ST. GEORGE — Washington County Search and Rescue teams were kept busy Saturday afternoon in two incidents that required medical assistance for the patients.
The first call came in about 4:30 p.m. when emergency crews responded an injured man nearby the water tanks outside of Washington City in the large recreational area of Washington County known as Warner Valley.
Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Lacagnina arrived on scene to find two people helping a man with injuries. He told the officer he had accidentally shot himself in the leg with a handgun.
Lacagnina said that handgun misfired as he was trying to holster the weapon. The bullet went into the man’s right leg through the top of the calf, then exited at the bottom of his right foot in the heel, upon initial inspection.
“The people aiding him had already applied a tourniquet, dressed the wounds and bandaged the bleeding,” Lacagnina said. “Medical got there and took over. He should do very well and heal rather soon.”
No citations were issued and the patient was transported to the St. George Regional Hospital.
About five minutes later, Lacagnina said personnel responded to a utility-terrain vehicle rollover incident a little further into the same valley.
Four teenagers — two male and two female — were recreating in the popular off-road area of Southern Utah when the machine rolled. The passenger’s arm slipped out of the window and was injured, he added.
“Pretty good injuries to the right forearm, below the elbow,” Lacagnina added.
The passenger was treated on scene and then also taken by ambulance to St. George Regional Hospital.
Editor’s note: St. George News received several email updates from friends and family members of the teenager who was involved in the UTV rollover in Warner Valley.
According to family members, 16-year old Robbie Seaman — a passenger — was injured severely when the vehicle rolled. Seaman experienced several compound fractures to his right arm, multiple other fractures and lacerations.
Seaman’s cousin reported a patch of wet clay was the cause of the incident. Afterward receiving treatment in St. George, he was airlifted to a hospital in Las Vegas where doctors are attempting to save the limb.
Family members have set up an account at this link for those who would like to contribute to Seaman’s recovery expenses. When making charitable contributions, it is advisable to consult with professionals for tax advice and investment risks.
This report is based on statements by emergency personnel and may not include the full scope of their findings.
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