On September 12, a grateful patient took the time to thank the emergency first responders who helped him. Daniel Nilsen was in a serious car accident during the early hours of a stormy, winter night. His car skidded off the expressway and down an embankment and was quickly covered with falling snow. He went unnoticed for hours, unable to get out of his car due to a possible spinal injury, until an observant passerby saw the fading interior dome light and called 911.

The vital links of the emergency chain of command began with the observed citizen who called 911; the 911 dispatcher who dispatched the appropriate emergency responders; the Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies and Brighton Fire Department personnel who quickly responded to provide traffic control, preliminary emergency care, and patient extrication; and BVA Paramedic Rommel Kirchoff and BVA EMT Jenn Myers who provided advanced life support to treat Daniel in his car and on the way to the hospital.

Daniel, his family, and others gathered at our base to meet and thank those who helped him that wintery night. After his recovery and because of his experience, Daniel became a 911 dispatcher so he can pay it forward to help others.

Watch a video of the event courtesy of WHAM Channel 13.

EMT Myers & Paramedic Kirchoff with the Nilsen’s

Staff from the Emergency Communications Department with the Nilsen’s

L-R: Steve Spencer, Sarah Nilsen, Karen Nilsen, Dan Nilsen, Scott Fiordeliso, and Pat Maar

Brighton Firefighters with the Nilsen’s

L-R: Rick Tracy, Chris Gunter, Sarah Nilsen, Karen Nilsen, Dan Nilsen, Ryan Kenny, & Ted Aroesty

Sheriff’s Deputy Tim Fitzpatrick with the Nilsen’s

L-R: Mason, Becky, Sarah, Karen, & Dan Nilsen