ST. PAUL, Minn. - A Plymouth man involved in a train accident earlier this year was able to thank the first responders who helped save his life.
On Feb. 13, Nicholas Andersen was working as an employee of Canadian Pacific Railway near Cottage Grove when he was involved in an accident.
"I have no recollection of it. I remember like being tossed and like, 'What happened? How did this happen?'" Andersen said.
Nearly 20 emergency medical services (EMS) responders arrived at the scene and placed three key tourniquets on Andersen. He lost his legs but is now walking with the help of prosthetics.
"I might not be here if it wasn't for them," he said.
On Tuesday morning, Andersen reunited with the EMS responders who helped save his life.
"This was a chance for the responders to see him and know that all their efforts saved a person's life," said Peter Koerner, director of public safety for Cottage Grove.
Andrew Lisson, a firefighter paramedic with the Cottage Grove Fire Department, said, "Most of the patients you see on your day-to-day calls, you never see again ... It's such a good feeling to be able to talk to him and see him and see that he's doing well."
In celebration of National EMS Week, Regions Hospital recognized those responders from Cottage Grove, St. Paul Park and Newport. They received the 2018 "Outstanding Achievement Award" for EMS crews who go above and beyond to provide lifesaving care.
Andersen added, "I think it's super cool that I get to shake all their hands. l mean, who wouldn't want to?"
Tarek Tomes, St. Paul's chief innovation officer, also proclaimed May 22, 2018 as "EMS Appreciation Day" in the city of St. Paul.