Man Returns to Thank Rescuers

A man who survived a terrible crash six months ago is now getting the chance of a lifetime.  Shawn Hall thanked his rescuers face-to-face for saving his life.  The reunion was part of Erlanger Health System's kick-off to National E.M.S. Week.

Hall's story of survival is nothing short of a miracle.  "The last words I said was 'oh God, oh God this is it,' Hall recalls.  His world came crashing down on a Bradley County road last October.  His motorcycle was no match for a semi.  Hall lost a leg and 22 pints of blood.  "There was not a paramedic on that scene that gave him a chance," remembers Bradley County E.M.S. Maintenance Supervisor John Clines.

But they also didn't give up.  Monday, those paramedics, along with the dispatchers and Erlanger's Life-Force team were recognized as life-savers.  Even the emergency room doctors praised them for saving Hall.  "They're sort of the unsung heroes of the healthcare system," says one.  Another adds "I salute you for your hard effort.  I salute you for your dedication."

Hall has no doubt had a huge role in his own recovery.  Other patients would have grown impatient and given up.  But not Hall.  He gets emotional when he talks about coming so close to death.  All too often paramedics never know what happens to the lives they try to save.  Or even worse, the outcome's not as good.  So this reunion is special.  "When you do find out that somebody did well it just gets you on to going to the next day," says Life Force crew member Johnny Cowart. 

That is the true reward, even though they recently received just one of eight Star of Life awards given annually across Tennessee.  Hall meanwhile feels like one in a million.  "It feels so good to be alive," he says.  "Like I said I get another chance to be with my family and friends and watch my kids grow up.  It's something else.

Among those recognized from Bradley County were John Clines, Keith Umberger, Jake Hill, Richard Miller, John Tyler, Winston Wright, Tony Cochran, Jeff Spence, Wes Davis, Rachel Dayhuff and Keisha Price.  Among those from Life Force being recognized were Robbie Tester, Johnny Cowart and Michael Ryan.

This is the second year in a row Bradley County E.M.S. crews have received that Star of Life award.  Last year they were credited for saving a young mother's life who collapsed at home.