Syracuse Man Grateful To Fire Department
Joseph Littlejohn is alive today thanks to Capt. Bob Tinkey and Derek Patterson of the Turkey Creek Fire Territory and Joseph’s wife, Ann Littlejohn.
Littlejohn was organizing fishing gear in his garage last weekend when what he described as a “small honeybee” stung his finger. By the time Ann removed the stinger, he was having difficulty breathing, and Ann wanted him to seek medical attention.
But Joseph, who also suffers from a seizure disorder, has an aversion to hospitals. “She kind of tricked me,” he said of his wife. “She said we were going to the CVS.” Instead, she drove him to the fire station on Huntington Street in Syracuse Friday. His throat was swelling shut, so he couldn’t swallow his drink. “By the time we got down the road I couldn’t breathe,” he said. Littlejohn was going into anaphylactic shock due to an allergic reaction to the venom from the bee sting.
Once at the fire station, Littlejohn was immediately treated by emergency medical service Capt. Tinkey and emergency medical technician Patterson. Both men have received Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Save Awards, the Infant Delivery Award and the Aerial Operations Award. Littlejohn was impressed by how efficiently he was treated. “They went from step to step … very calmly. They gave me all the medication that was needed.”
After Littlejohn was stabilized, he was taken to IU Health Goshen Hospital and placed in the intensive care unit where he required oxygen throughout the night. Doctors there told him if not for the paramedics’ response, he probably would have died. “I am very grateful. I know it’s their job to help people, but they went above and beyond,” said Littlejohn. “I don’t think they get enough credit for what they do.”
As far as Siera, Joseph and Anns’ 14-year-old daughter is concerned, “They’re heroes.”