In the nature of focusing on people who give back in extravagant ways, we can’t help but recognize our medical professionals who save lives every single day. AdventHealth is a beacon of rescue when we or our loved ones are in need. When facing tragedy, it is reassuring that we can count on those passionate to create a better future in the best ways they know how.
On August 13, 2024 a successful rescue occurred on Rampart Range on a small trail off of the main path. I had the opportunity to interview the medical professionals who performed the rescue and ensured the patient’s recovery after the accident.
Will Petitt, who works for Douglas County Search and Rescue, was the first to respond with his team. There were other agencies present.
“The patient was involved in a head-on motorcycle collision,” Will shares. “He suffered a tibial plateau fracture, mid-shaft tibia fracture and a both bone forearm fracture. I was [the] medical lead on scene and we were able to splint the patient in the field and carry him out on an ATV trailer approximately 1 mile uphill to a vehicle. My role was to manage the patient, splint the patient and get him to higher medical coverage.”
Will, his team and other agencies were quick to respond and treat the patient on-site.
“I have been on Douglas County Search and Rescue since 2015, and I am the medical lead for the team. This allows me to use my medical skills as a physician assistant to help people in the wilderness,” Will shares the passion behind his quick actions.
“It was very rewarding helping somebody on the worst day of their life and giving them hope that they can get back to the activities that they desire. I have been able to see the patient postoperatively in his great circle of care and continuity of care to be able to see the patient progressing and doing so well,” Will says.
Dr. Daniel Kaplan, Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon at AdventHealth, treated the patient when they arrived at AdventHealth Parker. He was also kind enough to share his involvement in the rescue. The following are his words in response to the questions we asked him.
Could you please share what kind of state the patient was in when they arrived at the hospital?
When I first met the patient he was very distraught and upset about his overall situation. He had already had a prolonged extrication and transfer from an outside facility so I believe the acute shock of the injury was starting to wear off and he was starting to grasp the nature of his injury. We discussed how his injury occurred and his initial reactions. Initially, he knew his arm was very severely injured, but when another motorcyclist attempted to help him up he stepped on his broken leg and fell directly onto it. It was at that point that he was left alone for a significant amount of time until [the] rescue squad was able to reach him. I believe he was just overwhelmed with both the injury and the overall gravity of the situation as well as looking forward to moving forward with treatment.
What kind of aftercare did the patient require?
The patient was still requiring aftercare and will likely require up to one year of some sort of aftercare. Because he had such a severe wrist fracture it required both external fixation and internal fixation. The external fixator was removed at four weeks postoperatively, but because it was placed, there will be a significant amount of wrist and hand/forearm stiffness to work through. Additionally, with multiple injured extremities this presents additional challenges using a walker, performing self-care or activities of daily living. Because of all of the above he required a short inpatient rehabilitation stay after his hospital course in order to gain mobility and functional training prior to returning home. He is now beginning outpatient physical therapy and as stated before he may need up to six to nine months of outpatient physical therapy prior to returning to his high demand job as a mechanic.
What makes you proud of your team when reflecting on this patient's treatment?
I am most proud of the multidisciplinary effort and coordination between multiple specialties, hospitals and organizations to take care of this patient. From the initial management of the Douglas County Search and Rescue team, to the evaluation, coordination and transfer from the Castle Rock facility, to the initial management in the AdventHealth Parker Emergency Department, this acute trauma was handled excellently. [The] patient required multiple trips to the operating room and all of the perioperative staff, ancillary staff and hospital staff were very important in this patient's care. He required skilled physical and occupational therapy that have contributed to his care. This is truly an example of when multiple disciplines come together for the greater good of the patient.
Are there any final details you’d like to share?
We were actually unaware that our colleague, Will Petitt, was the patient's rescuer. We did not find out until the next day... Again, the patient required much more extensive fixation for his wrist than a typical risk fracture due to the high-energy nature of the trauma. This was a limb-threatening injury that was handled excellently from the start with the Douglas County Search and Rescue Team. I truly believe the excellent acute care of this patient will make a long term functional difference in his overall outcome.
Overall, it was an honor to be able to interview Dr. Kaplan as well as Will Petitt. We are incredibly thankful for their care. They have a standard of excellence that not only matches their quick response but long-term strategy in helping their patients look to a better future.
Advent Health is a beacon of rescue when we or our loved ones are in need.