by Mike Matzinger
Scouting teaches leadership, service, and the courage to act when it matters most. This week, one Scoutmaster in New York showed exactly what that looks like in real life.
A woman in West Hills, New York, is recovering after a serious crash that left her trapped inside her car and unable to move her legs. What started as a routine drive quickly became a life-threatening situation after another vehicle struck her.
One of the first people to respond was her co-worker, Keith Gunsel, who works with her at Henry L. Stimson Middle School, is a longtime member of the Huntington Manor Fire Department in New York, and also serves as the Scoutmaster of Troop 218. After calling 911, he rushed to the scene and found another former firefighter, Alex DeMoris, already trying to help.
Together, along with a third good Samaritan, they worked quickly and carefully to free her from the vehicle. They cut through the airbag, released her seat belt, broke the glass, and stayed right beside her while keeping her calm until emergency responders arrived.
She suffered serious injuries to her spine, legs, and knees and is expected to begin rehabilitation this week. She credits Keith with saving her life and said he stayed with her every step of the way when she needed someone most.
Scouting America | Prepared. For Life.™