David's International Patient Transfer Story

Not all vacations are perfect, and Sharp HealthCare is there for you whether you’re in the United States or visiting our southern neighbor, Mexico. We offer emergency medical evacuation should you become ill or injured while traveling in Mexico. Read one patient’s story below and how Sharp HealthCare helped him from the moment of transfer and through his incredible rehabilitation.

David Johnson was enjoying a Mexican vacation when, suddenly, everything went wrong. Read his story, written in his own words, and the same story from his parents’ point of view and how David was able to make an amazing recovery.

From the patient, David Johnson:

I want to thank and commend Sharp Memorial Hospital on their extraordinary actions. Last February I sustained a severe neck injury while surfing, which left me instantaneously paralyzed from the neck down. Although the Mexican health services were responsive and professional, it was abundantly clear that receiving the medical care I needed outside of the United States was a risk that I could not afford.

As soon as Sharp Memorial Hospital was notified of my condition, they immediate took charge. In a few hours they had secured a private jet to fly me to a team of waiting spine and neck experts in San Diego. The instant that the air transport team from AeroMedEvac Ambulance arrived, my fiancée and I immediately felt an overwhelming sense of security and safety. Their treatment and attentiveness was nothing short of inspirational.

While at Sharp, I received care far above my expectations. Dr. Ramin Bagheri, spine surgeon, was phenomenal. He spent a countless amount of time describing the injury, operation, outcome and healing process. His confidence and compassion gave me an overwhelming feeling of calmness; I knew that there was no better place I could be. The post-surgery care continued the excellence of treatment. My family and I were continually impressed with the quality, empathy and proactiveness of the nursing and support staff.

This tragic accident has been powerfully humbling. The feeling of battling for life and experiencing quadriplegic paralysis is horrifying. I can’t express how grateful I am for those who have acted so heroically to allow the proper treatment in San Diego to occur. I now realize the little things that I took for granted before; holding my fiancée’s hand on my own fruition, walking the dog and someday being able to play with my children. I owe my ability to walk again to Sharp Memorial Hospital.

The story from the patient’s parents, Ramsey and Bonnie Johnson:

Our son, David Johnson, had a severe neck injury in Mexico on Friday, Feb. 6, 2009. It was immediately clear that he needed to return to the United States for medical treatment as soon as possible. We want to thank all of those involved at Sharp Healthcare for their concern and for securing and facilitating Dave’s medical evacuation from Puerto Vallarta to Sharp Memorial Hospital. We would especially like to commend Minerva Santos, who was our contact that coordinated the flight details. Her calm manner, knowledge of what needed to be done and excellent communication with the patient, providers and family engendered trust and enabled Dave to be on the flight as quickly as possible.

Once at Sharp Memorial Hospital, David received excellent attention and treatment from the entire medical staff. He was admitted quickly to the Emergency Room and then immediately X-rayed and stabilized. From the moment he was admitted, Dave was given quality medical care. Because of the high quality equipment at Sharp Memorial Hospital, the medical staff was able to discern the extent of Dave’s injury with greater understanding than the hospital staff in Mexico.

Dave was scheduled for surgery in less than 48 hours from the time of his injury. Dr. Bagheri, the orthopedic surgeon, carefully and thoroughly explained the nature of the injury and the treatment options while establishing a trusting respectful relationship with Dave. We all have great respect for the knowledge and skill of Dr. Bagheri.

While such surgery is frightening for the patient and family, we were comforted when we realized what an outstanding medical team (including orthopedic surgeon, anesthesiologist and RN) was operating on Dave. The surgery included removal of two severely herniated discs that were pressing against the spinal cord, insertion of a titanium plate and use of artificial bone grafts to hold the plate and to repair vertebrae fractures.

Dave’s care following the surgery was exemplary. The nursing staff caring for him was attentive and knowledgeable and took time to share information and listen to concerns Dave expressed. The room he was in was equipped with items needed to assist recovery. As family members being with the patient, we were impressed by the little touches throughout the hospital that were welcoming and comforting. The family lounges had large sofas, lots of pillows and a kitchenette area with a coffeemaker.

We are currently cautiously optimistic about Dave’s recovery. While there is some minor spinal cord damage affecting his hands, there is a chance that as he heals and begins his physical therapy this will dissipate, perhaps completely. Even Dr. Bagheri noted that this is not always the outcome for a patient with this type of injury.

We truly feel that because Sharp cared and enabled him to be in surgery so quickly at Sharp Memorial Hospital that Sharp HealthCare has made a successful difference in the outcome of his injury.

For More Information
To learn more about Sharp's international patient services or to find a Sharp-affiliated physician, search for San Diego doctors or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. For general information about orthopedics at Sharp, visit Orthopedics.