Barbara Stevens, and her husband Geoff, were in Mazatlán, Mexico walking home with another couple from a fun-filled day at Stone Island. With only four blocks left to walk, Barbara tripped over an uneven area of sidewalk and took a tumble. Her right arm caught the brunt of the fall as she landed on her right side. “I couldn’t get up,” recalls Barbara. “The lower portion of my right arm was like a bowl of jelly. I couldn’t move it at all. It was broken. My friend hollered at my husband ahead of us to come back and help. A pulmonia driver stopped along the road and another man crossed the street to help. He said he was a doctor. Within a few minutes he had checked me out to make sure I hadn’t hit my head or had any other injuries. My husband removed his belt and made a makeshift sling for my arm and the pulmonia driver delivered us to the nearest hospital.”
“My x-rays showed two bones broken in my elbow and one in my humerus. Surgery was necessary and an orthopedic surgeon was called to do surgery the next day, but I wanted to go home. I wanted to go home to Canada. We contacted SkyMed for emergency transportation. The English-speaking doctor agreed to let me fly if I had medical assistance. While SkyMed arranged for a medical escort, I received a temporary cast. SkyMed booked us on the first available direct flight back to Vancouver, BC and within two days we were on our way with a medical escort, who was with us until I was completely checked in at the hospital in Vancouver. She never left my side. I can’t say enough about her professionalism, and her kindness and care during the entire journey. SkyMed also paid for our daughter’s flight, who flew in to be with me, and arranged transportation to get me home to Trail, BC.”
How did you find out about SkyMed and why did you choose SkyMed? Barbara shares, “The previous year we had been discussing emergency transportation services. A friend of mine asked me to attend a presentation with her, and we signed up not knowing that we were going to be needing a service within months.”
What would you tell your friends about your experience with SkyMed? “I have nothing but good things to say. I always tell my friends if you are needing an evacuation protection plan or a way to get home, SkyMed is what you need.”
Do you have any tips to share on ‘how to’ survive a life challenge? “Make sure you have your t’s crossed and i’s dotted before traveling. Find support in your family and friends, and above all, maintain a positive attitude.”
