Thanks to Train-Crash Good Samaritans

Re “Fatigue Is Too Often Part of Job, Train Operators Say,” April 27:

Perhaps it was providence that the Brea Fire Department was taking part in a countywide disaster training drill right before the April 23 train accident. As a mother who had a son seriously injured in the collision between the Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight train and the Metrolink commuter, I have nothing but praise for the rapid response of the rescue workers, volunteers and hospital staff.

My son was in the first car and, like other passengers, had made friends with the conductor and engineer, who told him to run if he ever saw them running. They ran and he followed them to the back of the first car. He sustained multiple head injuries and chest trauma. He was knocked unconscious but woke up and stumbled out of the car. My son wrapped his bleeding head in a T-shirt given to him by a passenger named John. I’d like to say “thank you” to John. I was watching the morning news that day, and when I saw the accident report, I had a funny feeling. I called his cell phone, his phone at work and his girlfriend, but got no answer. I called his work again and asked if he had arrived or had called. “No” was the answer. Soon a Kaiser emergency-room doctor called.

Emergency room staff gave me good directions to the hospital. I called a sheriff chaplain to pray. He beat me to the hospital. We had first-rate doctors, who decided to transfer my son to Anaheim Memorial for cardiac care. Doctors were waiting to attend to him at Anaheim Memorial Medical Center. Even the media, who were looking for a story, were respectful as I declined most of their inquiries. At that point, I was interested in the mental, physical and spiritual state of my adult child.

Such days are nightmares. Mine was much less so because of a community of caring, sensitive and competent professionals doing their job, and a merciful God.

“Thank you” feels inadequate, but words are what I have to extend my gratitude to all who helped take the sting out of a bad situation. Oh yes, I took my son home from the hospital recently. Our prayers go to those injured and those who have lost a loved one.

Dyan Kirkland

San Clemente