Dr. James Turpin, Stanford ER physician, dies after falling in home

Dr. James Turpin, a 53-year-old emergency room physician at Ephraim McDowell Fort Logan Hospital in Stanford, Ky., has died. He died Wednesday at UK Hospital after suffering injuries from a fall earlier in the week.

Dr. Eric Guerrant, a colleague and friend of Turpin, said the doctor got up in the middle of the night on Sunday morning to use the bathroom. Turpin fell down a flight of basement stairs during that trip and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Turpin had a long career in local emergency care. He worked as an emergency room doctor at the Stanford hospital and also oversaw medical services for emergency medical teams in Lincoln and Casey counties. In 2017, he was named the EMS medical director of the year for the eastern district of Kentucky.

Colleagues described Turpin as having a strong work ethic. He began his career as a licensed practical nurse, moved up to a registered nurse, and then completed medical school. Friends said he had a knack for improving the mood during difficult shifts.

Guerrant recalled that Turpin made small bracelets for his staff that read, “Here to help.” “That was James, and we all wore the bracelets, and that changed the whole demeanor of the practice during a tough time,” Guerrant said. “He had that attitude. He was here to help.”

Turpin was remembered for his dedication to the local community and his hands-on approach to patient care. The community continues to process the loss of a familiar face in the region's emergency medical system.