Aspirus | Aspire | Spring 2019

8 aspire Spring 2019 GETMOREOFTHESTORY Go online to aspirus.org/solin to see more of Jill’s story and her reunion with the Aspirus MedEvac crew. ON A FALL DAY in September 2018, Jill and Pete Solin of Antigo, Wisconsin, decided to take a ride on their motorcycle to see the seasonal colors. Just 5 miles from home, they ended up in a traumatic motorcycle accident. Pete escaped with minor injuries, but Jill had a serious head injury. Jill was airlifted by Aspirus MedEvac to the Level II Trauma Center at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where she received advanced trauma care for a significant brain injury. “We knew she was seriously injured,” said Scott Pupp, an Aspirus MedEvac flight nurse. “We knew that she had a limited amount of time to get to a trauma center so we could have a positive outcome.” Jill spent weeks in a medically induced coma. When she woke, she was transferred to Aspirus Wausau Hospital’s inpatient rehabilitation unit. It was at this point that Pete admits he didn’t know what to expect from Jill’s recovery. “They [Aspirus providers] would take me aside and say, ‘With a brain injury like this, we’re not sure how much we’re going to get back, but we’re going to do everything we can to make everything come back that possibly can,’” Pete said. Thanks to the expertly coordinated trauma care that included Aspirus MedEvac and numerous Aspirus Wausau Hospital physicians, caregivers and inpatient rehabilitation providers, not only is Jill alive—she is doing very well. This past December, Jill, Pete and members of their family reunited with the Aspirus MedEvac crew, thanking them for their part in saving Jill’s life. “I still feel like I’m going to cry about it,” Jill said. “My heart was beating so fast. I couldn’t wait to meet those guys. They were incredible. What an incredible crew. They saved my life.” collaboration Lifesaving Jill Solin gets emotional while reuniting withmembers of the Aspirus MedEvac crew that helped save her life.