From staff reports
On Friday, March 18, the Burton Fire District recognized seven people at the Burton Fire District headquarters – two civilians and five firefighters – for saving lives in 2021.
Carrie Theobald was recognized for helping save the life of customer at the local restaurant she was working at. The customer, who arrived not looking well, clutched his chest and collapsed. Mrs. Theobald acted quickly, assisted the man to the floor, and began chest compressions. When fire and EMS units arrived minutes later the customer was conscious.
William “Rosco” Towne, a volunteer with Beaufort Water Search and Rescue, was recognized for quickly applying a tourniquet after an individual suffered critical bleeding when his arm struck the blade of a boat fan. Mr. Towne had just learned how to control critical bleeding through the Burton Fire District’s Stop the Bleed class only months before, as well as helped initiate the JACOB Kit program which provided a bleeding control kit for every boat in their squad.
Burton Fire District’s Battalion Chief/EMT Matt Maichel, Engineer/EMTs Austin Causey and Basye Hibbett, and Firefighter/EMTs Chase Davidson and Mauricio Gallego, were recognized for their 911 response to a citizen in cardiac arrest. The firefighters initiated CPR and began treating the patient until the arrival of a Beaufort County EMS ambulance. Utilizing teamwork, Firefighters and EMS personnel continued the treatment of the patient, who was transported from the scene with a pulse and eventually discharged from the hospital.
“Life is short and precious, and when the gift of life is returned to someone who is losing it, that is a moment to celebrate and recognize those who gave that gift,” Burton fire officials told the audience of family and friends.
Burton fire officials also told the audience about the importance of learning CPR, First Aid, and Stopping the Bleed, because one day it maybe them who are in position to do what these awardees have done.
The Burton Fire District provides such training, and those who are interested in taking a class, or scheduling a class for their family, coworkers, or business, can email safetyed@burtonfd.org. CPR can also be scheduled by visiting www.burtoncpr.org.
