences at the state, national and international level and is well known throughout the industry.

Jason has given much to our Paramedicine, EMS, Rescue and Public safety community to serve the public at large. Although he won’t ask directly his Friends, Co-workers and family are asking for your help here to contribute to keeping him insured and medical bills paid so he can get the treatment he needs. Our heartfelt thanks for all who can and for those that can’t please join us in praying he can return to serve once again.