AFMC Command News

Teenager thanks C-STARS trauma team for saving her life

  • Published
  • By Laura McGowan
  • Aeronautical Systems Center Public Affairs
CINCINNATI --  Like most teenage, high school seniors, Rachael Swango is looking forward to going to the prom, graduating and attending college. However, unlike most teenagers, she will be able to fulfill her dreams because of the skills of the Trauma Team at University Hospital in Cincinnati, home of the Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills.

C-STARS in Cincinnati falls under the Aeronautical Systems Wing, 311th Human Systems Wing at Brooks City-Base , Texas, and is one of three such facilities (one in Baltimore and St. Louis) where military doctors, nurses and medics are trained in a civilian trauma center.

In February 2005, Rachael sustained life-threatening injuries in a car accident. Luckily for her, she was transported to the level one trauma center at University Hospital where military and civilian doctors knew exactly what to do to repair a severed major vein, lacerated liver and collapsed lungs.

"The mortality rate for her type of injury is almost always 100 percent," said Maj. Stephen Barnes, trauma surgeon with C-STARS. He was part of the team of doctors who worked together to save Rachael's life.

"It's a wonderful thing to have patients come back to see us," said Dr. Tim Pritts, assistant professor and trauma team doctor at University Hospital, who also worked with the trauma team. "It gives us a chance to see what's possible when everything works according to plan and all systems function."

Rachael came back to the trauma center to receive an ad poster, which was signed by the doctors and nurses who cared for her during her stay. She also presented the doctors with a plaque thanking them for saving her life.

"I am thankful for all of you guys being there and saving my life," said Rachael. During her visit, she revisited her ICU room with the team of doctors who cared for her. She has very little memory of when she was brought in.

Rachael is excited about going to the prom later this month and then going to Concord University in West Virginia in the fall where, because of her experiences at the trauma center, she plans to major in medicine.