- AdventHealth
Choose the health content that’s right for you, and get it delivered right in your inbox.
A former firefighter/paramedic, Will Hall is AdventHealth’s EMS liaison and has seen firsthand how emotionally difficult it can be working in an emergency room. He decided he wanted to help those ER doctors, nurses and other clinical team members who care for people who come in suffering from everything from heart attacks and strokes to broken bones.
“A lot of those calls are pretty stressful, so if I can bring in a dog that helps de-stress that situation, that's actually very valuable to the staff,” Hall told WESH-TV.
Will adopted a shelter dog that he named Recon and the pair went through pet therapy training so Recon could be certified to work for AdventHealth.
Now Will and Recon make regular trips to emergency rooms throughout Central Florida to help team members decompress and work through the emotional stresses of their work. They can also respond within an hour if an ER team has a particularly tough case.
You could call Will and Recon an emergency response team for the soul.
Click the video above to experience what a visit to the ER is like for them. And to learn more about AdventHealth’s pet therapy program, click here.
Recent News
Worried about his dog, a DeLand patient finds unexpected help from hospital nurses
Even as Ted DeGuzman struggled to breathe, his mind kept coming back to one thing: Luna.
AdventHealth brings steadier care to patients by reducing nurse turnover
Nursing turnover across the East Florida Division dropped from 16.4% to 12.3% in 2025 as hospitals strengthened support and expanded opportunities for nurses.
AdventHealth supports Hardee County student-athletes with free sports physicals, heart screenings
AdventHealth supported Hardee County student-athletes in preparing for a safe and successful sports season by providing free sports physicals and coordinating low-cost heart screenings at Hardee...
At the bedside, an ICU nurse carries lessons from home
While caring for her father through serious illness, ICU nurse Kaleigh Hulsman learned lessons in compassion she now brings to patients.
Palm Coast nurse earns national emergency certification to strengthen patient care
Support from local foundation helps AdventHealth nurse advance skills for high-pressure moments.
Mother, daughter pursue nursing careers through education partnership
Family story highlights how AdventHealth’s dynamic learning community helps shape the next generation of nurses.
Amid rapid population growth, AdventHealth plans a new hospital in The Villages to bring care closer to residents
The project is expected to expand access to emergency and hospital services in one of Florida’s fastest-growing regions.
Helping patients regain confidence through innovative overactive bladder treatment at AdventHealth Parker
AdventHealth Parker is now offering an innovative treatment option designed to help patients regain comfort, confidence and greater freedom in daily life.
Nurses surprise cancer patient with vow renewal ceremony honoring 43rd wedding anniversary
Care team at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach helps couple continue decades-long vow renewal tradition.
A nurse’s calling: Charity Carlisle on growing the next generation
With nearly 25 years at AdventHealth, Charity Carlisle reflects on compassionate, whole-person care and the joy of growing the next generation of nurses.
Cancer risk screenings expand across Central Florida, offering patients clarity earlier
Personalized cancer risk assessments that use AI are now part of routine mammograms, helping patients understand risk sooner and take action with confidence.
6 AdventHealth West Florida hospitals earn top ‘A’ safety grades for protecting patients
AdventHealth West Florida hospitals earn top “A” Leapfrog Safety Grades, offering patients peace of mind through safe, compassionate care.