SWEPCO lineman helps injured senior citizen

Southwestern Electric Power Company line mechanic David Savell came to the rescue of an elderly woman who had fallen and broken her hip.

(Story by Kacee Kirschvink)

You never know when you might be in the wrong place at the right time.

Southwestern Electric Power Company line mechanic David Savell was responding to a work order and was having trouble finding the correct location. It was raining outside, and Savell had his window rolled down to enjoy the cool air.

As he was putting his truck in reverse, he heard a noise. He couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. He listened again and heard a low voice that said, “Help me.”

Unsure of the situation, he asked, “Where are you?” The person responded, “On the porch.”

Savell got out of his truck and looked around some cars that were parked in front of the porch. He found an elderly woman who had fallen and broken her hip. She had been lying on the porch for two hours.

Savell got the woman some water, called an ambulance and stayed with her until the ambulance arrived.

“I am very proud of the caring and responsible people I work with,” said co-worker Joni Waddle. “David doesn’t believe he did anything worth talking about, but he was truly this lady’s hero and possibly saved her life. Who knows what could have happened to this lady if David hadn’t been there.”