HAMLET — First responders were honored Tuesday evening for their life-saving efforts of a toddler late last month.
Members of Hamlet Fire and Rescue, the Hamlet Police Department and the Richmond County Emergency Communications Center were awarded certificates at the city council meeting for their respective roles in administering aid to a 2-year-old with a gunshot wound.
Just after noon on Aug. 30, the 911 Center reportedly received a call from a mother who said her son had been shot and was on the way to the hospital.
However, Cassidy Patterson and Supervisor Garrett McInnis rerouted the mother to the Hamlet Police Department since it was closer, and then let first responders know what to expect.
HPD Capt. Matthew Norris reportedly was the first to the car and began applying pressure to the child’s wound to reduce blood loss.
Soon after, several personnel from Hamlet Fire and Rescue — Carlton Gainey, Justin Pruitt, Richard Lassiter, Gary Chavis, Edward Causey and Dalton Cranford — ran over to assess the injury and begin treatment.
The child was then taken to the hospital and later flown to a trauma center.
The mother and her boyfriend were subsequently charged in the incident. Click here to read the original story.
According to a press release, a follow-up investigation found that the actions of all involved “not only saved the child’s leg but also his young life, according to the physician at the trauma center.”
“This group of amazing first responders are true heroes and deserve recognition for their quick and decisive actions,” reads the release.
“Our community is honored and proud to have these dedicated, compassionate, and well-trained individuals who are here to save lives and protect the innocent when others engage in monstrous acts,” the release continued. “Their achievements and effort are a reflection of how great our staff are and how fortunate our community is to have these heroes working to protect us all.”
Emergency Services Director Bob Smith also gave kudos to his staff and the first responders.
“I am beyond proud of the dedication and passion that not only Cassidy and Garrett have for the job, but for all of our staff who come to work daily and wear that headset,” Smith said in a statement to the RO on Wednesday. “The 9-1-1 industry is a very rewarding career knowing that on any given day, you could be in Cassidy and Garretts shoes, making a split-second decision that saves a life.
“In addition to our staff, I am also honored that we have such dedicated Fire, Rescue, EMS, and Law Enforcement staff and volunteers who take on the responsibility of putting their life on the line daily to help others,” Smith continued. “Richmond County is truly blessed to have this level of care and compassion from our public safety officials. They are all truly second to none, and this event is a great example of how multiple agencies with different responsibilities can come together to make a difference.”
