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Quick action by Randolph campers helps save gunshot victim
RANDOLPH — A pair of Randolph campers and a fast response from the Randolph Rescue Squad helped save a man’s life after an accidental shooting May 19.
The Randolph Rescue Squad was called at 7:56 a.m. to K & B Campgrounds, 203 E. Wayne St., after a male victim suffered an accidental gunshot wound to the leg.
When rescue personnel arrived, they found the first lifesaving steps had already been taken.
Keith and Haley Fredericksen, who were camping next door, were awakened by their dogs barking. Haley went to investigate and found the man unresponsive near their front door. She immediately got Keith and called 911.
Keith, a retired firefighter and current crane operator, was off work that day celebrating his birthday. He quickly retrieved medical equipment from his truck, including bandaging supplies and a tourniquet, and began rendering aid.
By 7:58 a.m., the ambulance had arrived.
According to the Randolph Rescue Squad, Keith’s quick response controlled the bleeding before rescue crews took over patient care. The man was transported in critical condition to Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk and later flown by medical helicopter to Omaha for continued care.
Rescue officials said the nature of the injury meant the victim could have died from blood loss within two to five minutes without Keith’s lifesaving efforts.
The incident remains under investigation.
The busy morning did not end there for the Randolph Rescue Squad. About 40 minutes later, before the primary ambulance had returned, the department was paged to another trauma injury at 811 S. Main St. in Randolph.
With several members still working the gunshot call and transport, the short-staffed squad quickly assembled another crew with help from Randolph Fire Department members and additional EMTs. The second transport was completed without incident.
Rescue officials said the back-toback calls underscored the importance of the department maintaining two nearly identical ambulances and equipment sets.
On May 22, the Randolph Rescue Squad presented Keith with an award recognizing his lifesaving actions. The department also gave him a Stop the Bleed kit, including quick-clot bandages, gauze and a new tourniquet, as well as a CPR mask.
Keith and Haley were also treated to baked goods and a meet-and-greet at the fire station as the department thanked them for their quick action on a morning when minutes — and even seconds — mattered.
