Firefighter Andrew Brown, a member of the Orange County Fire Authority Hand Crew, has returned home after spending almost two months in rehab. The process of relearning how to use his arms and legs was necessitated by a motor vehicle accident he was involved in while returning from the Airport Fire on September 19, 2024.
The fire truck he was in had to swerve to avoid a ladder that had fallen onto the road, causing the vehicle to hit a guardrail and overturn. As a result of the accident, eight hand crew members, including Brown, were hospitalized. Multiple victims from this accident were airlifted to the hospital. The severity of Browns injuries was such that he had to be transferred to the Craig Hospital in Colorado, a facility recognized globally for its neurorehabilitation expertise.
Regaining the use of his limbs after suffering from a spinal cord injury was a significant hurdle for Brown. However, contrary to initial prognosis which predicted a prolonged dependence on a ventilator and bedridden status, Brown was able to leave the ventilator within a few days post-surgery. Brown stated the ability to use his legs again was a product of a concerted team effort and divine blessing.
As Brown recovers, the status of a second firefighter, also moved to Craig Hospital due to the severity of his injuries, remains undisclosed at this time. A fund has been established to aid in their recovery, although specific details have not yet been released by the OCFA.
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