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Family of Maine boy who had hand severed wants to thank passerby

Woman stopped to assist and provided care until EMS arrived

By Stephen Betts
Bangor Daily News

ROCKLAND, Maine — The family of a 5-year-old Rockland boy who had his hand severed in a freak accident Tuesday wants to thank the woman who provided initial care to the child.

The boy remains at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston following surgery to reattach the hand, according to a Facebook post from a family friend. The posting did not indicate how the surgery went or how the child is doing.

The child, who was riding in the back seat of a car, had wrapped a jump rope around his wrist and the other end of the rope was dangling out the window. As another vehicle drove by the car, the rope got caught on the other car. The vehicle pulled the rope as it was driving away, severing the hand.

The Rockland Police Department posted a notice on its Facebook page Wednesday night asking the woman who helped the young boy to come forward so the family can thank her.

“During the tragic accident involving a young boy on Tuesday night, a woman stopped to medically assist the police before EMS arrived,” the Facebook post stated. “The woman’s assistance was appreciated more than the family or police can express. Unfortunately, we are unsure of the woman’s identity and we, along with the family, would very much like to talk to her and express our appreciation. If you are this woman and read this, or you can assist in identifying the heaven sent woman, please contact the Rockland Police Dept. at 207-594-0317.”

The child was taken to Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport and to Mass General. He had to be driven to Boston by ambulance; LifeFlight aircraft could not be used because of poor weather conditions.

Copyright 2012 Bangor Daily News