Families and UK trauma team members came together in mid-May for the second annual Trauma Survivor’s Celebration, sponsored by the UK HealthCare branch of the Trauma Survivor’s Network. The event paid tribute to patients who not only survived life-threatening trauma through treatment from UK’s Level 1 Trauma Center, but also overcame life-altering obstacles during their recovery.
Five trauma survivors shared their experiences in a special presentation in the Karpf Auditorium of Chandler Hospital. Each was introduced by a UK provider who presided over their case and helped with their recovery. The five providers included a trauma nurse, an advanced practice provider specialized in critical care, and three MDs with the division of acute care surgery, trauma, and critical care surgery.
Zach Warriner, MD, presided over the celebration. Following greetings and presentations from Kevin Hatton, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Chandler Hospital, Kimberly Blanton, DNP, Chandler Hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer, and Ben Hughes, DNP, Nursing Operations Director for Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, providers from the UK Adult Trauma Center were invited to the podium to introduce the survivors.
Shelby Simpson, RN, introduced Sydney Adkisson
Ms. Adkisson was involved in a serious motorcycle accident that resulted in lacerations, broken bones, and severe damage to one of her legs. Despite protracted efforts to save her leg, she eventually overcame her resistance to amputation and prosthetic replacement. After meeting with other patients with prosthetic limbs, she embraced the procedure, recovered fully, and has gone on to a rewarding career at UK HealthCare.
Dr. Zach Warriner introduced Jacob Hardy
Mr. Hardy, a professional home improvement specialist, suffered a life-threatening head injury when he fell 35 feet from the roof of a house. A police officer who witnessed the accident called in the emergency. The rapid response enabled Dr. Warriner and the trauma team to treat Hardy in time. Following the emergency treatment and subsequent surgeries, Hardy has undergone a multi-faceted rehabilitation program and made significant strides in his recovery.
Dr. Margaret Griffen introduced Marley Curry
Ms. Curry was seriously injured in an auto accident five miles from her home in Huntington, West Virginia. After receiving initial treatment from her local hospital, she was airlifted to UK HealthCare Adult Care Trauma Center and into the care of Dr. Griffen to treat multiple complications and worsening internal injuries. At the Survivor’s Celebration, Ms. Curry was accompanied by her extended family and joined on stage by her grandfather to express thanks for her treatment and her subsequent recovery.
Dr. Alexis Nickols introduced Seiver Utsey
Mr. Utsey suffered severe injuries when his motorcycle collided with a telephone pole on an early morning in late September. He was treated for multiple internal and external injuries and required a breathing tube to make it through the first few days of his recovery. Dr. Nickols described Utsey as a fighter. Over the next several months, he began a slow process of healing and recovery. Commenting on his accident at the ceremony, Utsey expressed gratitude for the work of the trauma team in the immediate aftermath of his accident and the work being done to help him recover.
Crystal Rogers, APRN, NP-C, CCRN introduced Anthony Daulton
Officer Daulton, a police officer working in the Fayette County Public School system, was the victim of a nearly fatal car collision when a large deer went hooves-first through his windshield. Though he has no memory of the accident or the damage he sustained, he does recall the extensive work done to repair his injuries. He said it was hard to imagine that he could ever return to his work. But seven months after his accident, he returned to the school system in uniform once again.
Following the celebration, participants enjoyed a special reception in the Chandler Hospital atrium.
