Boy's Hand Saved From Escalator, Hero Team Awarded

Emergency personnel had to work quickly when one boy got stuck in the mall, literally.

Officials were alerted that a young boy’s hand was stuck in an escalator at Iverson Mall on the night of Apr. 17. The boy’s hand was pinned between a metal kick plate and the rubber grab-rail at the bottom of the escalator, according to the PGFD.

Dismantling the machine proved to be a challenge since it was an older model. The crew tried lubricating the boy’s hand several times in order to slide his hand free, but He couldn’t get his hand out, PGFD reports.

After attempts of cutting and prying the escalator, the responders sliced through the rubber grab rail and used a jack to lift and take out the drive wheel. The pin that held the drive wheel in place was removed and the boy’s hand was freed from the escalator.

The boy was transported to a hospital emergency room and left in good condition a short time later.

Read more: Car Crash Trauma Victim Thanks Her Hero Medics

Two dozen Prince George’s County firefighters, medics, and Technical Rescue Team members were recognized for their heroic efforts during the incident. A ceremony at the Silver Hill Fire/EMS Station on Jan. 6 awarded the crew with a plaque.

“Due to the dedication, expertise, and excellent teamwork demonstrated on this incident, the child’s injuries were minimal. For your outstanding performance on the scene of this rescue, you are hereby awarded a Fire/EMS Department Unit Citation,” Fire Chief Marc Bashoor Your actions reflect well on you both personally and professionally, as well as exemplify the caliber of service the Fire/EMS Department strives to provide to the citizens of Prince George’s County.”

The following responders are listed along with incident details on the plaque hung at the Silver Hill Fire/EMS Station:

• Deputy Chief Benjamin M. Barksdale
• Assistant Chief Paul A. Gomez
• Acting Battalion Chief Warren A. Hughes
• Fire Captain Robert G. Bilko, 829
• Volunteer Captain Michael Williams, 827
• Fire Lieutenant Christopher M. Whittington, 847
• Volunteer Lieutenant Michael Mavaddat, 827
• FF/M Technician David P. Ramdial, 829
• FF/M Christie L. Becker, 829
• FF/M Jarren T. Hall, 829
• FF/M Michael R. Jefferson, 847
• FF/M Thomas R. Joachim, 847
• FF/M Joseph B. Quade, 847
• Volunteer FF/EMT Ryan Kelly, 827
• Volunteer FF/EMT Jonathan Slack, 827
• FF Tervel I. Butler, 829
• FF Daryel R. Dunston, 829
• FF Lincoln M. Johnsen, 829
• FF Adam P. Metzbower, 829
• FF Andrew G. Morrow, 829
• FF David W. Smart, 829
• Volunteer FF Donald Belfield, 827
• Volunteer FF Timothy Collins, 827
• Volunteer FF William McCool, 827

For more updates and breaking news in Riverdale Park-University Park, click here.

Photo Credit: PGFD Blog

More Prince George’s County Hero Stories:

Crash Victim Rescue Earns Honor for Firefighters and Medics

‘Best for Vets’ Honor For Prince George’s County Police