By Karl Birusingh, CSLEA Member and CAFDI Director

FOLSOM – While most  commuters  drove  past a vehicle accident that had just occurred on Highway  50 in Folsom August 26, 2015, California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Director and California Association of Food and Drug Investigators (CAFDI) President George Tiongson knew help was needed and that he could provide it while emergency responders were on their way.

Tiongson was driving to  work when he spotted the two car accident, one vehicle was still on the road, the other had careened into a water filled ditch.   Tiongson  checked the wrecked vehicle still on the highway and determined there was a female driver with serious injuries. Witnesses directed him to the second  vehicle in the ditch. Tiongson  determined the male driver in the second vehicle was not in need of emergency care  and returned to the vehicle on the road.

Due to the extensive damage to the first vehicle, Tiongson  entered the vehicle through the passenger window. He rendered first aid, which included triage, stabilizing the victim’s neck and providing comfort. Tiongson continued to provide this assistance while emergency crews used the jaws of life and then assisted those crews  with the extraction of the victim.

“I am certain the victims of this accident are grateful to George for  his quick and professional  response,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  “Having a calm first responder and someone who can help to  prevent further injury to an accident victim is beyond reassuring.   This is an example of the caliber of people in our association.  Our members are public safety professionals, on and off the clock.”