Patient from Auto Accident Meets Her Rescue Team

The Bristol Kendall Fire Department hosted an event on Thursday November 14, 2013 that brought together the team of professionals that saved the life of 15-year-old Samantha McCallum of Bristol. 

Samantha was involved in a serious auto accident on July 26, 2013 in the Bristol Kendall Fire Protection District. The life threatening injuries required the immediate request for the Lifestar Helicopter to transport Samantha to a pediatric capable Level 1 Trauma Center. 

Samantha was provided initial trauma care by the Bristol Kendall Fire Department Paramedics and continued care by Lifestar en-route to Advocate Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn Illinois. 

The Bristol Kendall rescue personnel kept in contact with Samantha’s father, Scott McCallum, while he and his wife Alicia, maintained a 7-week vigil at Samantha's bedside while she recovered from her injuries. 

Also present at the event was the Trauma Surgeon and Nurse Coordinator from Christ Hospital to present an educational overview of the treatment and recovery of Samantha. 

It was truly a night of celebration to be able to see Samantha’s smile as she met all of the people that played such an important role in her survival and recovery.  

Provided by the Bristol Kendall Fire Protection District

Photo Captions:

Helicopter (L-R) Flight Nurse Victoria Shink, patient Samantha McCallum, and Pilot Tommy Byrne

Rescue team (L-R) Michelle Dace RN Trauma Coordinator Advocate Christ Hospital, Flight Nurse Victoria Shink, Alicia McCallum (patients mother), Scott McCallum (patients father), Samantha McCallum (patient), Battalion Chief Michael Kalina Bristol Kendall Fire Department, Firefighter/Paramedic David Field Bristol Kendall Fire Department, Officer Ryan Goldsmith Yorkville Police Department, Fire Chief Michael Hitzemann Bristol Kendall Fire Department, Doctor James Doherty Advocate Christ Hospital Trauma Surgeon