Tri-C EMT student to be recognized for life-saving attempt

September 13, 2016

Grant McDaniel, a Cuyahoga Community College Western Campus EMT student, will be recognized by the Olmsted Township Fire Department on Wednesday for his attempt to save the life of another driver following a July accident on Columbia Road.

McDaniel, 20, was involved in the accident, in which the driver reportedly veered left of center and hit McDaniel’s vehicle head-on. In spite of his own injury, McDaniel provided medical assistance to the other driver until an ambulance arrived.

“I quickly realized he wasn’t in good shape, so I followed my training and held his head in a neutral position until help arrived,” McDaniel says. “His mental status wasn’t good, so I tried to get him to talk and stay lucid.”

The driver ultimately died of his injuries at Southwest General Hospital, but McDaniel will be honored for his efforts during a 7 p.m. ceremony Wednesday, Sept. 14 at the Olmsted Township fire station. The township fire department is familiar with McDaniel – he’s completed most of his EMT training hours with the department.

“We’re all impressed with the poise he showed, the ability to jump into action despite being injured himself,” says Olmsted Township Fire Chief Pat Kelly. “Grant is a fine young man. He has a quality about him where he wants to help people however he can.”

McDaniel suffered a hand injury in the accident, requiring surgery and delaying his graduation from the EMT program. Originally on track to graduate in August, he completed his program requirements this month.

Learn more about the Tri-C EMT program.