6 Injured in 3 Vehicle Crash
When an experienced responder calls me on a Saturday to inform me of a REALLY bad motor vehicle accident, I know that I should assess my immediate plans in light of needing to go to the emergency room. He mentions that the hospital chaplains might already be involved, but he wants me to know just in case. This reflects the quality of caring responders we are blessed with in the Flathead Valley.
I alter my plans and go to the ER where I quickly find the lead hospital chaplain. He informs me that he and two volunteer hospital chaplains are able to meet the needs of the multiple patients and families.
I resume my original personal plans with my family.
Afterwards, I sense I should go to the police and fire station to begin following up with responders who were on scene. They share more information regarding the details of the event, provide contact information that I need, and inform me of their personal status as it relates to the ordeal.
Another group who needs checking on are employees of a local business who became involved in helping with whatever they could. The accident happened in front of their store. I visit with the manager and one employee who was a part of the employee response. The others have already left work. I leave contact information in case someone needs help in the coming days. Most citizens never have to be a part of such a mangled scene, so these courageous workers have been hands on with a challenging situation. I want them to have the resources they might need in coming days.
I also text a witness who was almost involved in the crash. Being an eye witness to this level of traumatic incident can make deep impressions on one’s mind and leave images which can be intrusive for a period of time.
In the ensuing days, follow up continues with more responders, one of the families involved in the wreck, and dispatchers. Because it took three agencies to provide enough ambulances for transportation to the ER, I check in with them also.
Offering all of the involved people the chance to talk through this level of emergency helps them process the circumstances in a healthy way, whether a professional medic, firefighter, law enforcement officer, dispatcher, or an affected citizen.
