Rural carrier aids customer stranded in home

Rural Carrier Mary Bengston was delivering packages last December in DeFuniak Springs, FL, when she noticed an unusual sight and sound.

As Bengston neared a customer’s residence, she spotted a vehicle parked outside with its door open and heard yelling coming from inside the home.

Bengston rushed to the front door and found the customer in dire need of medical assistance. The woman said she had fallen outside the day before and had dragged herself into her home, barely getting past the entrance.

She remained stranded there for more than 24 hours with no access to food, water or her phone. As she lay on the floor overnight, she wrapped herself in a doormat to keep warm.

Bengston called 911 and stayed until emergency responders arrived.

The Postal Service employee also spoke to the customer’s grandson, who had been trying to reach the woman by phone.

Bengston later learned that the customer had broken her leg in the fall.