CLEARWATER, Fla. — In celebration of National EMS Week, a Pinellas County family showed their appreciation to the EMTs who saved their loved one's life.
- Elijah Alexander critically injured in crash on May 1, 2018
- Alexander, parents met EMTs who saved his life
- Intersection where crash occurred considered one of county's most dangerous
- More Pinellas County stories
On May 1, 2018 Elijah Alexander, then 22 years old, was driving his motorcycle through the intersection of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and Belcher Road when a car hit him after running a red light.
Thankfully, paramedics arrived in minutes and began life-saving measures to save him.
“I literally get goosebumps just seeing him and seeing that he’s here and he’s alive and he still has a life and we did that,” said Stefanie Mullins, an EMT with Sunstar Paramedics who was one of the first on the scene that day. “We didn’t think he was going to make it, and the way he looked and everything that happened — the accident was so bad."
Elijah underwent weeks of treatment at the hospital and months of rehab. He had to learn to do everything again, from walking to talking.
He has made incredible progress over the past year, and on Wednesday he, along with his mom and dad, met all of the paramedics who helped him that day.
“How could you say thank you for saving my life, for saving my son’s life. There’s not enough words,” said Lillian Alexander, Elijah’s mother.
“It makes everything worth it,” said Mullins.
“I’m so happy to be here,” said Elijah.
He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and that helped save his life.
He had this advice for other motorcyclists: “Take the slow roads, be safe.”
The days ahead will be spent with family members who are forever grateful for the men and women who helped Elijah that day and throughout the last year to help him heal.
“Love really conquers all. It can do amazing things,” said Barak Alexander.
The intersection where the crash occurred is considered one of the most dangerous in Pinellas County. A study is currently being conducted to figure out safety improvements for the area.