Dark Days

For the first time, I am sharing VC Notes on a Wednesday. Sometimes, words can’t wait. Sometimes sharing words and thoughts is a way to “do something” when you feel unable to do much else.  

On Monday, about 12:45 p.m., Dr. Alan Jones and I got the call that one of our AirCare helicopters had gone down. We headed to the Mississippi Center for Emergency Services (MCES) hoping for a miracle and to hear good news, but, instead, over the course of several hours, the worst news was confirmed. There had been a crash and there were no survivors.  

This article from yesterday tells the story of one of the darkest days in UMMC history, when a helicopter crash caused the deaths of two of your UMMC colleagues and a pilot from Med-Trans, our partner that owns and operates that helicopter. 

At UMMC, we care for the sickest patients. We are accustomed to moments of unbelievable success and moments of terrible disappointment. We manage all of this as part of the daily routine of our life and work. Some days are simply great, with accomplishments that are celebrated. Some days are tough and heavy. Many days are both. We march daily to a distant drumbeat that sets the cadence for these ups and downs.   

In the past, members of our Medical Center family have experienced personal tragedy and tremendous loss that have left terrific holes in both personal and work families, and we have mourned together. But, at no other time known to me have we had a three-person team lose their lives while performing the duties of their jobs. This blow has disrupted the cadence of anything we call normal and sent shock waves through the entire system. The most awful jolt and devastation is felt by the families of UMMC’s Dustin Pope and Jakob Kindt and Med-Trans’ Cal Wesolowski. The heavy sadness most of us feel is small compared to the overwhelming loss suffered by the families of these fallen three as well as the crushing heartbreak felt by those they worked closely with. If you are a person who prays – please extend your prayers to their families, the AirCare and MCES teams, and all who worked with them and cared about them.

Yesterday, I was honored to be included in the Procession of First Responders that escorted our fallen AirCare crew to the state crime lab. I hope that videos and photos adequately captured the stunning images of support shown for these three and that these images may offer some solace to their families. The procession was made up of over 50 law enforcement and first responder vehicles with lights blazing and other traffic on the interstate still.

As we made the processional, the sights were remarkable. With a crystal-clear blue sky, the beauty of the day took my breath away. It was a spectacular setting for this powerful recognition of the lives and careers of these three men. MCES employees standing in a line along the interstate fence by their building to see their fallen friends along this trip – took my breath away. The civilians who pulled over for the processional and stood outside their vehicles in a solemn stance took my breath away. The emergency vehicles at strategic exit points along the way with their officers at attention along the road – took my breath away. The unforgettable images of the magnificent fire trucks and firemen parked on the overpasses standing perfectly still to show their respect – took my breath away. And then, after the American flag-draped gurneys had been delivered to their destination, to stand with the members of the AirCare and MCES teams and dozens of law enforcement and first responders and hear the beautiful words shared by UMMC emergency department faculty and medical director of AirCare Dr. Chet Shermer – took my breath away. 

As of today, our helicopters are grounded, and our hearts are heavy. But, soon, we will fly again. I am sure that if Dustin, Jakob and Cal could weigh in, they would urge us to hurry up and get back up in the air and take care of the patients who need our expertise.  

The supportive messages and calls we’ve received from across Mississippi and the country have been overwhelming. Yesterday, Nick Loporcaro, the CEO of Global Medical Response, the parent company of Med-Trans, called offering condolences and support. In addition, the tremendous outpouring of support expressed on social media has been truly humbling and such a fitting tribute to the lives lost too soon.   

What we do matters. It matters a lot, and it matters every day. Today, I want to especially honor Dustin Pope, Jakob Kindt and Cal Wesolowski for their selfless and heroic service. 

We are #UMMCStrong.