Lakewood, Wash. – On Monday, October 26, 2009, Lakewood Fire District 2 Paramedic Bryson Lane was awarded a Valor Award for his heroic actions in Gig Harbor the month before.
On September 30th, Paramedic Bryson Lane was driving in Gig Harbor while off-duty when he pulled up to a car crash shortly after it happened. The driver was trapped in the car, so Bryson stabilized his airway. While caring for the trapped patient, the car caught fire and smoke filled the passenger compartment when Bryson performed a rapid extrication to save the patient’s life. He moved the patient to safety, where he maintained his airway until crews arrived.
Gig Harbor Battalion Chief Erik Pearson arrived on scene to find Bryson caring for the patient, who was in critical condition. In a letter of thanks written to Lakewood Fire Chief Ken Sharp, he writes, “The actions of Paramedic Lane prevented further injury or death, and helped provide rapid advanced life support (ALS) stabilization of the critically injured driver. His efforts exemplify the core values held by all firefighters. By being willing to stop and get involved at risk to himself, Bryson prevented a serious situation from becoming tragic.”
Fire Chief Sharp and Assistant Chief Hull awarded Bryson Lane with a medal of valor and explained their gratitude in a letter stating, “Without question, your immediate and brave actions, kept this serious event from becoming a terrible tragedy. Your willingness to become involved because it was the right thing to do is a shining example of the principles that are outlined in the Leadership Guide. On behalf of the organization, please allow me to thank you for a job well done and congratulations on this well deserved Valor Award.”
Employees are eligible for the Valor Award if they have performed an act which exposes them to danger and only if it is proven that the self-sacrifice or bravery involved conspicuous risk to the employee’s life. Clearly, the bravery and professionalism Bryson demonstrated during this event rises to this level.
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