Horizon Health Employee Honored for Saving Woman at Twin Lakes

Everyone calls Anika Currie a hero after she rescued an elderly woman whose car plunged into the water at Twin Lakes Park in Paris, October 5. But Anika doesn’t see it that way.

“I don’t feel like a hero,” said Anika, a Horizon Health employee. “I’m just glad she’s okay.”

While at the park that morning, Anika – along with her children and two friends – surprisingly watched as the car drove over parking blocks and into the cold water.

Determined to help the woman, Anika and her friends jumped in the lake as the car began to sink. It was ultimately Anika, a former lifeguard, who pulled the woman through the car’s open window as the vehicle was under water.

“It was a total team effort,” Anika explained. “I was just the one who had the adrenaline and the right angle to get her out of the car.”

The driver held her breath for up to a minute before Anika could reach her, which Anika said felt more like “five days.”

“It was the scariest moment of my life. It was traumatic,” she said.

Horizon Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was notified and quickly arrived on the scene.

“The patient would have likely not survived if not for Anika's heroic efforts,” said Adam Webb, Horizon Health EMS manager. “She embodies Horizon Health's mission, vision, and values; and for this, should be recognized as a hero.”

In recognition of her heroic act, Horizon Health presented Anika with its High-5 PRIDE Award October 9. The award honors clinical and support staff for their extraordinary service to their team, patients, families, and community. Rachel Kelley, Horizon Health vice president of nursing and chief nursing officer, praised Anika for her “heroic act of kindness.”

“There are not many people that would have done what Anika has done,” Rachel said. “That was amazing.”