06/05/2026
Today, we had the privilege of welcoming back a patient who survived a traumatic injury and returned to meet some of the people involved in her care.
She shared how far she has come in her recovery and expressed her gratitude to everyone who played a role; from dispatch, police, fire, EMS and hospital staff to Dr. Koenig and his trauma team and the many others involved in her treatment.
Dr. Koenig, head of trauma surgery at Elkhart General Hospital, noted that without the prehospital whole blood administered by Lieutenant Minker and Driver Operator Burtscher, along with the outstanding care she received at the hospital, she likely would not be here today. Lieutenant Girard’s calm and compassionate patient care was also an important part of this successful outcome.
This visit was a powerful reminder that saving a life takes a team. From the first 911 call through hospital care and recovery, countless professionals from different agencies and specialties work together to make outcomes like this possible.
We are honored to have been part of her story and grateful to see her continuing to beat the odds.