HCEMS Hero Reunites With Rescue Victim From Explosion 8 Years Ago

  • Monday, March 17, 2025
Hamilton County EMS Assistant Chief Scott Powell (left) with Gary Patton
Hamilton County EMS Assistant Chief Scott Powell (left) with Gary Patton
A life-changing rescue has come full circle as Hamilton County EMS Assistant Chief Scott Powell recently reunited with Gary Patton, a survivor of a catastrophic workplace accident nearly eight years ago.

Officials said, "On April 4, 2017, Gary was welding atop a 30-foot tank when it suddenly exploded. Among the first responders on the scene, Asst. Chief Powell, a lieutenant at the time, helped coordinate his emergency care. Gary was rushed to Erlanger before being airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
His injuries were extensive—third-degree burns covering 65 percent of his body, multiple fractures, internal injuries and a traumatic head injury. Doctors warned his family that survival was unlikely.

"However, after 72 days in the Burn ICU and six weeks of rehabilitation, Gary defied the odds. His recovery was long and arduous, requiring multiple surgeries, including a hip replacement. Amid this journey, his wife, Jessica Patton, reached out to Asst. Chief Powell through mutual friends on social media, sparking a lasting connection.

"On the second anniversary of Gary’s accident, the Pattons marked the occasion with an 'Alive Day' celebration, where they met Asst. Chief Powell in person for the first time. Since then, they have stayed in touch, and during a recent visit to the South, they reunited once again.

"Now residing in Upstate New York due to medical needs, the Pattons remain deeply grateful for the lifesaving efforts of Powell and the entire emergency response team."

“It was so great to reunite with Scott during our visit,” said Jessica Patton. “We are forever thankful for the incredible work of first responders."
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