After surviving a horrific crash on Interstate 75, a grateful family is recognizing the heroes who rushed to the scene. Keisha Shelton and her daughter, Ada Graham, were both injured in the wreck and they’re still recovering months later. As they continue healing, they’re thanking everyone who has helped them along the way, including firefighters and paramedics. On Tuesday (10/25/22), they visited Chattanooga Fire Station 7 for a special joint recognition with the CFD, Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department and Hamilton County EMS. The fire companies that worked the incident received meritorious unit citations for their outstanding work on the scene as they were faced with a tricky extrication due to the seriousness of the wreck. Keisha and Ada were traveling on I-75 SB on their way to Orlando when their vehicle was struck head-on by another driver going the wrong way on the interstate near the Ooltewah exit. Ada was trapped in the wreckage and sustained a broken femur, ankle and knee, and multiple hip and pelvis fractures. She also had a brain bleed. She spent time in the ICU following the incident and has since undergone six surgeries to repair the damage. Keisha had a broken arm, sprained ankle and other cuts and bruises. She also underwent surgeries following the collision. On their long road to recovery, they have remained positive and grateful to be alive following their traumatizing ordeal.
On March 6, 2022 at 3:10 AM, Chattanooga firefighters were called to Interstate 75 Southbound on an accident with entrapment. Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department advised that there was heavy entrapment. On arrival at the crash scene, crews found a Silver Toyota located against the median wall. Ada was inside the mangled car in a great deal of pain and trapped by the dashboard, making it difficult to remove her so members of the CFD got to work on the extrication along with TCVFD. Using a winch, the vehicle was moved so access could be made to the patient. With the help of the Jaws of Life and other tools, skilled firefighters began cutting on metal as they deployed disentanglement procedures. Battalion Chief Brandon Schroyer remained inside the heavily damaged vehicle comforting Ada. He did all that he could to take her mind off her injuries and assured her that the crews were working as quickly as possible to free her as she faded in and out of consciousness. Due to the location of the patient, firefighters were forced to remove the roof of the car to get to her and then used the Jaws of Life to push the dash off of her. Once the dash was out of the way, wires and other debris were removed, freeing up the patient. Ada was carefully placed on a backboard and loaded into a waiting ambulance and transported to the hospital by Hamilton County EMS.
Following the extrication, the responding CFD personnel on the call were nominated for an award and Fire Chief Phil Hyman commended the crews on Tuesday for their hard work and problem-solving skills on the scene of the crash. Squad 13, Squad 7, Ladder 7 (Red Shift) and Battalion Chief Schroyer were recognized. Their diligence and compassion on this call illustrate their dedication to helping citizens and making a difference when lives are on the line.
Keisha invited first responders to a surprise 16th birthday party for Ada this past weekend so they could see her progress and so that their family could thank everyone in person for what they did on the crash scene. Chattanooga Fire Chief Phil Hyman, BC Schroyer and others who worked the wreck attended the party and it was a great reunion. Firefighters don’t always get to see the people involved in the calls they respond to after the incident so it was nice to catch up and see how well Keisha and Ada are doing now. It was also great to have them visit the fire hall. Thanks to everyone involved!
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