More Than a Bystander: Chrissy Shepard, NP, Helps Rescue Man After Car Accident
March 20, 2024Categories: Bassett News
For Chrissy Shepard, a nurse practitioner at Bassett Medical Center, March 7 was a day like any other—until it wasn't. On her daily commute from Cooperstown to her home in the Capital Region, she turned off her thruway exit and under the bypass there was a car flipped upside down, with the driver still inside.
"I worked several years in trauma," Chrissy says. "I came to Bassett to advance my career as a provider, so I just recently took an Advanced Trauma Life Support class. That experience helped, but this was not the controlled environment I'm used to." Nevertheless, she took a deep breath, composed herself, and got out of the car.
There was already a group gathering, but no one had any medical training, so Chrissy was the first to approach the open car window to care for the unconscious man inside. "Sir, are you with me?" she said loudly. She attempted to check the older man's pulse through the window, but he was not in easy reach – and she knew not to move him. Trying to rouse him was the best first step. "Sir, hello? Can you wake up?"
After calling to him for several minutes, the man stirred. He was groggy and incoherent, progressed to confused, and finally was able to answer Chrissy's assessment questions. Since his pain was not severe and he could move his fingers and toes, she asked if he could climb out. With some coaching and encouragement, he did. She continued to assess his injuries and keep him awake until the ambulance arrived.
"I am so thankful for everyone there that night," says Chrissy.
"There was a synergy—everyone did their part. While I was providing some medical attention, others were assessing the car to determine if it posed any other danger. A State Trooper was on the radio with EMS. Others gathered mail that had blown out the window in the crash—that was how I could confirm he knew his name. And once he was out, someone gave him their jacket to keep warm."
The value of care and support is the lesson that Chrissy hopes people take away from her experience.
"Being in healthcare, I was able to step in and offer medical assistance. But I'm a believer that people need people. No matter what your background, your part is important."