A police officer who was gunned down during the Baton Rouge shooting and is in critical condition surprised his family this week by responding to their voice.
Nicholas Tullier has been unconscious since the shooting Sunday, but he squeezed the hand of his family member after hearing a family member say, “We need you,” Daily Mail UK reported.
Tullier, an 18-year law enforcement veteran, was shot in the back of his head and in the stomach, according to various news reports. He is currently on a ventilator.
East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said in a Monday press conference that Tullier, who is 41 and has two sons, is in “very, very critical condition.”
Since the incident, his family hasn’t left his side. Carol McManus, a relative, explained to Daily Mail Online that his family “need prayers more than anything.”
She continued: “All of his close family are at the hospital and they are not leaving him. The doctors have said that the first three days will be rough and after that he will hopefully get better. He’s using a ventilator when he has trouble breathing. He hasn’t woken up yet.
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“They were telling him: ‘I need you’ when he squeezed their hand. He’s still with us, he can hear us.”
Sheriff Gautreaux went on to describe Tullier’s situation: “It’s been touch and go for the family. He’s been in and out, so to speak. His vitals have gone up and down.
“We’re just praying for him. It’s in God’s hands, and we just have to see what happens.”
As with so many families who find themselves in similar situations, the Tulliers are doing everything possible to preserve Nicholas Tullier’s life.
The Tullier family has a great deal of support. A family friend, Dr. Ronal Coe, set up a GoFundMe account to raise money for Tullier’s sons, aged 16 and 18. The account has raised more than $40,000 so far.
Sadly, many argue that a person should be denied basic health care, such as food and water, if the hospital board determines that the patient has a low “quality of life.” Stories such as Nicholas’ demonstrate the importance of treating and supporting the patient. Thanks to the tireless efforts of his doctors and family, Nicholas has showed signs of response.
