I would like to share an amazing story involving one of your nurses, Amber Sigler. This summer, my husband, my youngest son and I were traveling down Highway 6, approximately 60 miles from the nearest city or hospital in all directions. A man driving a large work truck fell asleep at the wheel and hit us almost head-on causing our truck to flip into the air, then roll eventually coming to a stop right side up. The cab was crushed, all windows were shattered and there were debris and glass all over the truck and road. My husband was able to get out and he got my son out who was initially pinned in the car, but I was not able to move. I was dizzy, my heart pounding, I was bleeding and there seemed to be pain everywhere when I tried to move.
We had several people stop to see if we were okay, one being Amber. She was coming home from a Naval event. She immediately took control of my care and was the only person who didn't leave my side until the ambulance arrived almost an hour later. She was nothing short of amazing. She controlled the scene with ease, got me immediately calmed down and directed the highway patrol officer to get her supplies from his vehicle to assess my condition while keeping me calm, focused and talking. The officer wouldn't have known what to do if it weren't for Amber and help was a long time away. We were in a spot in the canyon where cell phone access was limited and further complicated by a local fire. In order to keep my neck and head stable and keep me from moving, she had to lean in the cab of the truck over broken glass and debris and prop her elbows on the center console at an awkward angle, all while monitoring my vitals and trying to keep me calm and not moving. My son, who is autistic, was in full panic mode and she was calmly keeping him updated on me and keeping me updated on my family and the scene. Every time I'd start to panic, she would distract me by asking about my family and other things. She talked to me like we were old friends and I firmly believe she was part of the reason I am here today. I am on a blood thinner plus I have an arrhythmia and high BP putting me at risk for another stroke.
When the paramedics finally arrived she was able to give them all my info, history, vitals, etc. Amber stayed around for a minute to make sure I was well taken care of before leaving me then reluctantly handed over my care to a paramedic who arrived on the scene. My family is healing, I came out of the accident with a minor concussion, torn rotator cuff and AC joint, torn knee, some bruised ribs and neck and spinal damage along with endless cuts and bruises. Without her care and calm demeanor, I might have let adrenaline take over, and if I had managed to get out of the car I could have done permanent damage to my neck and spine or worse had another stroke. All in all, I deal with a lot of people in the scope of my career. I know there are not many people out there like she is. It takes a special person to do what she did, she is an asset to your hospital and humanity in general. I can never repay her for what she did for me and my family that day!