DETROIT – We already know firefighters do heroic things every day, but sometimes, you need to spotlight the best of the best.
On Tuesday (May 21), the Detroit Fire Department honored a team with the Lifesaver of the Year award.
Detroit EMS saved a life on I-75 and Schaefer Highway on April 22 when a retired police officer’s car slammed into a work truck, leaving its engine and rear tires at the impact.
The driver was trapped in his car and found on its top. He was losing so much blood so quickly that he was very close to leaving this earth.
“He would have without a doubt not made it no doubt if we didn’t get there quick and executed those procedures,” said Lt. Jamar Peterson. “That is what saved him.”
That driver is alive because of what the Detroit EMS and firefighters did as they arrived fast, allowing Peterson to reach into the car and stop the driver’s bleeding.
“I drove up and instantly noticed there was a pool of blood just coming from the vehicle,” Peterson said. “I was able to get to his arm.”
The Detroit medics and firefighters who truly saved that man’s life were honored with the Lifesaver of the Year award by the Detroit East Medical Control Authority on Tuesday, including firefighter Gabriel Rainer Reynolds.
The Detroit fire cadet learned how to save lives from his own family.
“It is because of my father and all of the other role models across the board of heroes who choose to put their lives on the line for others, no matter what the cost is,” said Reynolds.
You might be surprised to learn that Detroit firefighters and medics rarely receive a thank-you for saving someone’s life. For them, it is all business.
“When it’s time for action, you got to go to work and rely on your training,” said Stanley Sims.
Veteran Detroit firefighter Lt. William Byrd says no one with the Detroit Fire Department and EMS do this for awards as they do it for the people that need them most.
“That’s what we do, and that day was very exceptional for the officers and I have not seen something like that in a long time,” said Byrd.
Detroit fire and EMS say they rarely hear from the people they save. As he rehabs his injuries, that retired officer made sure to reach out to thank them and nominated them for the Lifesaver of the Year award.
The retired officer who those Detroit firefighters and medics saved wants to meet them once he finishes rehab.
