One week ago today (August 20, 2023), my husband, Scott, and I stepped out to relax on our back porch after coming home from church and were settling in for a lazy afternoon when we suddenly heard the worst crashing sound we’ve ever heard in our lives coming from the front entrance of our neighborhood. We took one look at each other, and our instincts immediately had us running to the scene of the accident. We had no idea what we would find but we kept going until we got there. In that short run, our minds were already spinning on how we would best be able to help and not make the situation worse.
Thankfully, Scott has assisted in over 7,000 heart related surgeries and was used to the intensity of the operating room. I followed his lead. Of the three victims, the one who was in critical condition was a beautiful African American lady named Charletta, who had been hit nearly head on by another victim who was also the perpetrator of the accident. He was barreling down our narrow laned country road when he saw the third victim, a man in a jeep who was trying to turn left into our neighborhood, and swerved around him, colliding with Charletta who had the right of way.
My husband immediately went to Charletta to see if she was alive and could talk and hold her hand. The airbag had deployed and she was in pain but she could speak. Amazingly, a nurse from our neighborhood was coming home, saw the scene, and jumped out of her car to also check on both her and the perpetrator. The driver of the jeep called 911. I crawled into passenger side of the car with Charletta, to try and calm her, pray over her, say scripture over her, and held her right hand and she gripped mine hard. That gave me hope that while she was hurt, she was going to be okay. It was blazing hot outside and we were both pouring sweat. The car was smoking and thankfully, my husband turned off the motor. She was able to give me phone numbers to call family. I promised her I would not leave or be too far away. When the EMS and Fire Department, and then police arrived on the scene, I was told I had to leave the vehicle. I promised her that I would keep in touch with her family and continue to pray.
The Fire Department had to use “The Jaws of Life” to remove her from the accident. That was quite a miraculous sight to witness. I ran back home to get a huge pitcher of ice water and rushed back to the scene in hopes of giving some to Charletta but could not. I felt helpless. Scott was able to help the jeep driver to get photos and to encourage him to record a video and describe what had just happened. The perpetrator was injured but was able to walk. Because the perpetrator’s car only clipped his jeep, it miraculously and dangerously only knocked him into the ditch, almost onto the train tracks.
The police arrived and started the process of getting the story and the details in order. The EMS and Fire Department did their jobs with absolute precision. Other neighbors had gathered to see if they could assist. I stood there literally incredulous on one hand on how short and fleeting that life is while praising God for my neighbors and first responders. It reminded me yet again that no matter our age, EVERY PERSON IN THIS WORLD has a purpose EVERY day of their lives even during the worst circumstances.
While I have walked through my share of trials and tribulations, I have never experienced this type of trauma. Both my husband and I feel as though we have been dealing with a little PTSD. Our bodies shook for several hours from the adrenaline that sprang into action in us after coming upon this accident. We are better now. I have kept in touch with the family. I am heartbroken to report that Charletta succumbed to the injuries of the accident and died 3 days later. Thankfully, Charletta and her family are Christians, deeply grounded in their faith. Her sister, Phynna, over and over has thanked me for being Charletta’s “angel.” I am honored to have been able to be there for her. Even though I was born with a Sanguine Personality and am a happy go lucky person, this has hit me hard and the tears flow freely.
I wanted to share this this story because it has reminded me of the brevity of life, reminded me of things I know, and taught me a few lessons about what to do or not do in an emergency:
• Life is short. As we all have been told a million times, don’t take it or those you love for granted.
• Be available to answer the call for help.
• Call 911
• Get to know your neighbors.
• The EMS responders taught me to never get in the car with a victim, especially when the airbags have deployed. They passenger side could deploy at any moment and cause severe injury or death.
• Do check to see if a victim can talk, give him/her verbal comfort, and DO get info from them if possible to call their family members if you have your cell phone available.
• My sister, a critical care nurse, informed me that victims who are injured are never to be given water because it will impair treatment or emergency surgery.
• Stay out of the way of the first responders but stay close by to be helpful in answering questions if you have answers.
• Do call your local city council members and highway department to see about getting more safety measures implemented on country roads or roads not marked well. Follow up with an email and letter.
• DRIVE SAFELY. Remember that driving is a privilege and not a right and that our vehicles are weapons that can and do kill others.
• DON’T DRIVE while impaired in any way: looking at cell phones, poor vision, alcohol consumption, or drugs.
• Follow up with families to either express condolences or check on the injured person and/or recommend services that may help them.
• Don’t be afraid to be someone’s “angel.” While I may never be able to forget the images and the feelings, I am blessed to have been a comfort to someone in distress.
You never know when you may be the one who is tapped to be “Jesus with skin on, an earthly angel, or the one who provides The Jaws of Life.” May God Bless and keep us all.
Debbie was recently crowned Ms. Senior America 2023. She holds a degree in Vocal Performance and has performed across the continental U.S. and abroad. She’s also a talent and interview coach to contestants competing in The Miss America Scholarship Organization. Debbie is married to Scott Robbins. They have one son, Jackson, born when Debbie was 44. He is now a senior in High School.
Thank you for sharing. Such a trauma, and so sad a life was lost. Every day a gift.
Thank you, Debbie! So many good reminders in this article. Be willing, be loving, and don’t text and drive. I also liked the tips you passed on that most of us would never know. I had an “angel” call me when my daughter was in a wreck (she’s fine now) and another angel who took care of me when I was hit by a car. He and his sweet wife sat and held my hand u until the ambulance arrived. My Mama always said good people come out of the woodwork during hard times and that was you and your hubby this time. I am so sorry that sweet family lost someone in that wreck but so glad you were there with her. Hugs!