It’s hard to cope with the changes that come with aging. Your eyes become less sharp and your movements become slower. Even your sense of direction becomes poor.
87-year-old Laura Farr often walked from her home to her grandkids’ house.
It was just a few blocks away from her so she had no difficulties paying them a visit whenever she wanted. However, on one fateful day, she was driven.
Since she was used to walking, the drive left her confused and disoriented.
Laura kept walking until she reached two miles away from her destination. She found herself wandering on the Staten Island Expressway.
Considering her age, it was dangerous for her to be out there.
Fortunately, a 17-year-old Travis resident saw the elderly lady. The moment Eric Roman saw her, he knew he had to help her.
The young man was with his family that day.
They were heading to Brooklyn when he noticed Laura. She was walking against traffic at that time.
He shared with silive:
“I told my family we needed to pull over the second I saw her.”
And that’s exactly what they did.
After the vehicle stopped, Eric had to cross the ramp to get to the other side of the shoulder. Then, he walked for another half mile just to reach the disoriented woman.
He recalled:
“When I approached her, I asked her if she was okay and if she knew that she was walking on the highway. She had no idea where she was and was disoriented.”
Eric asked Laura if there was any family they could contact.
Unfortunately, the woman was unable to provide any information. That’s when he decided to call 911.
While waiting for help, he managed to flag down a primary care ambulance. He was also able to get the attention of a police officer who was stationed at the end of the off-ramp.
The officer radioed for additional backup. With some help, they were able to get the old lady to West Brighton’s Richmond University Medical Center.
The family decided to go with Laura.
Instead of getting back in their vehicle to continue their trip, Eric and his family headed to the hospital. The senior didn’t have any family with her and the teen didn’t want her to be alone there.
At the hospital, Laura’s daughter met them.
Although the elderly lady couldn’t remember how she got there, she was able to recall how Eric helped her get out of the expressway safely. Laura’s daughter was very thankful that Eric helped her mother. If it wasn’t for him, something bad could have happened to Laura.
Eric considers the experience as excellent training for him.
He’s actually a part of the NYPD Explorer’s program. It provides training for kids who are interested in becoming a police officer in the future.
He’s so interested in law enforcement that he even collects police badges. He even has a first-aid backpack.
Eric really did become a hero that day. Be sure to check out the full story below!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
