A couple of years ago an SUV rolled over on to it’s side and burst into flames. There was a small child still in his car seat in the back. An off duty officer (fire fighter? EMT?) broke through the windshield and entered the flame engulfed vehicle to extract the child, which he did successfully. A handful of people caught it on their cell phones. Those videos are now shown around the country to firefighters of examples of what not to do (entering a burning vehicle with no gear or backup). From what I understand, most firefighters say they would do the same thing even though they know they shouldn’t.
She had just tanked up, left the gas cap off and happened to roll on to that side.
And the fact that you survived capsizing argues that you stayed within your capabilities.
I think you did well. Failing to act because there was a chance you’d make things worse could have been a rational, defensible decision. But then you’d have to live with thoughts of what might have been.
I note that your location is especially apt for this thread.
I used to be on a Search and Rescue team. The first rule is to not become a victim yourself. That’s easy to say when you have 20 people backing you up.
With that said, sometimes a good man or woman has no choice. Going in without a PFD or not going was the choice given to you.
You made the right choice.
I think that I understand the clarity and focus that you went through. It’s hard to explain. And it’s hard to come down from that. It’s amazing what the brain can do under such specific focus.
You did everything that anyone could do. And you did it right. Don’t forget that.
Is that the same rescue crew (well, not the same personnel, but you know) that fished you and your dad out of the oat field after the plane crash?
You did what you could. If you looked around for a life vest you’d be kicking yourself over that and blaming yourself for ‘losing’ her. But you went out and still couldn’t find her. I doubt anyone else could have done better there.
The Flying Dutchmen rescue crew was on the shore, and took my vitals and gave me water after I got back to land. The Sheboygan County Sheriff’s boat and crew were the ones who pulled me out while the CG boats kept circling the area around the kayak, searching for her.
Bless you, Qadgop, for trying to save the poor girl. You tried your best, and, as a physician, would have been best able to help her if you found her in duress.
Be kind to yourself in reliving your heroic kindness.
How are you dealing with this, Qad? If this thread helps, I’m glad for it. Will you attend the funeral? It may help you. (I don’t mean to push you into anything you don’t want to do, just saying).
I can see how this would be much more personal. I am so sorry this happened.
Qadgop, I join the others in saying you’re a good, good man who did the right thing. God bless you for your efforts, and may he grant peace to the girl’s family.
After reading this tragic event you were involved in, it doesn’t surprise me at all you took the action you did. I’ve read so many posts by you that it’s clear to me you’re a guy who would risk his own neck for others in distress. Perhaps it wasn’t clear to you then that you could muster that kind of courage, but that was a brave thing you did, and not everyone could summon that. I’m glad you’re safe, and I truly feel for everyone, especially the family, involved.
Qadgop, that’s one of the bravest things I’ve ever heard. I am proud to know you, no matter how tenuously. Echoing everyone else’s sorrow for that poor girl’s family. Please don’t try to second guess yourself. You are a hero.
The family and their friends continue to comb the beach and scan the lake today.
Tangentially, I made a grave error last night when I decided to unwind by watching Shutter Island. I’d been wanting to see it since it came out, but didn’t get around to it.
Unfortunately the movie contained a dream sequence with a drowned young girl telling the DiCaprio character “You let me die. You should have saved me”.
How are you dealing with this, Qad? If this thread helps, I’m glad for it. Will you attend the funeral? It may help you. (I don’t mean to push you into anything you don’t want to do, just saying).