ER nurse’s deployments include U.S. Capitol services, hurricane response

Philip Johnson, a nurse in the Abrazo Arrowhead Campus Emergency Department, was part of a medical support team deployed to Washington, DC during memorial services for the late Arizona Sen. John McCain.

Johnson is a member of the National Disaster Medical System’s (NDMS) Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT). During the time the public paid their respects in the U.S. Capitol, NDMS personnel along with U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officers stood ready to provide advanced life support and basic medical care to the thousands of people from around the nation attending the event.

In addition to his responsibilities as an ER nurse, Johnson also serves as EMS Coordinator for Abrazo Arrowhead Campus. His selection for the U.S. Capitol deployment resulted from his role in AZ-1 DMAT.

“I felt extremely honored to be present in the Rotunda for Senator McCain’s Memorial,” said Johnson, who is also a captain/paramedic with the Phoenix Fire Department. “I appreciate the support of the Emergency Department team at Abrazo Arrowhead Campus that assisted in my duties while I was gone, and the hospital for supporting my time away.”

Johnson’s participation in the Disaster Medical Assistance Team reflects the dedication to service and patient care that drives all healthcare and emergency professionals, said Abrazo Arrowhead Campus CEO Jeff Patterson. “It is their expertise that helps keep our communities prepared in times of need,” he said.

This isn’t the first time Johnson has traveled with AZ-1 DMAT. “I’ve deployed to New Orleans for three weeks for Hurricane Katrina, Florida for Hurricanes Hanna, Gustav and Ike, to Washington, DC for the inauguration of President Trump, to Puerto Rico this last year for the hurricane, and now, back to Washington, DC to assist with the McCain Memorial in the Capitol building,” said Johnson.

“Phil is a huge asset to Abrazo Arrowhead,” said Emergency Department Director Chrissy Salazar. “He has a great relationship with Emergency Department staff and our Emergency Medical Services providers. His experience with the NDMS Disaster Medical Assistance Team serves us well and in turn helps benefit the community in emergencies of all types.”