On April 28, 1998 at about 10:53PM, I was travelling home from work in a driving rainstorm. I was on Route 29 just 3 miles north of Pana. A car travelling north was behind 2 semi trucks. He tried to pass these trucks just as I met them. What resulted ultimately changed my life. The car hit me head on. It killed the other driver instantly. It left me fighting for my life. I had very severe injuries. I had a crushed right foot that was trapped under the transmission of the vehicle which had entered my driving cab. I had a crushed face with every bone in it broken in numerous places from being hit by my steering wheel. I also had a very deep cut on my leg from the emergency brake pedal actually entering the leg. These injuries were severe but were not the life threatening part. The massive breaks in my face were accompanied by a complete amputation of my top gum plate. This resulted in severe bleeding which could not be controlled. I required 2 complete blood transfusions to stabilize me. This is your background of the incident. Now how EMS helped me.
Once Pana EMS was on scene, they started to stabilize me. They got me on Oxygen for my breathing. They also utilized a vacuum suction machine to help keep the massive bleeding from drowning me. EMT’s and First Responders climbed into the vehicle with me to take care of injuries while other members helped the fire department to cut me from the wreckage. I was trapped for almost 30 minutes before I was freed. Once they freed me, they place me on a backboard and secured my cervical spine in case of a neck/back injury. They did not treat my crushed foot because they followed their training and took care of my ABC’s (airway, breathing, circulation). Their training allowed them to keep clear heads about them and do everything right. Some of these members rode in the ambulance and continued to assist in my care until I arrived at Pana Community Hospital.
I do owe my life to these individuals. The dedication they have and the volunteer time they contribute is unbelievable. It is however worth it when a life is saved or someone’s life is helped. I am honored to be a member of this organization and I always will be proud to say so.
Roger Moss
Pana EMS