Virginia Woman Who Lost Leg in Farming Accident Meets First Responders Who Saved Her Life

A Virginia woman has recently reunited with the first responders who came to her rescue after she was involved in a life-changing farming accident.

Ashley Lawrence and her husband were working with heavy machinery on their farm in Amelia County in August when Ashley’s leg got caught in the equipment, according to CBS affiliate WTVR and NBC affiliate WBBT.

Lawrence had a leg and finger amputated, but ultimately survived the ordeal. Seven months later, she reconnected with many of the Amelia first responders who helped save her life. 

At the reunion on Thursday, March 13, Lawrence said it was "nice to see everybody," though she didn't remember everyone's face.

“I wanted to say thank you because y'all got to see the worst part of somebody in a bad situation,” she said, according to WTVR.

Recalling what happened, Lawrence said she was near the tiller of a tractor when she started yelling to her husband, who was operating the machine, WBBT reported.

She said she was trapped “upside down,” her left leg was “completely wrapped around” the machinery and both of her hands “were stuck.”

Soon, first responders arrived. They said Lawrence remained alert throughout the rescue.

“I’m really surprised that Ashley was awake during the whole situation and believe it or not she was actually joking.” said Amelia Volunteer EMT Savanna Banton, according to WBBT.

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Lawrence received a blood transfusion while on a Medflight to VCU Hospital, according to WTVR.

WBBT reported that the Virginia woman's “drive not to leave her” daughter pushed her to fight to live.

In addition to the amputations, Lawrence permanently shattered another finger. But she said she is back to doing most of the work she did before, with a few exceptions.

On Thursday, Lawrence met the individuals who saved her life and showed off her new prosthetic leg.

“I could have come in here in my wheelchair. But I was like, no, I got my leg. I'm gonna put it on,” she said, according to WTVR. “I was like, I'll go in with my leg. I have it. I can use it.”

Chris Orr, a paramedic for Chesterfield Fire and EMS said he was “glad to see” Lawrence walk into the reunion. “It's a testament to her determination,” he added.