Darrel Rich, Emergency Patient

Darrel Rich, Emergency Patient

October 20, 2023 in Emergency, Patient Story

“I was doing some drywalling with my wife, when I fell off the staging and landed on a post (which slid from my chest to my throat). I came into the RMC ER just for stitches under my chin. Within the first minute of seeing me, Jonathan Lang (Nurse Anesthetist) ordered the helicopter. This is when we noticed nurses running, checking my vitals and getting me to the CT scanner. Within minutes, my CT scan results confirmed the need to transfer me to Iowa City. This was due to severe swelling around my throat which caused my oxygen levels to rapidly reduce to 54%. I was in the ICU for four days and I came home with nothing but a small scar under my chin. I really want to thank Jonathan Lang for going with his gut feeling. I was thankful to be in a place with many options and believe the staff at RMC, with their prompt decisions and actions, saved my life.”