Local 917 Member Receives Accolades for Quick Action in Helping Neighbor’s Injured Toddler
April 29, 2010
A member of IAEP Local R5-917 in Florida is being recognized for her off-duty actions in saving a neighbor’s child after a traumatic injury.
While washing her car on October 18, 2009, Brandy Atchison, an EMS professional with Polk County EMS of Florida, noticed her neighbor and his 18-month old son mowing their lawn together on a rider mower. After returning inside her house, Brandy heard panicked screaming and ran over to her neighbor’s yard. She found the toddler in desperate need of medical attention after the father had accidentally run over him with the mower.
Brandy immediately responded to the child and stopped the massive hemorrhaging while her husband Michael, an off duty Auburndale police officer, called 911. She then helped her fellow rescuers continue the child’s care until he was transferred to an air support team and taken to a Pediatric Trauma Center. The child spent a
month in the hospital and has now made a near-full recovery.
Since the incident, Brandy has received numerous awards and accolades for her quick action. On March 21, 2010, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) declared her EMT of the year, and the American Legion followed suit on April 3.
“As pre-hospital providers we never ask for or expect accolades for doing our jobs,” said Local 917 Chief Shop Steward Ken Skaggs. “Since Brandy stepped into her neighbor’s life, many community organizations have recognized Brandy for her selfless act.”
On April 17, the Sons of the American Revolution honored Brandy as Emergency Personnel of the Year for 2009, and the Lakeland, Florida Rotary and Aquinas Clubs named Brandy EMS Professional of the Year at their April 27 President’s Roundtable Luncheon.
“EMT Brandy Atchison’s dedication to her neighbors and her community makes everyone at Local R5-917 proud and we commend her and all pre-hospital responders for their dedication during EMS week 2010,” said Skaggs.