“I know I received the very best care possible”

An accident can happen in seconds, requiring the need for fast, efficient emergency care. For this particular patient, a bad fall resulted in immediate dispatch to VGH. Below is his story…

“Last Sunday afternoon I took a bad fall from an extension ladder in my backyard falling about 15 feet to the ground. I kind of fell backwards and upside down landing on my right shoulder and upper back area which resulted in 10 broken ribs, three in two places, a bruised lung and other more minor injuries. I am a poster boy for the “have a word with yourself” pubic safety advertisements. Complementary bruised ego.

Luckily my wife Teresa and two of our children were home and heard the commotion and called for help within a minute or two. My problem at that point was an inability to breath properly which lasted several hours. Within what seemed like seconds, I could hear emergency vehicles on their way to our property where several emergency services professionals, all extremely capable and strong individuals were dispatched.

Although I was somewhat incoherent at the time (hopefully cooperative) I immediately knew I was in very good hands. It appeared to me a decision was made in the field through constant communication with dispatch to take me to VGH where I spent two nights in the trauma unit. There are several weeks of recovery ahead for me, but the prognosis looks good.

When the emergency services team from Delta delivered me to your care on Sunday I experienced first hand the incredible technology, process and completely committed professionals of your great hospital.  I know that I received the very best care possible through the first two days of my ordeal.  There are so many of you to thank, from your Emergency team, the Doctor in charge (Dr. Emilie Joos) the technitians  [sic] who provided x-ray, ultrasound and MRI services, the nursing staff, the occupational therapist, the medication team and yes, even the kitchen staff.

I just wanted to send to you all this note of extreme and heartfelt thanks to you and your phenomenal team who provided to me the best care available in the world today. They were so incredibly prompt, professional, knowledgeable and capable to which I am a beneficiary. Thank you so much for your service and for being there for me in my time of need.”