A terrible accident. My first responder training got used to

[nighthawk]

I was put putting the canoe on top of the escort and I heard a terrible crashing noise come from my neighbors house. I heard her dog barking and I thought that she had fallen down her steps. When I looked up I saw Judy standing at the top of the 15 foot steps to her back deck. She was hollering for her friend Renee. Judy's dog had gotten excited and knocked Renee down the steps onto the concrete sidewalk. My training kicked in full force. I immobilized her and assesed her injuries. No open fractures, heavy bleeding or bleeding form the ears. Good. Patient semiconcious and responding to questions. Bleeding form laceration above right eye under control. Patient already lay in a good posture to prevent shock. Kept her immobilized and talking until help arrived. Amy and the local paramedics got there quickly.

Fate is a fickle thing at times. We had a serious problem with our GMC Jimmy this morning and I had to switch the canoe over to my car. If not for that problem I would have been long gone. All of that reaction training in the U.S. Army and first responder courses kicked into full gear right away. Wow! Now I am just going to sit here and shake for a while.

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Eric "nighthawk"

American veteran and proud of it!

[DianeID]

Sometimes the Fates work with us.

You did well, my friend.

Diane

[Diane]

Well done, Eric. Having done some of that work in the past, I can relate to getting the shakes after. Shakes'll pass, and then you'll keep feeling good about what you can handle out in the world. Glad you were there for the neighbors!

[nighthawk]

Thank you ladies. One thing I don't miss about Army Aviation is the crash investigations and rescue operations. I salute the men and women that do these things for us.

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Eric "nighthawk"

American veteran and proud of it!

[DianeID]

Nighthawk, I remember those from the Navy days. There always had to be a photographer to document. One of the drawbacks of being Airedale and not Blackshoe. It was the smell that always got me. You never forget it. While it was fun being a mustang, it's more fun being retired and not having the phone ring at 3 a.m.

[LadyFisher]

My EMT card expired many years ago, but I have not forgotten the training. That stuff is still 'in there'...grateful for it. You never know, but isn't it a nice feeling to know you can help if it is needed?

Nice job Eric.

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LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL

[Byron Zuehlsdorff]

Shaking is totally acceptable after the situation friend. The important thing is that you were there and were able to act as was needed. That makes you a hero in my book.

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Wyo-blizzard aka Bloody Tom Bonney

[nighthawk]

LadyFisher,
Yes it is a good feeling knowing that you can help others in their hour of need. There is something else that you always carry with you. That is your compation and love of humanity. Thank you.

Byron,
Thanks man. Shucks, I'm no hero, just a man who cannot stand to see others suffer.

DianeID,
To this day I cannot stand the smell of burning fuel and burnt flesh. You can smell and air crash from miles away. Even a burnt steak can be tough at times. When that gets me down I think of the times when we got there in time to save someone. It's a bitter/sweet thing isn't it?

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Eric "nighthawk"

American veteran and proud of it!




[This message has been edited by nighthawk (edited 10 May 2006).]

[Mohawk16]

Way to go, Eric. I was a helicopter crew chief on rescue helicopters in the Marines. I know exactly how you feel. I also remember the smells.



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GOD BLESS AMERICA
USMC - VIETNAM VET

[Marco]

Hey there Eric,
You did well and befitting of an American Military Veteran.

Mark