On the evening of Aug. 8, in front of the Indian River County Courthouse, I tripped on a raised sidewalk and injured myself by landing hard on both of my knees. I’m almost 80 years old, and the impact of the fall broke one kneecap and severely cut up my other knee, resulting in serious bleeding. I also suffered from several fractured ribs.
I was attended to by a small group of good Samaritans, many of whom I am sadly not able to identify because of the confusion following the incident. One young man tied his own T-shirt around my knee to stem the bleeding, and another woman who is a nurse tried her best to calm me down.
The Indian River Fire and Rescue team arrived to assist and transport me to the hospital, and I can’t thank EMT paramedics David Rattray and Chad Horner enough, for their treatment, caring and consideration during the incident and on the way to the hospital.
As I recover, I will think back on those good Samaritans and rescue workers often. I wish I had all of their names. Their selfless acts restored my faith in the kindness of strangers.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Kiku West
Vero Beach
