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.
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!
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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
Eric “nighthawk”
American veteran and proud of it!
[This message has been edited by nighthawk (edited 10 May 2006).]
Well done Eric. From the other side I had 2 good friends save my life a few year’s back and the re-payment will last for ever.
My I shake your hand someday.
I have an update on Renee. She had a good sized gash over her right eye and on the back of her head. Required some sutures.
Concusion but no skull fracture or hematoma that we are aware of. I suspected that she had a fracture in her right arm as she demonstated pain and swelling near the wrist. I couldn’t check the arm any further as she lay on her right side and I dared not move her without a brace and back board. She has a closed compound fracture in the right arm that will require surgery. No hip fracture or, thank God, spinal injuries. No rib injuries but lots of bruises. The poor lady is sporting a black eye that would impress a professional prize fighter. She was able to go home last night.
Now, about you folks. The most important thing to a person involved in a rescue is their support group. I am proud to say that all of you are one outstanding support group! You are the greatest! You may never know just how much you all have helped me. I can never, ever thank you enough. I appreciate you letting me post this here even though the only way it’s related to fly fishing is the accident caused me to cancel my plans for the day. I do want to meet all of you but until then I am sending all of you great big cyber hugs and hand shakes. His hand guided me to you folks and I am singing your praise to Him in my prayers.
Eric “nighthawk”
American veteran and proud of it!
[This message has been edited by nighthawk (edited 11 May 2006).]
