Man Lost His Leg After Tree-Cutting Accident, But He’s Still Alive Thanks to Heroes Who Rescued Him
Manuel “Manny” Teixeira sustained life-threatening head and leg injuries while cutting down a tree in Massachusetts last month, authorities said
Dighton Firefighters Local 4332/Facebook
Manuel “Manny” Teixeira reunites with first responders who helped save his life after a tree fell on him in MarchManuel “Manny” Teixeira reunited with the first responders who saved his life last month after a tree fell on top of him while he was working on a site in Massachusetts
Teixeira had his leg amputated after the incident
Kenneth Almeida and Aaron Swartz, two Dighton police officers, were also honored at a Board of Selectmen meeting on April 24 for their heroics
A man has reunited with the rescue crews who helped save his life after a tree fell on him while he was working in Massachusetts last month.
Crews responded to the scene in Dighton on March 9 and found a man whose leg was pinned underneath a tree, according to a news release from Dighton Firefighters Local 4332.
Manuel “Manny” Teixeira, 67, sustained life-threatening head and leg injuries while cutting down a tree on Oak Street, CBS affiliate WPRI-TV reported.
Crews quickly determined “the tree was not stable” and posed a threat to both the patient and personnel on scene,” Dighton fire officials said.
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Officers Kenneth Almeida and Aaron Swartz “worked to provide life-saving medical aid” to Teixeira, “which included the use of multiple tourniquets,” until paramedics arrived at the scene, according to Dighton Police.
Eventually, crews “were able to safely remove the tree from the patient, utilizing technical lifting equipment.” The ordeal lasted less than 15 minutes after authorities were contacted.
Teixeira was transported to the Rhode Island Hospital Level 1 Trauma Center. His injured leg was later amputated.
Related: 'Fearless' Scuba Diver's Leg Amputated After Being Attacked by Shark in the Bahamas
Officers Almeida and Swartz were honored for their efforts at a Board of Selectmen meeting on Wednesday, April 24. The duo received letters of commendation for their response to the incident, which likely saved Teixeira’s life.
They also had the opportunity to reunite with Teixeria, who is still recovering from his amputation.
Courtesy Dighton Police Department
Officers Kenneth Almeida and Aaron Swartz, who helped saved Manuel “Manny” Teixeira in March“These officers relied on the training they have acquired throughout their years of service and their quick action helped to save this man’s life,” Police Chief George Nichols said in the DPD’s news release.
Dighton firefighters thanked Teixeria for sharing his story and wished him “a speedy recovery."
Meanwhile, Teixeira is thankful to be alive, according to NBC affiliate WJAR.
"If it wasn't for them, I don't know where I would be. I wouldn't be here today," Teixeira said.
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