I had both the unfortunate and fortunate “opportunity” to witness a twocar accident today.
Unfortunate, because of the obvious trauma, both physical and mental, that it inflicted on the unwilling participants (For those who have been in a motor vehicle accident, you know how dramatic an occasion it can be.).
Fortunate, because I got to see firsthand and for the first time the amazing response from our local emergency response personnel. I called 911 right after I heard the crunch of metal against metal and saw what had happened.
I’d be willing to bet that not 60 seconds went by when emergency responders started showing up in droves—everyone from professional law enforcement personnel to volunteer emergency responders. I was amazed at the speed and efficiency displayed by everyone on the scene. Within minutes there was traffic control, damage assessment, medical assessment, ambulance presence, fire department presence, and a whole host of concerned and available emergency response attendees.
Having worked at the local hospital for almost 11 years, I often see the “back end” of accidents when people are brought to the hospital for care or treatment, but this was my first opportunity to see the dedicated and proficient professionals and volunteers in action at an accident scene.
Even though this incident didn’t seem to result in great bodily harm (thank you, God), it was nonetheless serious and no doubt traumatic. Even as a bystander I felt traumatized.
I want to publicly say thank you to all the emergency personnel in our county and to let you know how grateful I am that you do what you do. You do amazing, unselfish work in difficult circumstances. We should all sleep better knowing you’re there to help us.
I know I will.
Charlie Butter
Grand Marais
See more about this accident on page A3.
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