THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, May 9, 1995 TAG: 9505090253
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JON FRANK, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
When the Nightingale air ambulance flew over a crowded Town Point Park early Monday evening, the emergency services helicopter wasn't on its usual mission.
Instead, it was conducting a flyover to honor Dr. Frank M. Yeiser Jr., the man who helped make air ambulance service a reality in Hampton Roads during the early 1980s. Yeiser, 48, died April 23 at his home in Mathews County.
In the park, more than a thousand of Yeiser's friends, colleagues and family members listened as bagpipes played a final tribute to the man who virtually created emergency services in Norfolk and helped bring nationally recognized emergency care to both the region and the state.
``There is no doubt in my mind that Frank Yeiser leaves a legacy that could potentially affect anyone in Virginia or anyone traveling to Virginia,'' said Dr. L.D. Britt, who was representing the American College of Surgeons.
Britt said Virginia is one of only two states noted for developing a complete emergency services network, and ``Frank Yeiser played a pivotal role in this.''
Dr. Francis L. Counselman, representing the American College of Emergency Physicians, credited Yeiser for helping give Virginia ``the finest pre-hospital care found anywhere in the world.''
So well-known was Yeiser in the medical services field that Dartmouth College in New Hampshire had offered him an instructor position at its medical school. Yeiser was about to join the Dartmouth faculty when he died.
Although his death was premature, Yeiser's accomplishments were numerous enough for several lifetimes, said his memorialists.
In addition to helping to start the Norfolk EMS and Nightingale service, Yeiser had been medical director for the Norfolk Fire and Paramedical Services Department since 1983. He also served as medical director for Virginia Beach for seven years.
Yeiser was a college dropout who came to Norfolk and started an ambulance service before going back to college for his bachelor's and medical degrees. When he returned to Norfolk in 1983 he immediately took on a leadership role in emergency services.
Guiding his tireless efforts, said Monday night's speakers, was Yeiser's philosophy of putting the needs of the patient before all other concerns.
``Doing what is best for the patient is a simple statement, but it captures the essence of medicine,'' said Counselman. ``Frank lived and taught this philosophy. . . . I don't know anyone who gave more than Frank. His name will always be synonymous with generosity, compassion and care.'' by CNB