Correction: Due to incorrect information provided by the Indiana National Guard, Cpl. Luisa Kolb's name was misspelled in a previous version of this story. WRTV regrets the error.
INDIANAPOLIS — Three members of the Indiana National Guard who were assigned to help out at Second Helpings because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic ended up helping a man at the non-profit after 10 gallons of boiling beef stock spilled on his legs and feet.
According to information released by the Indiana National Guard, the three guardsmen were all combat medics who jumped into action to help.
Mike Gilson, a kitchen assistant for Second Helpings, was using a tilt kettle.
"As it tilted, it just poured straight down my legs, hitting from mid-thigh all the way down to my feet," Gilson said. "As I was kind of panicking and trying to run down the hall, they sat me down in a chair and before I even realized it three troops had ice bags, ice packs and wet towels. It was like a natural response reaction for them. They put burn cream on and bandaged me up. They were awesome and incredible."
The three medics — Cpl. Ethan Collins, Cpl. Luisa Kolb and Spc. Yoonho Lee — are combat medics with the 215th Area Support Company, 81st Troop Command from Franklin.
"I was cooking and heard a very loud bang," Kolb said. "We got Mike out of the kitchen and sat him down. We applied ice on the burns and kept applying until the pain was going away."
"I was in the dock area when I heard Mike scream, and then I saw Cpl. Kolb and Spc. Lee already providing medical aid," Collins said. "Cpl. Kolb was able to find burn medication in the medical locker that they keep supplied here. We were able to put medication on him and wrap him up."
The quick response prevented Gilson from feeling a need to go to the hospital and reduced the damage to his legs and feet.
All three guardsmen were awarded the Army Achievement Medal, which recognizes soldiers for noncombat meritorious service or achievement.
