For one Ontario family, our services became a lifeline not once, but twice—22 years apart.
 
In April 2002, siblings, Kyle and Kaili were involved in a fatal car accident which claimed the life of their friend. While Kyle suffered minor injuries, Kaili sustained catastrophic brain injuries. She was initially taken to a regional hospital before being airlifted to SickKids.
 
“We first received the call of the accident and that she had been airlifted. We are so grateful for the quick response and saving her life,” their mother, Gina, shared. Kaili spent 21 days at SickKids, followed by over two months of rehabilitation at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Kaili managed to complete school with aided assistance, graduated from nursing school, and now is a Mental Health Nurse specializing ECT rTMS.
 
Fast forward to April 2024, tragedy struck the family again. While at work as a carpenter, Kyle was in a Skyjack lift working on a steel roof when the wind blew it against hydro lines. He was electrocuted with 2,400 volts of electricity. “The volts went through one hand and out the other. It stopped his heart immediately and burned his safety belt against him. Thus burning his facial and chest hair” Gina shared. Local EMS arrived on scene and performed CPR. He coded again on the way to the hospital but was alert when his parents arrived at the hospital.
 
The Ornge crew was soon dispatched to transport him to the burn unit at Hamilton General Hospital. “They were so amazing,” Gina expressed. “I was able to travel with him on the helicopter, and they made me feel so comfortable, assured, and calm. I cannot thank them enough for their help and support—not only for my son but for the entire family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You are true angels!”
 

 
Kyle’s recovery has been amazing. The burns on his hands required extensive treatment and rehabilitation, and he underwent multiple follow-ups for his heart. Incredibly, just three months later, he returned to work.
 
We sincerely thank paramedics Peter and Michael, pilots Neil and Rupert, and the Operations Control Centre team for their exceptional coordination in facilitating Kyle's transport.
 
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• Patients and Families