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Nate was in a traumatic accident on the morning of February 19, 2015 around 8:45am. He was simply picking up breakfast in a drive-thru before hanging out with his big brother for the day. After paying for the food, his card slipped and fell to the ground. Our understanding is he opened his truck door to reach down and get his card. The vehicle slipped forward and to the left. When it hit the side of the building his body was partially out of the door reaching for his card and was trapped. His vehicle remained in drive trapping him. His airway was pinched off during the compression. He suffocated and went into respiratory arrest followed by full cardiac arrest. The patron behind called 911 at some point. When the medics arrived our Nate was blue and pulseless. They were able to extract him from the vehicle and beginning CPR with the Lucas and started saving his life immediately. His total downtime is unknown but estimated at 15-25 minutes.
He arrived at Regions Hospital 30 minutes after the call was placed with a pulse and an airway. They fully intubated him, admitting him to ICU and placing him in a hypothermic coma. We patiently waited for him to be cooled to 36 degrees C and then the clock started. We waiting the full 24 hours at this temp. He was sedated and comfortable. We began the warm up process on the 20th and his big brother, Andy, officially granted him a new and 2nd birthday!
The whole following week was filled with roller coaster events of pneumonia, aspirations, fever, pancreatitis, and the nightmare of posturing. During this time we had moments of him tracking us, turning his head slightly with the calling of his name, an occasional smirk and hand squeeze on command. These are very positive signs when dealing with anoxia brain injury (ABI). He has gone through two surgeries at this point. He has a G-J tube for his feedings and a tracheotomy to help with his breathing. Both of these are temporary and can be removed when he is able to take these cares over for himself. We remain prayerful and hopeful for his full recovery knowing it may possibly be a lengthy journey. We are in it for the long haul…strapped in and buckled.
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