I fell while descending the Giant Slide Trail in Acadia National Park. Search and Rescue was called, and eventually I was able to walk out to the trailhead, and my daughter drove me directly to the E/R at MDI Hospital.

I was promptly taken in and escorted to the treatment room, where I first met Portia. She got me settled, checked me out, and began to calm my nerves. She took my vitals, cleaned my wounds, and began a more thorough evaluation with the help of Dr. Gordon Murphy. They made a great team. After my CT scans, I returned to the treatment area where Portia talked me through their assessment (thankfully, no fractures but a mean gash in my head). I got 9 staples in my head, then the long wait for CT scan results.

Portia hung in with us all this time. Got me laughing, finished cleaning all my wounds, and put on dressings where necessary. She was always calm, patient, informative, and thorough. Just what one would wish for when you have the frightening experience of visiting an emergency room. Eventually, we received the scan results, and I was cleared for discharge. Before we left, Portia gave us a great recommendation for a pizza shop that was still open. It was delicious. I will ever be grateful for the care and support I received from Portia. She did MDI Hospital and the island proud.

Thank you, Portia.