EUREKA SPRINGS (KFSM) — A frustrating turn of events is forcing family members of an injured Eureka Springs firefighter to maintain their waiting room vigil.
Rod Wasson, who was hospitalized with respiratory injuries after battling a fire on Aug. 29, developed a severe case of pneumonia and a high temperature, according to a Eureka Springs Fire Department press release.
Wasson has two intravenous antibiotics and nurses are trying to reduce his temperature with cooling pads, the release said. He’s being heavily sedated and he was returned to the high-pressure ventilator to maintain his oxygen level. Wasson is in the Mercy Burn Unit in Springfield, Missouri.
All the family can do is wait and pray, said Wasson’s son, Tyler, in the release.
However, they’re not waiting alone. Members of the Eureka Springs Fire and EMS, area firefighters and regional medical professionals have been visiting Wasson and his family while they wait.
Children from the Eureka Springs school district made Wasson get-well cards, which were delivered on behalf of the fire department Thursday (Sept. 3).
