Saturday, July 4, 2009

third of july 911

Yesterday morning my wife Allison and I were sitting on our front porch drinking coffee. Our neighborhood is quiet, and with the lake across the street, when there is noise, you never really know where it is coming from. Sound may be traveling a hundred yards through the woods, or it could be coming a half mile across the lake.

Everything was quiet, and suddenly a lady is screaming at the top of her lungs "get it off, get it off!! Somebody help Please Get it off!"

The screams came from somewhere beyond the woods across the street from my house. Like an idiot I ran directly towards the screams. Through the brambles, brush, and trees.

When I reached the waters edge the screaming lady was hanging off the back of a docked boat, and a man was hanging off the edge of the dock.

My neighbor arrived two steps behind me, and we were able to pull both people out of the water. A few minutes later EMS arrived and took them to the ER.

The couple had docked their boat at their son in laws pier, plugged it in to shore power, and were planning on spending the weekend camping out on the boat. He went for an early morning swim, not knowing that the boats electrical systymn was shorting out in the water. When he jumped in the electrical current started coursing through his body. He was able to shout once. His wife came out saw him in the water mostly unresponsive, and jumped in to help him. We heard her screams.

A day later I can't quit thinking about it. What if........?

In situations like this I tend to be calm, and do what has to be done. The weird thing is I kind of like it. What I don't understand is my later emotional response. I'm really kind of a wreck.

I am thankful that I was in the right place at the right time, but man.. I hope that is the last emergency for the weekend!

4 comments:

Sandy said...

WOW - I check every day for an update but this wasn't the kind I expected! I am praying for you and the near victims - there is no doubt God had you "just sitting there" for a very good reason!
Loving you and "proud" from afar,
Mom

Sharie said...

I had shivers just reading this, even tho your mom just called and told me about it. So thankful you reacted quickly/wisely in the emergency! Your emotional reaction after the fact is very normal.Our friend is a counselor who often works w/ first responders/paramedics/police after a crisis to help them deal w/their emotions after the trauma. It IS a big deal and a shock to your system (no pun intended!) Praising God for using you to literally save two lives--wow!!! Love you, Brad! Aunt Sharie

Mindy said...

My brother the hero. :)

Sharie said...

How are the victims doing?