The trauma surgeon gave the victim of an Aug. 12, 2024, car accident only a 1 percent chance of surviving because of the extent of his injuries.
However, because of skills and efforts of Field Training Officer Jared List and Firefighter/Paramedic Ranga Johns, the patient not only survived but was able to thank his heroes in person when they received the Trauma of the Year Award from Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Grapevine in December.
The Farmers Branch City Council recognized the efforts and award the first responders won at the Jan. 21 city council meeting.
“This commitment to excellence sets a remarkable example for others,” said Mayor Terry Lynne.
Emergency Medical Services Captain Terry Evans described the accident and treatment of the patient in his statement to the council.
At 10:36 a.m., Monday, Aug. 12, Farmers Branch Fire Department (FBFD) Engine 131, Truck 131, Battalion 131 and Medic 133 were dispatched to an accident involving a patient pinned to the vehicle dashboard with the steering wheel crushing the patient’s legs.
Once crews extricated the patient, List and Johns started care while on transport to Baylor Grapevine.
Evans said the patient received extensive injuries that required needle chest decompression, air splinting the entire body due to multiple fractures, IVs and intubation. As they approached the hospital, the patient went into traumatic cardiac arrest.
Responders started CPR.
Once inside the hospital, Evans said the attending emergency room physician opened the chest and manually massaged the heart to get a heartbeat back.
The patient was rushed to the operating room.
“Due to the extent of the damages sustained, Baylor Grapevine stated that the patient had a 1 percent chance of survival,” Evans said. “If it was not for the care that was initiated by the Farmers Branch Fire Department and the care provided at Baylor Grapevine Emergency room, the patient would not be here today. As a result of their exemplary performance, Medic 133 was honored with the "Trauma of the Year" award from Baylor Grapevine. This recognition is a testament to the tireless efforts and professionalism of our EMS personnel."
After a couple months of care, he said the patient was discharged home to his family.
“This is not the norm for most communities and fire departments,” said FBFD Chief Daniel Latimer. “We have an elite group of individuals that serve the community here in the Farmers Branch Fire Department. We keep coming back.”
The department is a frequent recipient of awards and recognitions, and Latimer said another award will be presented at the city council in February. However, the Baylor Scott & White award is exceptional because there were several departments from around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex who were considered.
“For us to get Trauma of the Year, it’s a huge, huge example of what these men and women do every day for our community,” Latimer said.
Editor’s Note: The FBFD does not name any patients they serve or the names of the medical staff outside of the department as part of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements.