New York State Senator Fred Akshar addresses the Senate Floor to tell the story of Travis Flanagan’s tragic accident, and to thank everyone for their support in passing a bill that will save lives. (Screenshot by Zachary Meseck)

GREENE – A few months after a tragic farming accident, a bill created to allow New York State helicopters to carry and administer blood products has been passed in the New York State Senate.

According to New York State Senator Fred Akshar, on March 13 in the Town of Greene, Travis Flanagan was working in a corn field when the tractor he was operating had a mechanical issue. Akshar said when Flanagan climbed off of the tractor, his leg was pushed up against some corn stalks that gave way and the lower portion of his body was sucked in the machine.

“Travis, with his legs caught in this machine, laid in that field for more than 45 minutes until his father Mike came and tried to help,” said Akshar. “Travis, because his father was so distraught, called 911 himself and asked the dispatcher to ensure that they sent a four-wheel-drive vehicle because he was in the middle of a corn field, but also asked them to send a medical helicopter.”

“I think much to everyone’s surprise, in the state of New York, that medical helicopter couldn’t in fact transfuse blood, and Travis knew that he had been bleeding so badly for 45 minutes that he needed a blood transfusion.”