On the afternoon of April 21, 2007 Scouts Ryan and Tommy were riding with Ryan’s mother to an event at Michigan State University in Lansing. On their way home, they pulled to the side of the freeway to look at a map. As Tommy unbuckled his safety belt to hand Ryan’s mother the map, they were suddenly rear-ended by a drunk driver. The impact from the crash sent vehicle ahead 40 feet and further on the shoulder of the road. Ryan suffered a fracture in his left leg and his mother was knocked unconscious by the accident. Tommy, who received only some minor cuts and bruises, immediately came to the aid of Ryan’s mother. Using the skills he learned in Scouting, Tommy kept Ryan’s mother calm and stable until paramedics could arrive. When paramedics arrived, Tommy helped them immobilize Ryan’s mother’s neck and placed her on a back board. Throughout the entire accident Tommy kept calm and in control of the situation. Ryan’s mother received many injuries from the accident including a severe concussion, a cervical sprain, a fractured cheekbone, and a fractured eye socket. Both Tommy and Ryan are Scouts with Troop 325 sponsored by St. Philip Catholic Church in Battle Creek, Michigan. For his efforts, Tommy has been recognized with the Heroism Award by the Boy Scouts of America.

As printed in the Scribe with minor alterations
Posted on January 29, 2008