INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis EMT is on the road to recovery after being struck by a vehicle on Saturday night.
Geovani Galvez was responding to the Italian Street Festival Saturday evening. When they were leaving, he was directing the ambulance out of a parking spot and was struck by a car.
“I don’t remember anything afterwards, whatsoever. I think I woke up at Eskenazi,” said Galvez. “I was honestly very confused.”
Galvez said his partner EMT immediately rendered first aid until more help arrived. He’s now recovering from a brain bleed, multiple fractures and road rash.
“From what it sounds like, it’s going be a few weeks out. It’ll be a few months. I think I’m gonna get roughly two to three more surgeries,” said Galvez.
He said they still needed to operate on his dislocated left elbow and right shoulder but is feeling better than he expected.
“I’m doing okay, I’m in a slight bit of pain, but overall I’m doing okay,” he said.
Galvez has been an EMT for two years and loves what he does. He is also the father of a daughter named Violet and a son named Levi.
“Levi is a three-time cancer survivor,” said Galvez. “I actually donated bone marrow to him a few years back.”
Riley Children’s Hospital has released several articles about Galvez and his son’s cancer journey.
Due in a few weeks, another little Galvez will be arriving.
He said he’s grateful for all the love and support he’s been receiving while in the hospital. Now he wants to warn drivers to move aside for first responders.
“Just be self-conscious of everything that’s going on around you, because, you know, this could have been a lot worse. I could have been dead right now,” said Galvez.
His coworker created a GoFundMe, which has now surpassed $15,000 to help with his bills while in the hospital.
IMPD said the driver involved was not arrested and cooperated with police in their investigation.
Indianapolis EMS released the statement below.
Saturday evening an Indianapolis EMS (IEMS) provider was involved in a vehicle accident, resulting in serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. This incident serves as a reminder for all to exercise caution when first response vehicles are present.
“Our hearts go out to the IEMS provider involved in this incident and we are taking all the necessary steps to assist them through their recovery process,” said Dan O’Donnell M.D., chief of IEMS. “This incident, which was an accident, serves as a stark reminder of how dangerous these situations can be, and for all to be attentive when driving in areas where first response vehicles are present.”
Specific details of the incident are being withheld at this time pending a thorough investigation, and IEMS asks that time be allowed for that to take place.
