The trauma team at St. Charles Redmond recently received a visit from a former patient that they had never forgotten. Arlo was just 15 months old when his mother carried him into the Emergency Department more than a year ago. The little boy was in need of life-saving intervention after an auto accident. The team activated quickly and worked for more than three hours, doing all they could to stabilize Arlo so he could be brought to a hospital in Portland.
Many that helped care for him didn’t think they would ever see Arlo again. But more than a year later, the little boy – now 3 – visited the team with his parents Emma and Jarib. The couple wanted to say thank you to the team who they credit with saving their child’s life.
In a card, Emma wrote: “Words cannot describe how truly grateful we are. I know Arlo is still here today because of the team that was on the day of the accident. We are blessed to have Arlo here with us today. Thank you for everything.”
Arlo spent 599 days in and out of the hospital in Portland, but is now back home in Central Oregon surrounded by family and friends. Emma says that he loves dinosaurs, animals and playing with his cousins – just like any 3-year-old.
The visit from the family was tremendously meaningful to caregivers from Redmond who had helped care for Arlo that day.
“This means so much to us. We often don’t get the full story and we’ve definitely thought about you guys a lot,” said Danielle Taylor, a nurse who cared for Arlo, told the family. “I’m just so glad he’s OK and to see you guys smiling.”
The pilot who flew Arlo to Portland, Wesley Wilburn, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Deputy who helped comfort the family also came to visit.
“The hospital staff here knocked it out of the park. It was impressive to watch everyone circle the wagons. I believe part of the reason he’s here is the fast-acting staff,” said Deputy Kevin Riding.
Emma said that this visit to the team in Redmond “felt like a really important step to take in our healing.”
And no doubt, getting to see Arlo doing well with his family, was healing for the caregivers as well.
