Earlier this year, I walked in the emergency entrance of the Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital located in Deadwood, SD in dire need of medical assistance due to intense, acute pain coming from my back between the shoulder blades; I was having a heart attack, a STEMI. Several medical personnel instantly appeared I was rushed to an ER room, and even though I was in a distraught state of mind, I was immediately aware of a coordination taking place; everybody was doing something, their own part, but all together, focused on me. Some of it is a blur for me, but in short, a heart attack was diagnosed and treatment administered, I flatlined, I was quickly revived, I was hot ambulanced to Rapid City Regional Hospital, I received an urgent stent due to a large arterial blockage, and then I was sitting up in bed waiting for lunch.
I remain in awe over the events of that morning and am beyond grateful to all the individuals whose presence, knowledge, and performance touched and saved my life. They all deserve awards for their choice of profession; their work is to help and save lives. During my worst hour ever, there in the Deadwood ER I saw faces and felt care in actions and words I will never forget, including from someone that was seated next to me on my right: my nurse, Todd James, RN. I knew this room was full of people who were really concerned about me, and I still am overcome when I remember and think about what transpired. And just before I was taken away in the ambulance, Todd got real close to my face and told me to let them know how I was doing; I promised I would.
Since that day, I've had the opportunity to meet several of the individuals who were working that morning in the Deadwood ER. I feel inadequate at expressing my gratitude. I hear the ambulance siren every day, sometimes four, five, six times a day in the summer season. I've no doubt the real reward in their work is merit they know on a personal level, achievement in doing something good, and right, and I'm sure at times, very difficult.
I am sincerely appreciative of these nurses, thank you so much.