Aid for Fisher Bennett's Recovery

UPDATE 6/5/2025. Fisher continues to make good progress. Right now the doctors are working to manage the issues that come with patients who have been in the ICU for a while and have been on a lot of different sedatives and pain meds. Their goal is to get him back to a normal sleep-wake cycle and they'll be dropping daytime sedation as much as they can. Speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists will be starting their work with Fish soon. They're also working to get him to begin eating and taking oral meds as opposed to IVs. Jason said he was able to eat applesauce today and he really wants to get out of there!

UPDATE 6/4/2025. It's been a big couple of days for Fish. He was removed from the ECMO machine and his numbers are holding tight. This afternoon they removed his breathing tube and he had some choice words to share, which is great news! The family is staying strong and appreciates all the support.

UPDATE 6/2/2025. Fish is surrounded by family and continues to show improvement at 72 hours into his recovery. The amazing outpouring of visitors and support from PFA and all agencies involved in Fish’s life has been appreciated by Jason and all family members. There were high hopes today that Fish would be extubated based on his increase in responsiveness. He remains able to recognize faces and voices of family and friends and is acknowledging letters and words, demonstrating a continued improvement in cognition. He even was assisted to sit on the side of the bed today which demonstrates him beginning to gain strength. This was followed by a several hour nap. A feeding tube was introduced to provide some nourishment, and Fish was not happy about it, but it will allow him to gain strength for the road ahead. He remains intubated and on the ECMO machine to continue removing the carbon dioxide from his blood.

UPDATE 6/1/2025. Today, the doctors observed good progress. Fish was responding to questions with head nods and showed excitement when his best friend visited. He remains on the ECMO machine and faces many challenges ahead, but spirits were high seeing his progress today. The family deeply appreciates the love and support from all.

UPDATE 5/31/2025: Fish continues to make progress under the care of UC Health Anshutz. They reduced sedation yesterday and he responded with some movement and was able to squeeze Jason’s hand when asked. He began to struggle some so sedation was continued. The ECMO seems to be helping. This is all good news and a positive sign so early but there is still a long way to go.

When those that dedicate their lives to help their community need our help, we as a community need to answer the call. Yesterday evening, 5/29/2025, Poudre Fire Authority responded to a call of a vehicle submerged in an irrigation ditch. Firefighters were able to gain access to the upside-down vehicle to locate the sole occupant. After getting him to shore, life-saving efforts were performed, and he was transported to MCR. What was a normal response for PFA quickly turned personal when they realized that the victim was the son of one of their own. Fisher Bennett (21), the son of Engineer Jason Bennett on Rescue 4, is loved by all those with whom he touched. He is a wildland firefighter with Larimer County, having just returned from a deployment on a fire with Roosevelt Hot Shots hours before the accident. A graduate of Fort Collins High School, he is pursuing his dream of being a part of the fire service.

Early this morning, he was transferred to University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to address his immediate need of stabilizing his blood gas and CO2 levels. The medical team there will do all they can to keep him stable, regulate his body temperature, and assess his mental status.

Fish has the support of his parents, Jason and Alisa, his brother Tanner, sister Cedar, extended family, friends, and the entire PFA community. Funds will go directly to support the cost of medical care.