This browser does not support the Video element.
Philadelphia firefighter who fell from roof while battling fire returns home
Officials say Ladder 13 firefighter Randy Ballinger was working with his colleagues to extinguish a rowhome fire on the 1100 block of South Paxon Street on Feb. 25 when he fell 25-feet. He suffered a concussion, torn aorta, collapsed lung, broken ribs, broken pelvis, a compound ankle fracture and multiple bone fractures in both his legs.
PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia firefighter who was badly hurt when he fell from the roof of a rowhome while battling a fire was released from the hospital on Wednesday.
Officials say Ladder 13 firefighter Randy Ballinger was working with his colleagues to extinguish a rowhome fire on the 1100 block of South Paxon Street on Feb. 25 when he fell 25-feet.
"I usually try to be the last one to leave, I like to make sure everyone else gets down safely," Ballinger told FOX 29's Eddie Kadhim. "I lowered my tools and I prepared to come down, I can’t remember what happened to me, it’s a total mystery."
Ballinger suffered a concussion, torn aorta, collapsed lung, broken ribs, broken pelvis, a compound ankle fracture and multiple bone fractures in both his legs.
Ballinger said he is expected to make a full recovery but will need to use a wheelchair for the foreseeable future. A GoFundMe account organized by loved ones has raised over $85k and the proceeds will be used to make Ballinger's house wheelchair accessible.
"The fire service is a true brotherhood," Ballinger said. "Everybody from the commissioner on down to the men and women that I work with have taken care of me."
Over two weeks after Ballinger's life-threatening fall, Penn Presbyterian Hospital shared video of the firefighter leaving the hospital to applause from healthcare workers. His best friend and co-worker James McCaffery has been assigned to stick by his side throughout the recovery process.
"He's always ben jolly, high spirits no matter the situation," McCaffery said. "I can't ask for a better friend and it's been more than a privilege to take care of him in his time of need."