First responders honored for life-saving efforts

GIBSONBURG — Earlier this month, several first responders representing Sandusky County EMS — specifically, Lt. Brittany Dewyre, paramedic Lindsey Vasquez, EMT Sophie and Norman and John Miles — attended the Lindsey Volunteer Fire Department's annual appreciation dinner at Ole Zim's Wagon Shed in Gibsonburg. This year's event carried a special meaning. These first responders reunited with a recent patient — only her first name, Andrea, was publicized — from what the agency described as a tragic incident. Through a statement provided by Sandusky County EMS, here's what happened: • On Oct. 13, Sandusky County EMS personnel along with those from Lindsey fire and the Sandusky County Sheriff's Office responded to an area on Ohio 53 for an injury tractor-trailer-versus-car accident. • All first responders learned the vehicle was trapped under the tractor-trailer. Andrea was entrapped in her vehicle, under a loaded grain trailer. • While conscious, Andrea appeared in critical condition. • With help from Lindsey firefighters and Madison Motors, Andrea was extricated from the vehicle, taking more than one hour to do so. • During this time, Sandusky County EMS got under the trailer, providing medical support to Andrea. The first responders were only able to see part of her arm, upper chest and head areas due to the damage. • A medical helicopter arrived on scene, and Sandusky County EMS personnel offered assistance to ensure she could be flown to an area hospital. Because of everyone's life-saving efforts, Andrea survived. "This scene took tremendous teamwork from all entities involved, and to be able to watch Andrea walk through the doors of Ole Zim's (during the appreciation dinner) was a sight that the first responders did not imagine would come," the statement read. Andrea's father-in-law reached out to Lindsey fire, extending his gratitude toward all first responders who helped her. This conversation resulted in the meetup at last week's appreciation dinner. "In EMS, we deliver patients to emergency rooms but rarely get follow-ups on how the patient is doing, especially when they are critical as Andrea was," the statement read. "With technology today, EMS can get a bit more information regarding how the patient is doing through our charting system — but nothing compares with being able to reunite in-person with our past patients." The statement ended with gratitude coming from Sandusky County EMS. "Andrea, thank you for allowing us to share your story to demonstrate the collaboration efforts conducted by all entities involved that day to have a positive outcome for you. Good luck as you continue to heal."