Wednesday, May 7, 2003

On Wednesday, April 23, I was returning from Flat Creek Golf Club on my golf cart, when suddenly it lost power. My immediate reaction was to check for a loose wire.

As I bent over to inspect the wiring, the battery nearest to me exploded. The sudden explosion knocked me backwards, sending debris and battery acid into my face and eyes. I had a gash above my left eye, but my major concern was that I could not see out of my left eye.

Just as I was trying not to panic, an automobile approached. The auto stopped and the driver asked if she could help. I asked her to call 911, which she immediately did.

As she was talking to 911, a nearby homeowner offered his assistance. Upon learning the cause and nature of my injuries, he quickly returned to his home and obtained water and clean towels to wash my face.

I knew that only a few minutes had passed since the call to 911 until the Peachtree City police and EMTs were on site. Their response was fantastic. Within moments the EMTs had assessed my condition, loaded me into their service vehicle and started flushing my eye with sterile cleaning solution. Quickly we were enroute to the Fayette Community Hospital.

The purpose of my letter is to thank each of those individuals who came to my aid. Thanks to the person who stopped her car and called 911. Not only did she call 911, but also called to have my cart picked up and then dialed my wife so that I could advise her of the situation. Thanks to the person who brought water and cloths to wash the acid off my face. Thanks to the Peachtree City EMTs who attended me at the scene and at the hospital. Thanks to the Peachtree City police who made sure my golf cart and belongings were picked up and taken to a safe place.

At this time, I do not know the names of these people, but I sincerely hope we meet again so that I can thank each of you personally. I believe the quick and decisive actions taken resulted in a happy ending to this story. The specialist at Fayette Community believes my eye will be OK and that there will be no permanent damage.

Peachtree City is a great community. Citizens are not afraid to get involved. The police and EMTs are truly professionals, and until you have a personal experience, you cannot appreciate how good these guys are.

Again, thanks to everyone.

John M. Cordle

Peachtree City