TOLEDO, Ohio — The last thing James Hardwick remembers after his motorcycle accident in March was turning onto Washington Street near Michigan Street in downtown Toledo.
He says a truck struck him after running a red light. He spent 11 days in the hospital, undergoing multiple surgeries, dealing with multiple infections and battling a limited memory.
During recovery, his daughter asked an important question.
"My little girl was like, 'daddy, did you tell [the paramedics] thank you?' And I was like, 'not yet.' And she had brought up, 'hey, let's go tell them thank you. Let's go find out what station it was,'" Hardwick said.
Also involved in the accident was Caitlin Silveous, a friend from work who was riding with him. She shared a similar sentiment.
"I want them to have the closure that we are all right, that we didn't die and we're still here and we are very appreciative of them. I don't know how to thank them as much as they need," Silveous said. "To come in and see them for the first time, it's kind of nostalgic because you get the flashbacks of them being there, them helping you. But you don't really know what going on, so, coming in and seeing them and giving them the information that we're still here and we're still trying to be here kind of feels pretty good to us."
Hardwick says without the paramedics, he wouldn't be around to tell his story.
"Their response time was amazing. And for me to be able to stand here and breathe and talk is great. My little girl is happy," he said. "It's amazing, it really is. These guys are great. I couldn't ask for anything better."
Garrett Daugherty works at station five of the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department and was a part of the crew that responded to the scene.
"(It was a) really heartwarming feeling. We don't get stuff like this often," he said. "None of us here, especially at station five, expect recognition for what we do."
He says it's not often paramedics get to find out what happens to people after they're dropped off at the hospital.
"But every so often, there are days like today where we've made a huge impact in their lives and their future wellbeing," Daugherty said. "It's our job, it's what we signed up to do, it's what we love to do. Every so often, when something like this has happened, it does make us feel good and puts a smile on our face."
Hardwick is grateful the first responders ensured he and Caitlin's families didn't have to mourn their loss.
"I just want to tell everybody thank you," he said. "You said my life, you saved Caitlin's life, we can go home to our kids."