Cycling Crash Doesn’t Deter Cyclist Thanks to Quality Care

David Stewart, 61, started cycling as part of a transition from running marathons to competing in triathlons. He rode at least twice a week, covering between 40 to 50 miles.

His weekly cycling group had just logged mile 27 of 29 when the rider in front of David went down in a crash. With nowhere to go, David ended up wrecking as well. The 61-year-old waited half an hour before the Chatham Rescue Squad could reach him with a vehicle small enough to navigate the popular bike trail.

“Each and every movement was extremely painful, so another cyclist supported me in one position for the whole time I waited there,” David said. “Others worked to keep me calm.”

David was taken by ambulance to Memorial Medical Center, where he was treated in the Emergency Department by the SIU Trauma Team. He had eight broken ribs (with several broken in multiple places), a partially collapsed lung and a chipped vertebra in his upper back.

“I was in a lot of pain, but even with that, I sensed that the Trauma Team taking care of me was moving very quickly and deliberately,” David said. “They always made sure I was aware and understood what they were doing. I think they all did a good job in trying to keep me calm while being in so much pain.”

MMC and the Southern Illinois Trauma Center (SITC) surgeons at SIU School of Medicine are dedicated to providing quality patient care and outcomes. Led by director John Sutvak, MD, EdM, the trauma team is supported by multi-specialty physicians and surgeons from SIU Healthcare, Springfield Clinic and Orthopedic Center of Illinois along with MMC’s Emergency Team.

After four days in the hospital, David headed home for recovery. Three months after the accident, he has returned to walking, running and bicycling, and in general, he is feeling great.

“I just could not ask for better care,” he said. “I never once felt like I was just another person on their list to take care of.”