In recognition of EMS week, Research Medical Center honored and reunited physicians, care teams, EMS partners and First Responders with three former patients whose lives were saved due to quick and courageous actions.
“This Great Save allows us to recognize the remarkable, collaborative efforts made each day in delivering high-quality, compassionate healthcare to patients like Caleb, Earnest and Shyann,” says Research Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Ashley McClellan, FACHE. “Patients suffering from burn injuries, cardiovascular emergencies and trauma due to vehicular accidents come to us under very different circumstances, so it’s important to us to gather their families and reunite them with their care teams. Research Medical Center is fortunate to be part of an exceptional and dedicated team of EMS professionals, First Responders and others who are committed to working tirelessly to save lives.”
“Our trauma and emergency teams have the privilege of partnering with EMS crews and First Responders who represent some of healthcare’s most skilled professionals,” says Research Medical Center Level I Trauma Medical Director Mark Lieser, M.D., Board-certified in general surgery. “Their pre-hospital care and compassionate spirit are nothing short of heroic.”
Research Medical Center’s Level I Trauma Center is ACS-verified and designated by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and is part of HCA Midwest Health—Kansas City’s leading healthcare provider.
Great Save Patients
Burn: Caleb Gardner, 40
On September 18, 2021, Gardner was moving a burning branch on a fire when he lost his balance, falling into the fire and sustaining 9% burns to his arms, hands and legs. He was rushed to Overland Park Regional Medical Center Level Two Trauma Center, was stabilized and then transferred to Research Medical Center. He was admitted to the Grossman Burn Center for evaluation and further treatment by Meg Garcia, M.D., Board-certified general surgeon and burn specialist. Gardner did inpatient rehab and completed that part of his recovery on September 28, returning for outpatient surgery related to his burn on December 17. Currently Gardner attends out-patient follow-up and has returned to work as a dentist.
Cardiology: Earnest “Ernie” Kendall, 73
An avid runner, Kendall was on mile 6 when he suffered cardiac arrest at a local park on March 20, 2021. A bystander who encountered the distressed runner called 9-1-1 and administered CPR until the Kansas City Fire Department and EMS arrived to continue CPR and defibrillation. CPR continued as EMS transported Kendall to Research Medical Center’s Level I Trauma Center. Once in the ER, Kendall received CPR for 15 additional minutes, until a sustained heart rhythm was achieved, and was rushed to the Cath Lab where Aaron Doonan, M.D. Board-certified interventional cardiologist, placed a stent on his right coronary artery. After spending several days in the hospital, Kendall was moved to inpatient rehab where he did well and was discharged on May 5, 2021. Although Kendall is not yet back to running, he exercises on a regular basis, including walking briskly on the treadmill or riding the exercise bike several days a week, lifting weights and strength training.
Trauma: Shyann Cole, 24
On June 11, 2021, Cole suffered traumatic injuries as a result of a motor vehicle accident in Centerview, Missouri, including liver and kidney lacerations, among others. She was transported by EMS from the scene to Research Medical Center’s Level 1 Trauma Center and immediately taken to the OR where Cole received blood transfusions. Surgery was performed for abdominal and spine injuries. After spending three weeks in ICU, Cole was transferred to the inpatient rehab unit for an additional week until she was discharged on July 7. 2021. Cole is doing well and has no residual effects from her injuries.