Not all heroes wear capes. And few take credit for their actions. Just count Madison County Commission Chairman Dale Strong as the latest example of this.
On Saturday, Strong shared his account of saving a man’s life earlier in the day.
The Republican from the Huntsville area detailed a dramatic turn of events that sprung from something almost every Alabamian can relate to: driving along I-65.
However, what happened on the return leg of his trip led Strong, also a longtime EMT and volunteer firefighter, to conclude, “I saw God at work today in so many ways at mile marker 306 on Interstate 65.”
What happened, in Strong’s own words, as follows:
Traveling I-65 North today returning from a funeral in Birmingham….I saw a vehicle off the side of the road on I-65 South that just did not look right. No one had stopped and it appeared from a distance no one was in the vehicle. Something just told me to exit, go back, and check things out. I quickly realized the vehicle had flipped and landed back on its wheels in a ditch. The wreck had just occurred and gas was pouring out of the vehicle. Another step or two and I could see an unconscious man in the front seat.
Called 911 to get help rolling while getting my trauma bag. As I opened the drivers door… I reached to check for a pulse. The guy had no pulse and was not breathing. By this time (one) man stopped to help me get him out of the vehicle. Started CPR …within minutes I saw Cullman Emergency Medical Services pulling up. Defibrillated the patient, applied Lucas, started IV, pushed cardiac drugs and boom his heart starts beating, regains his color and we have a pulse. He went back into cardiac arrest and was converted again regaining pulse and a good heart rate.
Thankful to the guy that stopped to help me get this 6’3 guy out so we could attempt to save his life… and Cullman EMS for responding so quickly.
As I pulled into my driveway at home still trying to digest what all had occurred this afternoon I got word that he is still alive.
I can not believe it! I saw God at work today in so many ways at mile marker 306 on Interstate 65.
Joshua 1:9
Joshua 1:9 reads, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
