EMT Schietzelt awarded for heroic action

By Cyndi Sellers

An Ambulance District 2 EMT with the Holly Beach substation was recognized Wednesday for her heroic efforts in saving a life last month.

On Sunday, Aug. 8, Medic 9, in the Holly Beach area was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of LA 82 and LA 27, locally known as the “Y.” Upon arrival, medics found a vehicle partially submerged in the canal on the north side of LA 27. The medics saw a man trying to exit from the car into the water, to escape to the shore.

Without any hesitation or regards for her own personal safety, EMT-B Madison Schietzelt jumped into the water to rescue the man. He was found to have had a tracheotomy in the past, which made it that much more important to get him out of the water.

The man was pulled to the shore by Schietzelt, assisted by EMT-P Gary Underwood and the Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Deputy on the scene, Joshua Craddock. He was transported via ambulance to a local hospital for further treatment.

For her heroic actions, Shift Supervisor Chris Spicer recommended Schietzelt for the Legion of Merit Commendation, which was awarded on Wednesday, Sept. 8.