Dallas police officer hospitalized for dehydration, blood clots at Colorado event
A Dallas police officer was in intensive care Saturday at a Denver hospital after suffering severe dehydration and brain hemorrhaging during a Police Explorers competition in Colorado.
Alex Garcia, 22, who joined the department in 2008, underwent two surgeries to remove blood clots and was breathing with the help of a respirator. But doctors at Swedish Medical Center hope to take him off the respirator soon.
“He’s not out of the woods yet, but he’s stable,” said Dallas Officer Chris Grall, who has remained by his side. “He is now giving a thumbs-up and waving like he wants the respirator out.”
Garcia and other Dallas police officers drove to Colorado last week to take part in a nationwide competition. On Wednesday afternoon, Garcia suffered severe dehydration and began vomiting during the competition.
“Between the high altitude and the heat, he dehydrated and a blood clot formed,” said Grall, a 19-year veteran. “The blood clot got into his jugular vein and backed up the blood flow leaving the brain, causing a hemorrhage.”
HOW TO HELP
Contributions for Officer Alex Garcia may be sent to the Assist the Officer Foundation (Alex Garcia) at 1412 E. Griffin St., Dallas, Texas, 75215, or made online at www.atodallas.org by requesting that funds go to Garcia. Contributions also may be made to an account for Explorer Post No. 3194 at Regions Bank.
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