Emergency Patient Transport

Two days after Christmas a local family had to bring their seven-week-old infant into the emergency department. Their son was having trouble breathing. This already scary situation intensified when their son’s status changed to critical requiring immediate transportation to OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Making matters worse, a winter storm was in full force grounding the Portland transit team.

Knowing that time was of the essence for young patients, Sky Lakes personnel took matters into their own hands. They gathered a team of experts and partnered up with Klamath County Fire District 1 to lead the transport for this critical patient.

It took only a few hours to gather the team and the necessary equipment. This entailed securing additional lifesaving respiratory equipment to the ambulance. It was imperative that they planned and prepared for worst case scenarios.

The amazing medical team consisted of Bill Maddalena, Clinical Manager – Surgical Services and Recovery; Hannah Sonerholm, RN, Day Surgery and PACU; Ki Rabe, Respiratory Therapist in Cardiopulmonary; and Fire District One FF/PM Brody Nelson, and EMT Robert Galbreath. The team consisted of decades of experience in a combination of medical transport, pediatric care, respiratory therapy, and military service.

They ventured out into the storm, at one point stopping due to a down tree where they and other travelers proceeded to move the tree out of the roadway.

By the time the team made it to OHSU the small patient had made a great recovery and all the precautions they made were thankfully not needed. The parents were able to safely make it to OHSU where they anxiously awaited their son’s arrival. Once the family was reunited with their son, they were able to receive the continued RSV treatment that was desperately needed.

The tired transport crew continued their journey home through treacherous conditions, which included some sliding on the icy roads. The team made it back to Sky Lakes that same day ready to go back to work to continue to support our patients.

We want to thank our dedicated Sky Lakes staff and the amazing crew at Klamath County Fire District 1. They truly are exemplary examples of healthcare heroes. Proud they have chosen Klamath Falls as their home.

Sky Lakes Medical Center — Connected to what matters most.

Renea Wood
Public Relations Manager
renea.wood@skylakes.org
+1-541-274-4797
2865 Daggett Ave
Klamath Falls, OR 97601