HELEN, Ga. — A young child who fell during Helen’s Christmas parade Saturday has been released from the hospital. The infant suffered what police described as a “ground-level fall” along the parade route.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Dye Street and North Main Street during the evening parade on Dec. 13.
“Helen Police quickly requested EMS, and Helen Fire responded using a Polaris unit to navigate heavy parade traffic,” said Helen Fire Chief Jody Prickett. “Precautions were taken, and the patient was transported to the Helen Fire Station, where White County EMS determined that air medical support was needed due to the nature of the call and traffic conditions.”
Authorities requested Blairsville-based AirLife14 to assist with the call. Prickett said the medical helicopter landed at the station within 16 minutes of being dispatched. Helen Police and city public works crews secured the area and managed traffic to ensure a safe landing zone.
Paramedics flew the infant by helicopter to Children’s Hospital of Atlanta for further evaluation. Officials confirmed the child was released from the hospital before midnight and returned home with her family.
Rapid response
The incident occurred as crowds lined downtown streets for the annual Christmas Parade. The signature holiday event draws thousands of people each year. Emergency personnel were already positioned along the route for public safety, allowing for a rapid response.
“Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all departments, the parade continued with minimal disruption,” Prickett said.
Helen Police thanked all of the agencies involved in the emergency response, including White County E-911 and EMS. They also thanked members of the community who prayed for the young girl.
Dean Dyer of WRWH Radio contributed to this report
