Horse Accident Survivor Reunites with Lifesaving Trauma Hawk Team

Morgan Temple remembers little about the moments after she was kicked in the face by a horse. What she says she will never forget is the lifesaving critical care she received from the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s Trauma Hawk pilot and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue medical personnel who airlifted her to the Trauma Center at St. Mary’s Medical Center.

On Wednesday, an emotional Temple and her parents met with pilot Michael Sievers, and flight nurses James Hahn, RN, EMT-P and Lynn Yoos, RN, EMT-P, to thank them for helping to save her life.

“I think it’s extremely extraordinary, what these people do. It takes a very strong human being to be able to take care of people in the situation I was in,” said Temple, who lives in Ontario, Canada. “I’m very thankful I was able to come back and give my thanks and see the helicopter and meet the crew. It’s really been a cool experience.”

Temple’s life changed in an instant on January 5, 2019. One of the horses she was grooming at an equestrian show in Wellington became excited and kicked her in the face, leaving her with life-threatening injuries.

“She’s my warrior,” said Linda Temple, Morgan’s mother, who says she waited eagerly for six months to express her gratitude. “’Thank you’ doesn’t seem enough to say to the Trauma Hawk staff but from the bottom of this mom’s heart, thank you to everybody. You guys are great. Keep doing what you’re doing.”

After her recent second round of facial surgery, Temple asked to meet the flight team and ground crew who rescued her. For the Trauma Hawk pilot, the reunion was moving.
“It’s great to meet her and it’s great to see she’s doing well,” said Sievers.  “Hopefully soon she’ll be back riding horses and taking care of them.”

Temple says she may come back to Palm Beach County for additional surgery. Despite her ordeal, she looks forward to returning to her work caring for horses.  

“Morgan’s gratitude was extremely meaningful for the crew members that were involved,” said Gerald Pagano, Director of Aviation Operations and Trauma Hawk Aeromedical Program for the Health Care District. “Some of the crew said it was the first time they were able to meet someone they treated. Morgan is such a courageous young woman. To go through all that she did, and be willing to come back and say thanks, that was very special for us.”

The Health Care District of Palm Beach County owns, operates and maintains two FAA-certified helicopters that have a cruising speed of up to 178 miles per hour. Safe, rapid air transport is critical in the “Golden Hour," the 60-minute window when the human body can compensate for injury. After that, the chances for recovery diminish significantly. The Health Care District’s Trauma Hawk pilots, along with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue medical personnel comprise the aircraft’s flight team. Together they save lives by ensuring that critically ill and injured patients quickly receive the specialized care they need.

For video content, click the link below:
https://www.wptv.com/news/region-c-palm-beach-county/wellington/woman-meets-trauma-hawk-team-that-helped-save-her-life