3 CFD firefighters honored for exceptional emergency medical care

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Three City of Columbus Firefighters were formally recognized by the department at the Tuesday, July 21, Board of Public Works and Safety Meeting held at Columbus City Hall.

The veteran firemen received a commendation for exceptional medical care provided during an emergency medical response involving a critically injured woman in June.

Columbus Fire Department (CFD) Deputy Chief of Administration Mike Kutsko presented the Exceptional Medical Care commendation to Lt. Andrew Jordan, Firefighter Paramedic Jordan Hite, and Firefighter Paul Chapple for exemplary actions during the incident.    

On June 15, at around 12:50 p.m., CFD responded to a local manufacturing facility for a report of an unconscious person who had sustained severe burn injuries. The firefighters quickly identified the presence of second and third-degree burns and began to initiate advanced medical care measures, including burn care and pain management.   

Recognizing the severity of the injury, the crew then coordinated with an air medical transport service to ensure transfer and treatment at a Level 1 trauma and burn center for definitive care.   

Columbus Fire Chief Andy Lay remarked that the swift response and quality care provided exemplify the professionalism and dedication demonstrated daily by CFD members. He said, "Their dedication, clinical excellence, teamwork, and commitment to public service reflect the highest standards of the fire and emergency medical profession and bring great credit to themselves and their department."