On Wednesday, October 26, 2011, IAM members Adam Butler and Rick Smith were working on an overhead sign at an intersection in Fort Wayne, IN. While working on the sign, Adam Butler was stung on the back of the neck by a bee and the reaction that followed almost killed him.
(From left to right: Rick Smith and Adam Butler - IAM Local Lodge 2569 Ft. Wayne, IN)
“Initially, we continued to work and then Adam said he wasn’t feeling well and started back to the truck. On the way back he collapsed and started to have a very bad reaction to the sting. I immediately called 911, “said Smith.
The paramedics came and when Adam was placed into the ambulance he lost all vital signs and pulse. The medics revived Adam and during the trip to the hospital they lost him again, but were able to bring him back a second time.
After hours in the emergency room and countless doctors working on Adam, he was stabilized. Doctors told Adam’s wife Karen, who is also an IAM member, that if it had not been for Rick Smith and his quick thinking to call 911, Adam would not be here today.
So special thanks goes out to Rick Smith and the team at Parkview Hospital for their efforts in saving the life of IAM Local Lodge 2569 member and Steward Adam Butler.
