Well, all my medical and first aid training paid off today. A car (at fault) hit another car with an older lady in it. Her neck was killing her so I held her head so she wouldn't move it. She also has bad pain in her chest and right ankle. It was a pretty bad wreck and both cars are totaled. Hope she will be ok.
I went to my sister Andrea's house a little later to ride to Bunco with her. I was telling her about being sad I couldn't find out any info on her. Andrea had also helped someone that was unconscious and to this day, she had no idea if he even made it or not. I had a hard time sleeping that night thinking of everything that happened that night.
Saturday came and gone, like any other day. That night I had a hard time sleeping. I got to bed late and I just couldn't turn my brain off thinking more about the previous night. Chad got up early to go to his part time job and I slept in. I woke up to a phone call from Chad and I was confused at what he was saying. He said "you saved her." I said "what are you talking about?" He said that the lady I helped on Friday family was looking for me. Still confused I asked him "what are you talking about?" He told me to check my Facebook. I got on FB and I had 3 new friend requests and a couple of messages. One was from a friend with an update on the lady's condition. It read:
Here is the update on the lady you saved!
Mickey never saw the other car and doesn't have any recollection of the accident and wasn't able to tell us what happened at all. All she remembers is driving, hearing a big crash and then the intense pain. She was transported by ambulance as you probably know to the AF hospital but shortly after was transported down to Utah Valley hospital. She has very serious injuries but there have been many miracles and she is so lucky that it wasn't worse. She will be in the hospital for about a week and then will have in home care for about 4 months.
the other lady at the scene thought you might want to read it
Thought this post would make your day'. This lady is looking for you! You are a hero!!
Stacy Porter
15 hrs
Need help finding someone! Yesterday my mother in law was in a car accident in American Fork in front of Hobby Lobby. She was driving a silver Scion XB when she was hit on the driver side. She broke her neck and back. A bystander held her neck in place until the paramedics arrived. This kind act most likely saved her life as her break was right next to the main artery to the brain. Our family would love to thank this person for their kindness and for saving her life.
After a few messages back and forth with the one lady that was at the scene with me, I was able to get the husbands phone number. I called and I said "Hi, my name is Stacey Harward" before I could say anything else, he said "I know who you are" I got a quick update on his wife and I asked if it was ok if I came to the hospital to see her and then I can tell them my side of the story. She said it was fine, so I headed right down. The meeting was so wonderful! I am so glad that I was able to meet her again. They told me that the Dr's told her that she didn't realize really how lucky she was to be alive. I saw the pictures of her neck and they weren't good. She broke her C2, which is called a 'hangmans fracture' This particular break is right next to the main artery to the brain. The way that vein is, it kind of "loops" around that C2 and when that part of your spine breaks, it severe's that main artery and kills them. Think of someone being hung by a rope. This is why the die and so quickly.
With her neck brace she will probably heal about 75% or more (hopefully) She still has a long road to recovery. She will be in the brace for probably 6 months and there is still a chance that if it doesn't completely heal, she will need to have screws put in her neck. Also she has the chance of having to "upgrade" to a halo, where they put screws in your head to keep your head even more still. This would be very unpleasant so I hope she can heal enough that that won't happen and she follows the Dr's orders. I understand she has a hard time "holding still."
I have been in contact with her since. Last time I talked to her the pain was so bad that it was making her throw up, which I can't imagine that it could be good for her condition. I'm hoping to contact them tomorrow again to get another update and am hoping to see them again soon.
Since them. Someone called in to KSL.com's tip line and they contacted me about the story. I gave them an interview over the phone and sent her the picture of our reunion. I also gave them their number because she wanted to see if they could get her statement. Because they are having to do a lawsuit from the accident they weren't able to comment. KSL did do the story though they couldn't resond:
KSL Article
I feel honored that they wanted to do a story on me. I do want to give credit to Natalie as well. The lady that help her hand. She said she felt so comforted by that gesture. I also want to thank the family for finding me and allowing me to find out how she was. I'm grateful for new friends from this one simple act and I hope we can be friends for a long time to come.
I really don't consider myself a "hero" as some have said. Or even an "angel." but I am so glad that I was in the right spot at the right time and I knew exactly what to do. Unlike what KSL reported. I was not 'overwhelmed' with the situation but calm the entire time. I am not a nursing student (yet) but a Medical student. And they got my last name wrong, most of the time.
I did never think in a million years that I would ever save someones life but it is the most awesome feeling to know that because of what you did, that person is alive today. I don't know how I could live if the circumstances were different. I have been on a week long "high" and I am now addicted to that high. Nobody could really understand unless you have been one of those people that have saved someone. I just want to go out and save even more.
During school I was worried that I wouldn't make a good nurse or something, I can't explain it. Even though I got straight A's and was always on the Dean's list, I think there is always that fear in the back of your head. After this I KNOW that this is the field I am supposed to be in and now I may want to even go further to get that RN status or even become an EMT. I finish this year and I guess I have a couple months to decide if I continue or not. But until then I am SO GLAD that I am where I am and only wish it didn't take me so long to get here.
To the family: Love is a very strong word but I want you to know how much I care and love your mother as if she was my own. There is not a day that I don't think of her and pray that her pain will subside. I hope she makes a full recovery and that we can be friends for the rest of our lifetime. She is an amazing lady, and I am proud to call her and all of you my friends. I hope one day we can all meet, but until then I will think of you all and continue to pray for her. Thank you for finding me. I can't explain in words how much it means to me. Thank You, Thank You!
