“I am an 82-year-old motorcyclist,” says Muriel Farrington. “I was riding my motorcycle up through the Appalachians along the Virginia / West Virginia border when I felt pain in my lower left back. I had just ridden through 17 miles of National Forests without seeing another car – I loved it. After several hours of traveling, I decided I needed to get to more civilization – and find a hospital. I found one in Berkeley Springs, WV.
The hospital was way out of town in the hills, and I almost turned around a couple of times. I went to the ER and after an EKG, CT scan with contrast, and chest x-ray, I was told that I had a collapsed lung. Once stabilized, an ambulance ride to Winchester Medical Center in Virginia, another x-ray, and more painkillers, the rest of the night passed. An MOA Ambassador posted an appeal and found a member to pick up my bike and bring it to Winchester. I was moved to Fairfax Inova Hospital in Falls Church in case I needed a thoracic surgeon as my lung wasn’t sealing- Ambulance ride #2. Thankfully my lung did seal, and a thoracic surgeon was not needed. I contacted SkyMed. Since I was somewhat sedated, I didn’t have my SkyMed ID at my fingertips – it didn’t matter. They had me in their system – I was good to go. I could concentrate on recovering and didn’t have to worry about getting home – both me and my bike were taken care of by SkyMed. Since I couldn’t fly due to my health condition, SkyMed arranged a driver, who chauffeured me home in total comfort and my bike followed later.”
How did you find out about SkyMed and why did you choose SkyMed? “I learned about SkyMed at a BMW MOA Rally. SkyMed was a great value for my money, offered more, and was not anywhere near as restrictive, especially when it came to age. I had been traveling the US and southern Canada by myself. It was only prudent that I carried good protection.”
What would you tell your friends about your experience with SkyMed? “Don’t travel without a good protection plan – especially if you travel alone. Everything about my experience was totally professional and smooth.”
Do you have any tips to share on ‘how to’ survive a life challenge? “When something unexpected happens to you, you simply must deal with it. It helps to have SkyMed at your back. Like most challenges, you eat an elephant a bite at a time. Take a breath and take it slow. It’s okay to depend on others.”
For more SkyMed Champion Experiences visit- https://blog.skymed.com/category/testimonials/
Suggested blog search words: Air Evacuation, Commercial Transportation, Ground Ambulance, Med Escort, Misc. Expenses, Vehicle Return, Vehicle Transportation, Canada, Caribbean, Global Traveler, Hawaii, Mexico, Virgin Islands, RV Traveler, Member’s Name, Name of RV Park, State Name
Date of Service: September 2023
