Harrison EMT struck by car is on the mend, determined to return to job

Citizens Hose EMT Kelly Jackson calls herself a walking miracle.

The Tarentum woman was critically injured Jan. 6 while working traffic control on Harrison’s Burtner Road during a snowstorm. A vehicle lost control and struck Jackson, throwing her about 30 yards. Jackson suffered a brain bleed, torn aorta, broken bones in her lower back, broken ribs, a liver laceration and broken teeth.

“Homicide was requested, that’s how extensive my injuries were,” said Jackson, 42.

“I knew the vehicle was coming, and I turned to try to get away but that was it. I’m thankful I don’t remember anything after the hit.”

Jackson spent nearly a week at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh’s North Side before being transferred to Allegheny Valley Hospital in Harrison for in-patient rehab.

Now home, doctors tell her it will take at least eight weeks for her bones to heal. She is undergoing physical and occupational therapy twice a week.

Jackson said her main goal is to get back on the job.

“I’m used to working 70 to 80 hours a week,” she said. “It’s still such a thrill to jump up and go on a call.”

First, she said she has to get the right side of her body “working again.” Her arm, shoulder and knee took the brunt of the impact and require extensive therapy.

Allegheny County Police spokesman Jim Madalinsky said the crash was determined to be weather-related and charges are not expected to be filed.

Citizens EMS supervisor Jim Erb said he’s grateful Jackson survived and didn’t suffer more serious injuries.

“Our crew went from doing what they love to one of our own fighting for her life,” Erb said.

“Since the accident, Kelly continues to improve and impress medical professionals. She’s doing this with pure determination to make the best recovery possible and get back on the ambulances.”

Citizens co-worker Ben Cassoni, a first responder for seven years, said he wouldn’t expect anything less from his partner.

“Since the day she became an EMT, she has shown what a dedicated prehospital provider should be,” Cassoni said.

“From the moments Kelly regained consciousness, she worried for her family and her health but also for her co-workers’ mental health and their return to work,” he added. “We can’t wait to get her back on the rigs as soon as possible.”

Erb and Cassoni thanked Eureka Fire Rescue EMS and Freeport EMS, which responded to the crash.

“Kelly was transported by friends and fellow EMS professionals who treated her as one of their own, and Citizens Hose is forever grateful,” Erb said.

Added Jackson: “In the midst of chaos, they worked together and saved my life. Knowing who was there and that they’re good providers put me at ease.”

Jackson said she is humbled but not surprised by the overwhelming community support that has included prayers, cards, dinners and a GoFundMe that nearly doubled its $10,000 goal.

“I can’t thank them enough,” she said. “Every time I turned around at the hospital, someone was dropping something off — stuff from complete strangers.”

An upcoming spaghetti dinner Feb. 25 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Harrison was scheduled to benefit Jackson, but she opted to turn the proceeds over to the Alle-Kiski Health Foundation. The Harrison group sponsors free EMT training, and that’s where Jackson earned her certification last year.

“It’s an extremely generous gesture,” said John Pastorek, executive director of the foundation. “It is a testament to the deep appreciation that our EMT graduates have for the education.”

The foundation’s free courses gave Jackson a fresh career after many years as a paralegal.

“Throughout this whole situation, I have stayed positive,” Jackson said of what she’s gone through since Jan. 6. “What good would it do me if I’m sitting around moping?”