Over the Edge 05.13.2008
This morning started off with a bang. We're doing inventory late tonight so I had the morning off. As I'm waking up my pager goes off for a car over the edge, near the Eisenhower Tunnel. I scurried my gear together and hoped in the car. I arrived on scene with CDOT, Fire, Summit Ambulance and the rest of the rescue team.
I was told to put on my harness and helmet for a plunge over the embankment - nearly 500 feet down to the car. As I was gearing up the first patient arrived at the top. She was classified as "red" and was close to death, as well as seven months pregnant. Her eyes were swollen shut, barely breathing. She had no seatbelt on and was thrown under the Pathfinder. A few of us predict she and her baby with not make it. I roped up and joined with three others for the lower. A few minutes later we were at the bottom to gather one of the two remaining patients. Both were hypothermic (we recieved over a foot of snow last night and was still snowing), but in stable condition. A witness was also on scene so I tied him to my harness. We hauled patient two and the bystander back up to the interstate. Once we loaded the second patient into the ambulance we pulled the remaining fire fighters back up the ledge.
Over all it was a success. No extra enjuries, no hurt feelings. Special Ops Srgt Osborn asked how my kids were, so that was nice.
I would say this was an emotional morning, coupled with the fact that my wife has been pregnant twice. Nearly the whole rescue I couldn't help myself from thinking how stupid she was for not wearing a seat belt. The two other guys had theirs on, and for all practical purposes were going to live. Considering they most likely rolled over a dozen times their seatbelts came in handy. I need to tell those of you who don't wear seatbelts to start. I touched a woman today who stopped breathing in front of me, will most likely die, taking her baby with her - because she didn't buckle up. I have to be honest and say I'm annoyed about it.
So, wear your seat belt. Pray for these people, pray for that poor baby.
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3 Comments
Lori 05.13.2008
I couldn't agree more!!! It is a very selfish act to not wear your seat belt during pregnancy. It drives me crazy to know there are still so many people who don't wear them.
Jeanne 05.14.2008
That's really sad...makes me sad on so many levels. Should make everyone want wear their seat belts always....I know it's uncomfortable when you're pregnant but you have to do it anyway. Glad you could be there to help though! I hope the mother and baby make it.
Lee Stewart 05.15.2008
wow. this is especially pertinent to me as I am eight months pregnant and almost every time i get in the car i think about how vulnerable i feel, even with the seat belt on! i'll keep that mom and baby in prayer.
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