Dunedin Fire Rescue Firefighter Named Firefighter Of The Year After Rescuing Friend

DUNEDIN, FL — At the Dunedin City Commission work session Jan. 18, Dunedin Fire Rescue firefighter/paramedic Justin Robinson was named Firefighter of the Year for performing an act of heroism off duty.

On July 25, Robinson and his friend Joe went surfing on Florida's East Coast. During their trip, Robinson's friend slammed headfirst into the shallows of the beach with significant force.

When Joe finally resurfaced from beneath the crashing waves, his head was barely above water. With waves continuing to break over Joe's head, he was able to yell for help. Robinson, hearing his friend, quickly swam to him to assist, unaware of the seriousness of the situation. When Robinson reached Joe, it was clear that he was having difficulty staying above water.

While Robinson began to assist his friend, Joe told Robinson that he thought he broke his neck because he couldn't feel anything from the neck down.

Concerned for his friend, Robinson positioned the much larger Joe into the rescue position and carefully swam them both to the safety of the shore. Once on shore, Robinson further assessed him, maintaining strict spinal precautions not to exacerbate any injuries.

Unfortunately, all the signs and symptoms pointed to a significant spinal injury. While continuing to protect him from further injury, Robinson called 911.

When fire rescue arrived, Robinson explained the seriousness of his friend's injuries and directed the crew to retrieve their backboard. He insisted the fire crew use the correct method and equipment to minimize further injury.

The crew complied, and they safely moved Joe to the waiting ambulance, where Robinson again explained the seriousness of Joe's injuries and suggested the ambulance crew transport Joe to the nearest trauma center. Shortly after Joe arrived at the ER, doctors confirmed that he had a C6 fracture and he was airlifted to Shand’s Hospital for further treatment.

While Joe's prognosis is uncertain, he has shown significant signs of improvement since arriving at Shand’s. Joe has regained some use of his upper extremities and some feeling in his foot. His outcome might have been quite different if it were not for Robinson's quick thinking and paramedic expertise.

With that, it was determined that Robinson’s actions were worthy of Dunedin Fire Rescue’s Firefighter of the Year award for 2021-22.