One year after head-on collision YPG firefighter is thriving
One year after suffering life threatening injuries while commuting to work, Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) Firefighter Andrew Swick is fully recovered.
Swick was involved in a head-on collision with a wrong way driver on May 17, 2020. He suffered injuries to his arms, hands, face, and abdomen. He was in the intensive care unit in a medically-induced coma for a week and using a ventilator. In the months following, Swick underwent multiple surgeries followed by months of physical therapy.
Adding more heartache to the situation, the COVID restrictions prohibited his loved ones and his firefighter colleagues from visiting him. A week after the accident when Swick awoke, he was finally able to communicate with his wife via Facetime.
Now, one year later Swick is thriving!
YPG Assistant Fire Chief Daniel Goodwin recalls, “When we found out he was coming back in January, we were just floored. It was amazing!”
Swick’s recovery has allowed him to return to work on full-duty. “His injuries were serious and it could have easily ended his firefighting career,” he said.
The YPG firefighting family is happy to have him back, and Swick is ready to put this chapter behind him.
“On behalf of the Andrew and his family, and the department, thank you to everyone who reached out with concern, donated leave and to his
GoFundMe. It was an amazing show of support,” said Goodwin.