When a man in the Carter community suffered a deep neck wound from a falling circular saw on August 29, Rural Metro Fire’s quick response saved his life. Capt. Logan Blaylock, an EMT‑Advanced, and Firefighter Noah Wilson, an EMT, arrived within minutes of the 7:30 a.m. alarm at Station 26, located at 8708 Strawberry Plains Pike, just 1.3 miles from the incident.
Rapid on‑scene care
The victim’s son immediately applied pressure with a towel, but the bleeding was severe. Blaylock described the scene: “He was on his back in the grass, still conscious, moving his legs. He could follow what we were doing with his eyes, but then he lost more blood and consciousness.” Wilson took over the pressure, noting that without his son’s quick action the man would not have survived.
Both responders worked to control the hemorrhage, changing dressings and maintaining pressure while an AMR ambulance crew arrived. Blaylock coordinated a rapid face‑to‑face patient transfer, emphasizing the “load‑and‑go” urgency to get the patient to definitive care.
Transport to UTMC
The patient was transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) Trauma Center, where he underwent surgery and spent about a week in the hospital. He continues recovery at home with speech and physical therapy.
In recognition of their decisive action, the UTMC Trauma Center presented Blaylock and Wilson with “Excellence in Prehospital Trauma” awards. Rural Metro Fire also honored the pair with the same award for their outstanding life‑saving efforts.
Background of the heroes
Capt. Blaylock is a 20‑year veteran of Rural Metro, a second‑generation firefighter whose father served 42 years as Operations Chief. He graduated from South Doyle High School in 2006 and is married to Whitney, a teacher at Prospect Elementary in Blount County; they have two sons.
Firefighter Wilson, 28, joined Rural Metro in February 2025 after eight years as a wildland firefighter. He hails from Rockford, and his father, Lt. Will Wilson, serves in the Knoxville Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards and previously received a life‑saving award.
Community gratitude
UTMC Trauma Outreach & Injury Prevention coordinators Melinda Wilson and Amber Thompson praised the duo, stating, “Your effective bleeding control, sound clinical judgment and appropriate destination selection were instrumental in ensuring the patient reached definitive trauma care and contributed to a positive outcome.”
The story underscores the vital role of local first responders in protecting families and preserving life, embodying the community’s commitment to safety, faith, and family values.
Original reporting: Knox TN Today — read the source article.
