On Nov. 2, Parkland Health & Hospital System and Parkland Foundation hosted the inaugural ‘Evening for Heroes,’ a special event at which stories were shared of Parkland patients through powerful videos and then honored the full team who cared for each patient – from first responders to nurses and doctors to rehabilitation therapists.
“First responders and caregivers do not always hear how their patients fared after their care and learn about the impact they make on the lives of these patients and countless others,” said Fred Cerise, MD, MPH, Parkland’s President, and CEO. “An Evening for Heroes was created as a way to honor first responders who work beyond the walls of our trauma center to save lives as well the dedicated trauma experts who work within The Rees-Jones Trauma Center at Parkland.”
Two patient stories were featured to illustrate the lifesaving care, expertise and ongoing therapies and the impact these heroes have on the patients whom they care for and serve.
In 2016, Paula Hernandez was riding in a car with a family member when they were involved in a terrible car wreck in which Paula’s arm was crushed. The first responders arrived to get her safely from the car and to the trauma center. They brought her to the Rees-Jones Trauma Center at Parkland where the team immediately focused on responding to her emergent needs as well as her long road of recovery. Her injury was grave but ultimately her arm was saved. Through the care, support, and encouragement of many providers, Paula is back to a healthy, active life.
In 2017, Margaret Rowland was visiting family in Dawson, Texas when the house suddenly exploded. Many first responders from the region helped care for Margaret and her family at the scene. She was brought by air ambulance to Parkland where the trauma team began lifesaving critical work. Margaret lost part of a leg, but through the treatment and support of her care team, she is back to a normal, active life.
“This event, made possible by our generous sponsors, gave patients the chance to thank their caregivers and also for those heroes to learn what an impact they made on someone’s life,” said Michael A. Horne, EdD, president, and CEO of Parkland Foundation.
More than 60 heroes were honored at ‘An Evening for Heroes.’ Complicated trauma cases involve many professionals with different expertise who collaborate for the common goal of helping a patient in need of critical care. Together, these responding agencies and healthcare providers create the North Texas trauma system.
“We partner closely with first responder agencies across the region to be sure that we are prepared to care for anyone who is in need of critical care at any time,” said Jorie Klein, RN, Parkland’s Senior Director of Trauma, Emergency Department and Disaster Management. “The staff of the Rees-Jones Trauma Center at Parkland stands ready 24/7 to treat patients who are transported via ground and air ambulance with potentially life-threatening injuries.”
To earn and retain the Level I designation, Parkland provides total care for every aspect of the injured patient from the initial medical treatment through rehabilitation as well as prevention. Additional capabilities required of a Level I trauma center include public education, research, registry and participation in regional and state system programs.
To view the patient stories, visit https://www.parklandhospital.com/heroes. To learn more about The Rees-Jones Trauma Center and Level I trauma care visit www.parklandhospital.com/trauma
