Last month, television news anchor Ann Curry was hiking in New Jersey when she fell and broke her ankle. Luckily, a group of Boy Scouts, New Jersey’s Troop 368, were right around the corner and came to her rescue.
“We were hiking along, and we came to a trail intersection and a lady was sitting on the ground with her one leg out. We didn’t think anything of it, but one of the guys asked if everything is okay. She said, ‘No, not really. I think I broke my ankle.’ She told us to keep going, but the guys refused,” Rick Jurgens, a professional firefighter and EMT who oversaw the boys work, toldScouting magazine on Friday.
Jurgens said the group worked, and were able to splint her leg, like professionals. “They splinted it up perfectly, just like in the pictures,” he said. The boys then proceeded to gather materials to create a makeshift stretcher and were able to carry Curry to safety.
If you break a leg on on a mountain, I hope Boy Scout Troop 368 finds you. Boy am I glad they found me.
http://t.co/AzTWlFzNcz
— Ann Curry (@AnnCurry) May 9, 2014
Jurgens explained that the incident was the perfect opportunity for the boys to get hands on experience of what they had learned. “We work on these requirements, and here’s an opportunity where it was a true test of all those first class, second class first-aid requirements,” Jergens said. “They got to use it and use it for real. And they did an outstanding job.”
Curry later wrote a letter to the troop thanking them for their bravery and efforts in rescuing her.
Your skill and professionalism were a great comfort to me. I was in great pain but you were very careful in carrying me over the sharp rocks and into the car that took me to the hospital.
I feel enormously lucky you came along at just the right moment, and were so willing to help a stranger in need. You are a credit to the Boy Scouts and to your families, and I want you to know I am deeply grateful for your kindness and skill.
Image via Wikimedia Commons