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Photo of the Week: N.C. medic’s crash injury reminder

Mecklenburg EMS Paramedic Tim Hayes underscores the dangers icy roads pose to first responders

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Mecklenburg EMS - Medic Paramedic Tim Hayes

Mecklenburg EMS - Medic/Facebook

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Twenty-three years after an ice storm on I-77 changed his life, Mecklenburg EMS - Medic Paramedic Tim Hayes is sharing his story as a reminder of the dangers first responders face on icy roads.

On Jan. 23, 2003, Hayes was responding to a crash near Davidson when a tractor-trailer slid into the scene, pinning him against a guardrail and causing injuries that resulted in the loss of both legs. Officials said Hayes survived thanks to the quick actions of his partner, Paramedic Bobby Suarez, and others who assisted, including Greg Sherrell and John Stroup.

Now, Hayes can stand in front of Medic 13, the unit he was riding in that day, with the message that winter driving conditions can be unpredictable and dangerous.

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