Traveling can be a wonderful experience if all goes as planned, but if an accident occurs, traveling can be a nightmare. On a recent return trip from Captiva Island to Chicagoland an accident required special services from American Airlines. One of the travelers, who was riding in a wheelchair from a previous back injury, was catapult out of the chair and into the street where he lay spread-eagle on the road. In front of an oncoming bus. The wheelchair came to an unscheduled sudden stop when the road was a smidgen higher than the curb ramp. When the wheelchair stopped, the passenger kept on going. The wheelchair then hit and dislocated the right kneecap of this somewhatfortyplus traveler who stood nauseatingly pushing the kneecap back into place, while staring at the victim in the roadway.Passengers traveling with us ran to the aid of the victim in the road and fortunately the bus screeched to a halt before squishing the victim. Security and police officers suddenly appeared, and according to airport rules, EMT's were called. The victim was quickly examined but refused treatment so the flight, in less then one hour, could be boarded. The victim agreed to seek medical treatment upon landing at O'Hare Airport.
American Airlines stepped up and quickly checked us in, took our luggage, and escorted us through security, with an employee pushing the wheelchair herself. Getting to the boarding gate, the AA employee moved our seats to an ideal location in the aircraft so flight attendants could continually treat the victim's injuries with ice bags, drinks, and kind words. In the rush to get to the boarding gate the name of the wonderful employee was never learned, but she deserves thanks. American Airlines made a terrible situation workable with their personal aid. Once on board, the injured traveler sat with his broken wrist supported by blankets and ice. A medication was administered to ease pain. As for me, the kneecap eventually stopped throbbing, though the wrist pain didn't ease for several days. A cast on the injured limb will remain for several weeks.
In spite of all the trouble airlines are having, it is important to praise employees who step up and help travellers in need. The personnel at the Fort Myers, Florida American Airlines counter were fabulous and we are grateful. Thank you American Airlines for making this wonderful vacation, with the sudden downward twist, end well. American Airlines rocks!
Photo attribution: American Airlines
