FedEx driver saves 3 in minivan
Three people overcome from gas fumes were saved by a veteran FedEx driver who saw their van stopped on a grassy embankment in near Laytonsville on Wednesday, Fox 5 reports.
Earl Spence thought the driver of the minivan was making a three-point turn until he saw the front of the minivan had stopped at a grassy embankment on Brink Court in Montgomery County.
"I had a mind to just keep going," explained the 16-year FedEx employee. "But then I looked in my sideview mirror and I saw white hair. So I knew it was an elderly person."
Rescue personnel believe the senior citizens were overcome by fumes from a five-gallon can of gasoline which had been filled during a shopping trip earlier that day. All were rushed to Shady Grove Adventist Hospital where they were treated and released.
By
Washington Post editors
| July 9, 2010; 10:20 AM ET
Categories:
Crime and Public Safety, Maryland
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Posted by: UnknownHenson | July 9, 2010 11:20 AM | Report abuse
Hey FedEx, this guy needs a raise. Good job Earl!
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Agreed! Great job, kid!
Posted by: Hypocritic | July 9, 2010 11:49 AM | Report abuse
A very alert, thoughtful guy. Give him a week off with pay that won't count against his regular leave time.
Posted by: jckdoors | July 9, 2010 12:18 PM | Report abuse
This is an opportunity to educate people about safe handling practices. It'd be better if the Post linked to a more official guide.
Off the top of my head:
- use an OSHA approved container
- never put gasoline in an unventilated place
- carry fuel straight home
- never, ever leave gasoline in a hot car
Gasoline should be transported in an unlatched trunk if possible. If you don't have a trunk, crack the front window and open the back window wide. That ensures that air flows out the back rather than towards the driver.
Posted by: cooperda | July 9, 2010 1:07 PM | Report abuse
That's mMY preferred shipper! Kudos to Mr. Earl Spense!
Posted by: Rocc00 | July 9, 2010 2:07 PM | Report abuse
During the gas crisis of the 70's when you could only get gets on even/odd days and gas stations ran out of gas and/or closed early, a teenager filled up a gas can in Columbia, MD and headed off for a long night of fun in DC. Somehow the gas was not vented, the teen lighted a cigarette and the car caught on fire. The teen died.
If you need to use a gas can, you need to roll down all the windows and head quickly to your destination. The Fedx driver who saved 3 people should really be commended! Good looking out!
Posted by: Ross65 | July 9, 2010 3:07 PM | Report abuse
Good job, Earl! And what great PR for FedEx. lol
Posted by: brandip_77 | July 9, 2010 3:23 PM | Report abuse
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Hey FedEx, this guy needs a raise. Good job Earl!