The Clinton County EMS team who acted to save the life and prevent further injuries for a 14-year-old boy last year were reunited with him as he strives toward recovery.
On Aug. 27, 2024, Mikal Simmons, 14, was involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in him being ejected 60 feet from the vehicle, where he sustained multiple serious injuries that included a severe traumatic brain injury.
Simmons fought through the injuries and made remarkable progress, advancing from a condition where survival was uncertain to now speaking and standing with assistance.
The neurosurgeon who cared for Simmons reportedly emphasized that he would not be where he is today without the care provided by Clinton County Lead Paramedic Jordan Gardner, EMT Courtnay Evans and Paramedic Student Christian Swiniuch.
“We obviously knew Mikal was severely injured, so we prioritized secondary injury prevention specific for neuro care,” Gardner said. “We ensured no hypoxia, hypertension or hypercapnia throughout our care to give him the best chance we could. We’re just grateful to have a chance to meet him.”
Simmons expressed his gratitude toward the Clinton County EMS team members during the reunion by commenting, “thank you for getting me back to my mom,” the team released.
Simmons continues to have a long road ahead of him with doctor appointments, physical therapy and occupational therapy multiple times per week. The family stated that they are in need of more reliable transportation that is wheelchair accessible, and the EMS team released a GoFundMe campaign intended to help the family with their aspirations for a wheelchair accessible van. Donations may be completed at gofundme.com/f/help-mikal-simmons-get-a-wheelchairaccessible-van.
– Photo courtesy of Clinton County EMS