To the ER night shift...We appreciate your tireless work and dedication, compassion, and kindness for the care you provided for my son. I'll always remember how hard you all worked and provided for him.

In the late evening,  a call was made that my son had an ambulance on the way to the scene of his tragic boating accident. I am his mother, and I wanted to share our experience with you.

On the scene, we were met by some of my son's closest friends, officers, and exceptional EMS personnel, Katie and David, with Butler County EMS. He was taken by ambulance to Poplar Bluff Regional Hospital. The ER maintained organization in a very chaotic situation. There were a lot of family and friends who showed up to support my family.

Upon arrival, we went to a family waiting room in the ER and were treated kindly by the staff. Mackenzie Timbush, a nurse from the floor my daughter works on, was there to keep everyone together. We are so appreciative.

After waiting for an update on our son, we were met by Dr. Nadipelli and nurse practitioner Josh. They told us they had gotten a heart rate back, but told us how difficult the situation was and that they would be shipping him via Air Evac to the Memphis Region One. Both men were highly informative, educated, and compassionate toward our thoughts and questions.

Once the decision was made to ship to Memphis, they allowed a few family members at a time to go back and be with him. Walking to his room, I remember seeing how many other patients were in the ER that nurses still had to care for, but upon entering his room, I could not help but notice everyone working so hard on him and having specific jobs. I felt he was their priority. While holding my son’s hands, I will never forget looking up and seeing a man giving blood, a lady giving him respiratory support, and so many things going on.

I asked them so many questions that they answered the best they could, in the calmest voices. We are thankful for the ER staff, led by Heather Chasteen (Patricia Ferguson, Tricia Bennett, Kay Limanen, Tonya Siebert, Charee Brewer, Morgan Winkleski, Misty Wallace, Sarah Moore, Patrick Fuller, and Jake Corlew-Pharmacy). Thank you, Carla Rider, CNO, for being extremely helpful in keeping us calm and helping prepare us while helping with ER organization.

After preparing for Air Evac to pick him up, our family and friends were allowed to be together. While loading into the helicopter, our family was all on the lawn of the hospital. The driver of Air Evac was very comforting and made me feel he was safe with them. He made the comment that he prays for every one of the patients he flies. While our hearts are broken, and it is hard to navigate how to go forward, facing the adversity, this hospital, ER, and specific individuals left an impression on our hearts forever.

Many individuals and ancillary support that I do not know their names or jobs of, but a few specific ones remembered are, Jeremy Tworoger, house supervisor, and respiratory services; Amanda Mehan, Danny Luther, Kristin Trawick, Kristine Smith, and Nakia Goodin. From the moment we entered the hospital to being shipped out, everyone showed genuine concern and support to our family.

I spoke with a few family members about their experience of this night at the hospital as well. Here are a few things that they had to say. My son's father stated that he witnessed teamwork occurring and patience with our family. Our son's Nana said that they were immediately allowed back to be with our family during such a hard time. The staff was so helpful. She made a comment that he was cold, and a nurse from the ICU, whose name I do not remember, immediately got him a bear hugger. Overall, the comments were very gracious about everyone and said they went above and beyond.

His aunt stated they were allowed back immediately and felt as if they knew they were his family. She stated that McKenzie Timbush was there the whole time in a family waiting area, being of assistance to everyone. Our friend stated that the front desk was helpful and instructed us on where to go to be together. Another friend said everyone was so consoling.

My daughter, who also works for this local hospital, made a few phone calls for support upon the ambulance's arrival. One of the phone calls she made was to her manager, Heather Joiner. Heather drove to be there with her, offering help, love, and support where needed.

Our situation of losing my son was and is devastating to our family. Looking back, we see this ER team and other floors coming together, and the whole hospital went above and beyond for our family. This is what teamwork looked like for us to witness. Although we are heartbroken about the outcome, we are thankful and grateful for our experiences.

On behalf of the entire family. Thank you. We will never forget you all.