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."
