August 21, 2012
Tuesday

My son, Nick Martin, was recently involved in a jet boat accident on the Stikine River in Wrangell, Alaska. Twelve hours after the accident he called to tell me he was on the way to the hospital in Wrangell and asked if I would let the Ketchikan Indian Community know that he would be going to the emergency room for treatment. He assured me he was fine and that he just needed some stitches in his forehead and possibly his finger.

I contacted KIC's contract health and spoke with Brianna who took the details of the accident from me, which I had very little information, other than a head and finger injury and that he was enroute to the ER in a Good Samaritan's boat.

Later, a Wrangell nurse called to tell me they were treating Nick, that he had a head laceration and a ripped fingernail on his right hand, but he was conscious and wiggling all his fingers and toes.

Soon after a CT scan, Nick called to tell me they were medi-vacing him to Seattle because of a broken neck and collapsed lung. My world turned upside down, as any mother would understand. I bought a ticket for Seattle, called Nick's father, and suddenly remembered that I should call KIC to let them know how serious this was.

Laura and Brianna immediately took charge of the chaos, with their direction, compassion, and efficiency, they spoke with staff at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage and staff at Wrangell Hospital to arraign for a medevac flight to Anchorage, where treatment could occur under KIC's health guidelines.

I am writing this to thank Ketchikan Indian Community for their dedication and direction during that very difficult day. Brianna, Laura and Carol of contract health were the angels I needed, at a time when I needed angels the most. Additionally, the KIC medical staff continue to do all that is possible for Nick s treatment. A special thank you to Marsha, Becca and Maureen in Tribal Health.

He has a long journey ahead of him, but with KIC and ANMC's care he should make a full recovery.

KIC members are fortunate to have caring people like Brianna, Laura and Carol working for them. The 3 of you are definitely my angels! Thank you!

Vicki Harsha
Ketchikan, AK

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