Worker Airlifted After Forklift Accident in Robertson County

PORTLAND, TENNESSEE (Smokey Barn News):  A local man is lucky to be alive after a counterweight from a forklift landed on his leg. According to Orlinda Fire Chief Patrick Darrow, the accident occurred Tuesday afternoon at S. R. Smith, LLC, located on Highway 31W,  the first call coming into 911 at 1:46 PM.. MAP

Callers reported that a man had suffered a serious leg injury with a possible near amputation after a forklift counterweight came loose and fell on him. The counterweight was estimated at around 2,500 pounds, officials said.

While 911 was being called, co-workers on the scene immediately applied an arterial tourniquet to minimize blood loss. A Robertson County Sheriff’s Deputy arrived quickly and assisted with tourniquet placement. Officials said their actions played a critical role in preventing further blood loss before emergency crews arrived and may even have saved the injured man’s life.

Units from the Orlinda Fire Department, Robertson EMS Medic 2 from Cross Plains, and a paramedic supervisor responded to the scene. Robertson County Emergency Management also responded and established a safe landing zone for LifeFlight, which transported the patient to Vanderbilt’s Nashville trauma center. The air medical team had blood products on board for administration if needed.

“This was a quick and well-coordinated response that was led by our Robertson County 911 telecommunicators who did a great job getting the right resources there quickly,” Said Robertson County EMS Director Brent Dyer.  “Thankfully, there were some fast-thinking co-workers/bystanders and a deputy nearby that also played a big role in stabilizing the man involved.”