First I'd like to thank this officer.
Well.
So after the entire drum circle and hanging out with amazing people... Me and dog decided to go play video games relax and of course work our way through the latest audio book.
Well about an hour ago I started hearing a bunch of hollering and yelling from the last of the friends and family left at drum circle.
I of course checked out the situation with my rangefinder.
Well so much for bed then. It's a situation. Family member is upset and he is a legend headed guy. So I grabbed my shoes and run over.
There was a garbage truck that whipped in to grab the garbage and as it came in to pick up the dumpster it ran over a man who is sleeping in the middle of the open area. Is little encampment actually looks like a pile of garbage. So you couldn't tell that it was a human there.
However the truck driver didn't notice running over the individual. The tires luckily only passed over his lower legs. Crushing his left lower leg badly.
And didn't stop after dumping the garbage bin. Infact started to reverse even with a crowd behind him.
The driver called his company. Didn't call 911.
I call 911. Demand Emergency Medical Service with crushing injuries to the lower legs. The left leg had been pinned and it's split open for about 8 in. I'm not sure the extent of the injuries to the right leg from what I could tell it was seriously damaged as well. Due to time constraints I need to summon support elements to my location now and have to prioritize my attention to expediting medical transportation to a hospital.
Went to get the fire department as they have medical equipment. And see this officer park close.
Running up on a cop in the dark is never a good idea. However demanding the officer provide a tourniquet and medical support? This officer instantly took an assessment. And came to a serious consideration. Lucky for me he responds to the request for medical support without shooting me. Come to think running towards a officer in the dark wearing dark clothes... I'm lucky he read the situation and responded the way he did.
I got a callout from 911 and the officer. Which upgraded the callout from the fire department.
Within minutes we got medical help on site.
My family who responded first... I need to teach how to use a tourniquet. And first aid skills.
While this was actually an extremely scary event and underscores the need for responding in a timely fashion.
Well it's five now and the adrenaline is finally starting to wear off. It's not easy for anyone to wander into stressful situations. And for me especially.
However sometimes even when you know that there are going to be repercussions for your activism, the only thing to do is run to the screaming and help someone who needs your knowledge and skills.
At least tonight my knowledge and skills all came together. As well as taking command of the situation. Which is extremely important.
Now while the situation was serious it wasn't life threatening. I know that just through dumb luck this man only had his legs run over. There was no way that you could tell that it was a human being camped there.
However that does not excuse the driver for not calling 911 and getting help.
I am super tired. And I think that sleep is in order. I'm not exactly sure what I'm doing tomorrow. Most likely recovery from tonight a d the stress of this.
First responder PTSD is real. I'm no stranger to situations like this. So I'm aware of the fact that I have to be aware of the next few days.
Going to be some insomnia coming! I already know it...
Well it won't be too bad. I know it's coming. Which makes this quite a bit easier to manage. It is way easier when you know.
Life on the streets is never easy.
Thank the creator I had the ability to blaze one with the family member who reacted and got my attention and got this man help.
And now I do believe it is time for me to go spend some time alone and some place where it will be quiet.
I'll try to check in later today. Thank you all for listening. And if I could ask for some prayers. Hopefully this injured individual will end up getting help and having medical bills paid by the sanitation company.