Right Place at the Right Time: Local Nurse Saves Officer's Life

Last week, when Gladys resident Jessica Elliot opted to take N.C. 55 rather that Interstate 40, she never would have guessed that she would be saving the life of a Cary police officer.

At one stoplight, she heard the racing sirens of a police officer's motorcycle as she slowed to a stop. Just as the motorcycle, operated by Cary police officer Chad Penland, crossed the intersection, a pickup truck racing to make the yellow light crossed in front of his bike.

The officer was ejected nearly 20 to 30 feet up from the bike, and then landed close by the wrecked bike in the middle of the four-lane highway.

Rushing out of her car, Hargave Military Academy head nurse Jessica Elliot ran to his side and shouted to a swarm of onlookers to find out if anyone had medical experience.

Turned out she was the only one.

Elliot knew that she could not move his body, for fear of spinal cord and neck injury. She rushed to save his life, helping wrap his wounds on his arms, face and jaw with shirts of nearby men.

Helping as much as she could until the medics arrived, Officer Penland was conscious and talking to Elliot throughout her mission to save his life.

After some time, medical attention arrived and transported him to a nearby hospital. Elliot has contacted the family and heard that he is doing better, with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

If you or someone you know has suffered serious injuries in an accident such as a motorcycle accident, it is important to get the help you need. Call a Raleigh personal injury attorney today to find out how you can obtain compensation for your injuries.