Local man who survived tank explosion reunites with first responder

Chief Scott Powell And Gary Patton / Hamilton County EMS

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Eight years after a near-fatal accident, a local man has reunited with the first responder who helped save his life.

April 4, 2017, Gary Patton was welding atop a 30-foot tank when it suddenly exploded.

Among the first responders to arrive on scene, at the time Lieutenant Scott Powell, helped to coordinate emergency care for Patton.

According to Hamilton County EMS, Patton was rushed to Erlanger, then airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Patton suffered extensive injuries including third degree burns covering 65 percent of his body, several fractures, internal injuries, and a traumatic head injury.

Doctors told Patton’s family that his survival was unlikely, however, he defined all odds.

Patton spent 72 days in the Burn ICU and underwent six weeks of rehabilitation.

Hamilton County EMS stated Patton also received multiple surgeries, including a hip replacement.

During this process, Patton’s wife reached out to now Assistant Chief Scott Powell, through social media.

On the second anniversary of Patton’s accident, he and Powell met for the first time.

Patton now lives in upstate New York due to medical needs, but during a recent visit down south, he and Powell were able to reunite once again.

Patton’s wife, Jessica, said “It was so great to reunite with Scott during our visit.  We are forever thankful for the incredible work of first responders.”