Over the weekend, an Indianapolis emergency medical technician was struck by a car while working at the Italian Street Festival. The EMT, Geovani Galvez, suffered serious injuries during the incident on Saturday night, including a brain bleed and multiple fractures, as reported by WANE News in a statement. Directing the ambulance out of a parking spot when the collision happened, Galvez was quickly assisted by his partner and others who rendered first aid.
Galvez, who has served as an EMT for two years and is a father of two with another child on the way, doesn't recall the accident itself. "I think I woke up at Eskenazi," Galvez told CBS4 Indy, adding that his medical condition, while stabilizing, might require "two to three more surgeries." Staying in the hospital, he voiced concerns about his family, which includes a son, Levi, whom Galvez has provided life-saving bone marrow for Levi's leukemia treatment previously reported by Riley Children’s Hospital.
A GoFundMe campaign was initiated by Galvez's coworker to support his mounting medical expenses during his recovery. The fundraiser has successfully collected over $15,000, indicating a substantial support from the community. Despite the harrowing experience and ongoing pain, Galvez expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and urged greater awareness, emphasizing the importance of drivers being conscious of their surroundings to ensure the safety of first responders.
In the wake of the accident, Indianapolis EMS released a statement highlighting the risks involved for emergency personnel working in proximity to active roadways and urging caution for motorists. Speaking to the incident without providing specific details, Dan O’Donnell M.D., chief of Indianapolis EMS, said, "Our hearts go out to the IEMS provider involved in this incident and we are taking all the necessary steps to assist them through their Zrecover process." IMPD reported that the driver involved in the incident was not arrested, having cooperated fully with the ongoing investigation.
The incident has once again underscored the vulnerabilities that emergency responders face daily. As Galvez remains hospitalized, undergoing treatments that include an operation on his dislocated elbow and shoulder, the community's attention has been riveted not only to his plight but also to the broader conversation about the safety of those who rush towards danger to render aid. WRTV previously covered the story of Galvez, discussing his personal and family's challenges and his dedication to his work despite them.
