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BOUNTIFUL — A construction worker was air lifted to a local hospital after severely cutting his leg with a circular saw Saturday afternoon.
Bountiful City Police received a report of a medical emergency at 1785 E. Maple Drive, but due to language barriers from the caller, dispatch workers were not able to locate the residence for about seven minutes, according to Sgt. Andrew Bryson.
Emergency responders arrived at the multi-level residence, and discovered two construction workers at the scene. The victim was on the third floor of the home. He had removed a safety guard from a circular saw that he was operating, and the saw had slipped and cut his thigh down to the bone, severing several arteries, Bryson said.
The house was under construction, and the stairs and railing had been taken apart for repair so emergency responders had to "climb" to reach the victim, Bryson said. A tourniquet was used to stop the severe bleeding.
"My officers more than likely saved this guy's life," Bryson said.
The victim was air lifted to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray where the victim received emergency surgery.
The construction worker did not have identification and his co-worker did not speak English. Officials contacted the homeowner to find the identity of the worker.
"Never alter your power tools and take out safety guards," Bryson said. "This is a good reminder to not take off safety guards because this is what could happen."
More information will be posted as it becomes available.