On Sunday December 18th we met with a young woman who wanted to share her story (below) of the care she received over the summer in the Emergency Department at the Smiths Falls site of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital.
Her and her family wanted to thank the hospital and paramedic staff for saving her life as well as make a donation to our Foundation.
Aida’s Story—
“When I woke up on August 27th, 2022, my biggest worry was making sure my friend, Taylor and I had enough junk food for our weekend at the lake.
No one could have ever imagined what was going to happen on this day. It was a hot August day and Taylor and I decided to go for a swim.
While deep out in the lake, I suddenly had a seizure, went unresponsive and under water. I was soon pulled above water and CPR was started as quickly as possible.
By that time, the paramedics were on their way, and I am so grateful that they made it in time.
I was then brought to the nearest hospital emergency department, which was Smiths Falls Site of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital, where the amazing staff worked incredibly hard to stabilize me.
This wasn’t easy and took hours, but their dedicated staff did not give up.
Once I was stable enough, I was flown by helicopter to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute for immediate ECMO. After over a month on ECMO, I was able to be moved to the Civic Hospital ICU where I stayed until I was well enough to await a spot at rehab.
Following many complications, I finally made it to the Ottawa Rehabilitation Centre where I was treated by the most caring and compassionate team anyone could ask for.
And while my recovery isn’t over, I am able to continue it from home, surrounded by my family and friends, thanks to all the amazing staff who were a part of my treatment.
I am so grateful that Smiths Falls Hospital was where I first went. If they hadn’t had such a fantastic team working, doing their absolute best, my story would’ve been a lot shorter.
I am grateful to all the doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other staff who provided me with the best care possible and who put all their effort into stabilizing me.
Thank you, from me and my family, to the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital!”
~ Aida A.”
