In Alabaster, Alabama, a remarkable incident unfolded that showcased the courage and selflessness of a young student. Ethan Crook, a junior at Thompson High School, found himself in a situation that would change his life and earn him a prestigious award. One evening after a football game, while driving home with his mom, Renne Cayton, they came across a car in a ditch on Fulton Springs Road. Without hesitation, Ethan sprang into action.
The Silver Valor Award
Ethan's heroic deeds did not go unnoticed. He was presented with the Silver Valor award, the second highest award in the nation for JROTC. This recognition is a testament to his quick thinking and unwavering determination in the face of a crisis. His actions that night demonstrated exceptional leadership and a sense of duty.Assessing the Situation
As Ethan approached the scene, he immediately began to assess the situation. He asked his mom if they could stop and quickly made contact with the only victim, the driver. Trusting his instincts, he started to assess the victim's alertness and awareness. He asked questions such as the person's name, their location, the date and time, and if they remembered what had happened. This initial assessment was crucial in determining the extent of the victim's injuries.After that, Ethan noticed that the victim's left thumb was not in a good condition. He quickly got his mom to provide some napkins and began applying pressure to the wounds on the victim's head. His focus was on providing immediate care and relief to the injured person. As he was attending to the victim, paramedics arrived on the scene.Coordinating with Paramedics
When the paramedics arrived, Ethan was able to provide them with a detailed situation report. He shared everything that had happened, the patient's condition, and his observations. This information was invaluable in allowing the paramedics to immediately start treating the victim. Ethan's calm and composed demeanor during this time was a source of comfort not only for the victim but also for his mom."I was able to step away, knowing that the paramedics knew what they were doing. They were super confident and had the guy smiling and calm," said Cayton. Ethan's actions that night demonstrated his ability to think on his feet and take charge in a critical situation.Reflections and Future Actions
When asked about his actions, Ethan said, "I'm not a firefighter, but I still believe that your shift never ends. When you see someone in danger or they need your help, you just act – you don't think." His words reflect his genuine sense of empathy and his willingness to help others.Because of his heroic act, Ethan received the Silver Valor award, making him the only student from Thompson High School to receive such an honor. Chief Master Sgt. Keith Long, the JROTC instructor at Thompson High School, was proud of Ethan's actions. "We have a banner above our TV that says 'decisions determine destiny,' and moments like these make you proud," said Chief Long.Ethan also expressed that if faced with a similar situation again, he would gladly step in to help all over again. His selfless act has inspired others and serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared to help those in need.