A respiratory therapist and a registered nurse were two of the first people on the scene and stayed with Darla until paramedics arrived. Miracles do happen.
The police were planning to transport Darla by ambulance, but the nurse insisted that she be air lifted to UCI Medical Center, Orange County's only level 1 trauma center. Darla was wearing a helmet with a full face shield and complete riding gear which likely saved her life.
Darla spent hours in the emergency room before being moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) in critical condition. Her injuries are extensive:
- Shattered Pelvis - this is the most serious injury
- Broken Ribs
- Broken Back - Two Fractured Vertebrae
- Broken Left Leg
- Shattered Right Ankle
- Loss of Right Kidney
- Internal Bleeding
Most of her body is covered in bruises and she has a large road rash on her right side around her waist. She is in severe pain requiring continuous intravenous pain management. Darla is taken to the cath lab where they perform angiography to locate the internal bleeding and cauterize the vessels to stop the bleeding. Darla is also placed in traction by placing pins in her right leg to stabilize and pull the pressure away from her pelvis until she is stable enough for surgery.
It is a profound miracle that Darla did not suffer head injuries, often the primary cause of death in motor vehicle accidents. Her helmet fully protected her head and face where she has no evidence of bruising or injury. Darla is alert and coherent soon after arriving at UCI - more than amazing.
Family and friends are notified of the accident. Kevin, the kids, her in-laws, father and sister arrive at UCI to stand vigil until she is out of immediate danger.
Request - If anyone has copies or links to media information covering the accident, please forward to mjcollins@surewest.net.
