Quick response by Cornelia firefighter prevented injury to others
It was a close call for some first responders in Cornelia Saturday.
Around 5 p.m. on Jan. 18 personnel from Habersham County Emergency Services and Cornelia Fire were dispatched to a home off of Woodland Circle to help an elderly man get out of a vehicle. While they were assisting him, a woman with the man put the vehicle into gear. It moved forward, striking emergency personnel, according to HCES director Chad Black.
He says, “a Cornelia fireman was on scene and was able to yell to the driver and get her attention to stop the vehicle, while also helping our personnel from being injured worse.”
County firefighter and paramedic Jennifer Bennett’s foot was briefly pinned between the vehicle and the curb. Her foot and ankle were injured. EMS transported Bennett to Habersham Medical Center in Demorest where she was treated and released.
Black says it’s unclear as to why the woman put the vehicle into gear. He credits the quick response by the Cornelia fireman in getting the driver’s attention and preventing the situation from being any worse.
“We were very fortunate, and thankful this was not something worse,” he says. “When we received the first call one of our own had been struck by a vehicle, your heart stops, but again, thank the Good Lord above this was not a much worse scenario for her, her family and our department.”
