The Accident

In this tour, you will encounter the following hospital departments. Choose the links below to learn more:

• Emergency Services
• Imaging Services
• Surgical Services
• Pastoral Care
• Social Services
• Access Services
• Pharmacy Services
• Critical Care Nursing
• Rehabilitation Services
• Health Information Management

No one ever thinks that they will be in an accident. When Alex and Elaina, both sophomores at Chemeketa Community College, jumped into Alex's car they didn't give a single thought to anything other than the food they were after for lunch.

The last thing either one could remember was Elaina’s scream as they were hit by a car running a red light.

An onlooker called 911 immediately on his cell phone. Elaina had been wearing her seatbelt and was still in the car. Alex seldom wore his seatbelt when they were just going around town - he didn’t think it was needed.

He had gone through the windshield and was now unconscious, face down on the street.

When the EMTs arrived they went immediately to Elaina and Alex. Elaina was crying and clearly in shock. She had a large cut on her forehead.

Alex was obviously in worse shape, but had a pulse and was breathing. The EMTs transported Alex and Elaina to Salem Hospital.

Alex was rushed into the Emergency Department (ED) where he was seen immediately by the trauma team. Doctors, nurses, technicians, and aides were all determining the extent of his injuries.

Alex remained unconscious, but did have a good pulse.

A transporter took him to the Imaging Department for an MRI of his neck and head as the team feared serious injuries.

The radiologist interpreted the images quickly and sent the report back to the ED doctors. Alex was diagnosed with CHI (closed head injury).

It was clear that Alex needed surgery immediately to relieve the pressure on his brain from the bleeding. He was rushed to the Surgical Department.

The surgical team was ready, including the neurosurgeons, anesthesiologist, nurses, technicians and specialized housekeeping team who made sure the room was sterile.

They worked hard for several hours and the surgery went well. Meanwhile, Alex’s family was called.

When they arrived at the hospital, they were updated on the situation and escorted to the Family Waiting Room.

Pastoral Care sent the chaplain to help comfort them and Social Services were available. Volunteers came with coffee and magazines.

While Alex was in surgery, Elaina was being treated in the ED. She was sent to imaging, where staff found no injury. The laceration on her forehead was sutured.

Her family arrived just as she was to be released. The doctors reviewed her treatment with her parents. At home, Elaina was put to bed while the family anxiously waited for word about Alex.

For 24 hours following the surgery, Alex was on a respirator in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He was monitored very closely and gradually regained consciousness. Once he was stable, he was transferred to the Progressive Care Unit (PCU).

Alex continued to improve and was evaluated by the Acute Rehabilitation Team, who recommended transferring him to the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit.

There he worked with physical and occupational therapists, Social Services and physiatrists (physicians who specialize in rehabilitation).

The muscles of the left side of his body were weak and he needed a cane to walk. He had outbursts of anger and cursing, and his short-term memory wasn’t good.

Nurses and aides specializing in rehabilitation cared for him during his stay. Friends came to visit, including Elaina, but he often didn’t want to see them.

Upon his discharge, Alex returned home. His treatment at the hospital had been long, intensive, and expensive.

The Health Information Management Department coded all services and sent appropriate materials for billing. Alex would remain an outpatient for some time, so his records will not be filed yet.

Alex improved, but will continue to work on his rehabilitation. He joined a group of young adult head injury patients and must re-learn what he used to know.

Returning to school is unlikely. He’ll learn the skills that will allow him to function independently, but his future is changed forever. He’ll learn to cook and he works in a greenhouse to develop skills for employment.

Elaina continues to be a friend to Alex, but it’s challenging. He’s now more like her little brother than her boyfriend.

Elaina often thinks about that day and how different things would be now if only Alex had worn his seatbelt. She’s become a strong advocate for safety.

She started a Safety Committee at school and helped them sponsor the “Trauma Nurses Talk Tough” program provided by the hospital.

Elaina is still saddened by what happened to Alex, but is encouraged that her efforts might save someone else from suffering in the same way.