By EMS1 Staff
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A firefighter-paramedic’s lower right leg was amputated after he was seriously hurt in a motorcycle crash Tuesday.
Rapid City firefighter/paramedic Robert Rendon suffered serious injuries after his motorcycle and a pickup truck collided, reported the Rapid City Journal. Police officers applied an emergency tourniquet to control the bleeding at the scene. Several other motorists pulled over to aid Rendon. He was transported to the hospital, where the amputation was performed.
Rendon told colleagues that wearing his helmet likely prevented further injuries, and that he remembers his head striking the pickup.
Rendon has served the department for nine years; he said despite his injuries, he intends to test for operations lieutenant and to pass the department physical test to return to duty.
“The Rapid City Fire Department, Robert and his family are tremendously appreciative for the outpouring of support that has already been received from the community. While this support is greatly appreciated, Robert, his family and the RCFD respectfully ask for the community to respect their privacy during this time,” the department wrote in a blog post.
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