On Tuesday, November 5th, 2019 at 0930 hours the Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District and Sarasota County Fire Department participated in a joint “Show & Tell” event for a special boy, Colton Lawson. This event was held at the Haven located at 4405 Desoto Road.
About 18 months ago Colton received severe injuries to both of his legs due to being run over by a bush hog. This incident happened in rural eastern Manatee County. Immediately after the incident the parents loaded Colton up in their vehicle and started to head west towards Manatee Memorial Hospital. While they were enroute to Manatee Memorial, they called 9-1-1 and the dispatcher was trying to locate them and have emergency vehicles head towards them to meet, which instructing the parents how to control the severe bleeding that was occurring.
The parents did meet up with Manatee County EMS, East Manatee and Myakka City and they immediately began Advanced Life Support and flew the child to the Trauma Center. Colton survived this severe trauma incident, however both legs had to be amputated. Colton has done an outstanding job in his recovery and is now walking with his artificial limbs extremely well. Because he is growing, Colton must go back every three months for adjustments or new limbs.
Colton attends the “The Haven” an inclusionary school for all ages. Colton made a request to his mom a few weeks back because today was “Show & Tell” and Colton wanted his “Heroes” to show off. When we were notified of this request we immediately wanted to do something special for Colton and since the Haven is located in Sarasota County, we immediately partnered with Sarasota County Fire Department and between both agencies we provided a Fire Engine, Ladder Truck, Rescue and Battalion Chief with over a dozen of FF/EMT/Paramedic’s from both agencies.
Both agencies provided a “Show & Tell” not only to Colton and his classmates but other classes as well. We did make Colton’s day very special for him and his fellow classmates!

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