The opioid epidemic continues to rage in the United States and internationally, putting the lives of countless people at risk every day. Not only users are at risk, but children and their families are in danger whenever they get drunk.
Poor judgment, slow reflexes, and the ever-present possibility of losing consciousness are just a few of the dangers. One such danger appeared recently only to be mitigated by the most unlikely of heroes – a postal worker!
Unusual Sounds Make Surprising Discoveries
Andrew Russell, a US Postal Service worker, was new to the job when he had one of the most intense days any postal worker could imagine. He was driving his truck when he heard the engine turning and a child screaming and crying.
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The sound was loud enough that it made him turn off the engine and go investigate. What he saw was terrifying.
A Child in Danger of the Grave
An adult woman slumped in the driver’s seat, and a young girl in the back seat, screaming for help and crying. Luckily, even though the car was running, the woman’s car was parked. Andrew immediately called 911 and pulled the girl out of the car to safety.
“Her mother didn’t move. So, of course, the child was obviously very frightened,” said Andrew. “I can’t imagine how traumatic something like that would be for a small child. I have a little girl of my own so it sure hits a chord like that. ”
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Police arrived at the scene to find that the mother had overdosed on fentanyl pills and had lost consciousness. Her daughter was horrified to learn that she couldn’t wake her mother, and was greatly relieved when Andrew came to her rescue.
Once the police arrived, they removed the mother from the scene, arrested her and accused her of several crimes including child abuse and possession. Police thank Andrew for his keen observation skills, and his willingness to intervene and do the right thing for the boy.
It’s Important to Always Be Alert
Andrew was in the right place at the right time to save the little girl from a terrifying situation. He could easily have called the crying “none of his business” and continued on his route of delivery, never investigating or saving the little girl. Luckily, he was aware of his surroundings and brave enough to get involved.
“I was in the right place, at the right time,” explains Andrew. “Just doing my job. They do a lot in terms of being constantly aware of your surroundings, which is very important because all day long we walk around people’s neighborhoods and you see and hear a lot of things. ”
When we seek out people we don’t know personally, we help create a safer and bigger world. This sense of community is at the core of what our world is missing! When we see real examples of heroism, it’s really inspiring.
