Crash scene help was valuable

Editor,

Monday evening, Feb. 5, on my way home with my two children in the back seat, my pager went off alerting the Polson Fire Department to a vehicle crash and fire with at least one injured person on Rocky Point Road.

I knew that I was going to be the first fire/EMS person on scene and lamented the fact that I was going to be unprepared as I would be arriving before the gear on an ambulance or fire engine. I was also concerned about the safety of my children, so I parked about a hundred yards from the scene where I could get my car far from the very icy road.

As I jogged down the road, past the burning vehicle, I could see several people who had stopped to help. These folks did things for me — provided information, held flashlights and my radio, while I was assessing the patient.

To those of you who where there, holding a radio or flashlight may not seem like much, but I want you to know how big a help you were. I got very focused on the patient and immediately switched to fire suppression support after the patient was transported.

I did not take a second to thank you all and I should have. You were a great help and your actions serve to further verify my belief in the people of our community.

Chris McGuinness

Polson City/Rural

Volunteer Fire Department