TUCSON, Ariz. (Aug. 12, 2025) -- The first moments of an accident are often a blur for trauma survivors. For first responders, those first moments are tense and quick moving. Paramedics are trained to quickly assess the situation and patient’s injuries without ever expecting to know if the victim survived after transport to a hospital emergency department.
In a rare, full-circle moment 15-year-old James Romero, after months of treatment at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, had the opportunity to meet a paramedic who played a part in saving his life.
The emotional reunion unfolded on stage at the 2025 Southwest Regional Trauma Conference, hosted by Banner – University Medicine Tucson. The annual event brings together hundreds of trauma professionals — from trauma surgeons and emergency room physicians to nurses, paramedics and EMS providers — for two days of hands-on learning and networking.
Each year, the conference presents “The Grateful Survivor” video, which features trauma survivors and details about what led to their injuries, their road to recovery and their appreciation for those who played a role in their survival.
The video for the 2025 conference, held July 31 and Aug. 1, was about Romero. On the evening of Sept. 21, 2024, Romero was riding his mini motorbike through the intersection of Miracle Mile and Fairview Avenue in Tucson when a split second changed his life forever.
Tucson Fire was first on scene. Romero was rushed to Banner – University Medical Center, where he spent several weeks undergoing multiple surgeries. Despite the best efforts of his medical team, James ultimately lost his left leg and is learning to navigate life with a prosthetic.
Romero, his mother Stephanie, and two younger brothers attended the video presentation. His mother watched the video through tears. Following the video, event staff brought the family on stage to say a few words to the first responders in the audience.
“I really respect them. And I love them for saving me,” said Romero. “I feel like if they didn’t get there the second they did, I don’t think I would be here doing what I’m doing now and achieving what I’m achieving.”
What the family didn’t know was that also in the audience was Tucson Fire Department paramedic Isaac Granados, one of the first responders on the scene of Romero’s incident.
Granados stepped on stage to surprise the family with a long, emotional embrace.
It’s a raw example of the impact first responders have in those critical first moments, before patients even reach the emergency department. And the bond they forever have.
“I love to hear that he has this mentality that it’s not going to hold him back, he can move on with his life, and that he can keep living a fulfilling life,” said Granados. “At the end of the day, whoever we care for or whoever we take to the hospital, we hope their outcome will be positive.”
Romero credits the quick action of first responders and the expert medical care of Banner – University Medical Center Tucson with saving his life. He begins his junior year at Amphi High School with a powerful story of resilience.
The video shown at the conference can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXc1pgud7nk.
About Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and South
Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner – University Medical Center South are part of Banner – University Medicine, a premier academic medical network. These institutions are academic medical centers for the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. Included on the two campuses are Diamond Children's Medical Center and many specialty clinics. The two academic medical centers are part of Arizona-based Banner Health, one of the largest nonprofit health care systems in the country. Banner Health is in six states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/universitytucson or bannerhealth.com/universitysouth.
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