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Fla. EMTs honored for bee-filled rescue

Patient was removing tree from residence when he broke his leg and disturbed a nest of yellow jackets

Targeted News Service

CRESTVIEW, Fla. — Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) Tammy Franklin and Richea Driskell were recognized with a HERO Award at the September 18 Okaloosa County Commission meeting. The HERO Award, (Humanitarian Efforts Recognized by Okaloosa County), recognizes a deed, act or event in which an employee not only goes beyond the scope of what his or her job entails, but has done something of a humanitarian or heroic nature. Franklin and Driskell have been recognized for their heroic treatment of a patient while at the same time being stung by yellow jackets. “Both Tammy and Richea are to be commended for reacting in a challenging, rapid rescue in a most hazardous environment,” said Public Safety Director Dino Villani.

The patient was removing a tree from a residence and positioned underneath a deck, when an accident occurred and his leg was fractured. The yellow jackets nest was disturbed in the process and the patient, and EMTs were stung while removing the patient from the hard to reach decking. The homeowner said, “it wasn’t until the patient was in the ambulance that Tammy began taking care of her own (numerous) yellow jacket injuries.” “This selfless action is highly representative of the EMS Division mission statement,” stated Division Chief Al Herndon. “We are glad the patient and EMTs are all doing fine, as a result.”

The HERO Award can include acts occurring outside work hours and submissions by people outside Okaloosa County staff. Above and Beyond forms are available online at www.okaloosafl.com or you may contact 311 Citizen Information Line for more information or to recognize an Okaloosa County employee.

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