A Second Chance, Thanks to Teamwork
A Second Chance, Thanks to Teamwork
26-year-old Bryce and his fiancée were starting a new chapter together, settling into their first home and preparing for their wedding. While recovering from a torn Achilles tendon and preparing for physical therapy, Bryce experienced an unexpected health emergency.
One afternoon, after feeling lightheaded, he suddenly lost consciousness.
"I remember my fiancée getting me a protein bar, and that was it, "I remember coming to when the EMS was around me.”
His fiancée watched as Bryce lost consciousness multiple times. She noticed his color changing to bluish purple, prompting her to call 911.
EMS quickly transported him to Lima Memorial Health System, where the Emergency Center was already preparing for his arrival.
Based on information provided by EMS, the team suspected a life-threatening pulmonary embolism, a blood clot that had traveled to his lungs.
"Our entire team was preparing before he arrived," said Emergency Medicine Physician Dr. Stephan Broderick. "Every minute mattered."
Within minutes of arriving, physicians, nurses and advanced practice providers worked together to stabilize Bryce, perform a bedside ultrasound and transport him for an emergency CT scan.
The scan confirmed their suspicions.
Moments later, he went into cardiac arrest.
A coordinated response from the Emergency Center, Pharmacy, Respiratory Therapy, ICU, Interventional Radiology and many others quickly began life-saving treatment. After receiving clot-dissolving medication and advanced interventions, Bryce’s heart began beating again.
Today, he remembers very little from those critical moments.
"The next memory I have is waking up after they removed the breathing tube," he said.
As he continues his recovery, he is focused on physical therapy, returning to normal activities and preparing for one of the biggest milestones of his life, his wedding.
Looking back, he knows he wouldn't be here without the people who cared for him.
"There will never be enough thanks I can give,” Bryce shared. “It's a miracle, and I'm grateful to every single person who took care of me."
Bryce’s journey reflects the teamwork and expertise of caregivers across Lima Memorial Health System. When every second matters, coordinated care from multiple teams can make all the difference in helping patients return to the lives they’re building.
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