Potomac Valley Hospital Staff Saves Life, Lifts Spirits of Three-year-old Trauma Patient

Emergency Medicine staff at WVU Medicine Potomac Valley Hospital (PVH) displayed heroics in helping to save the life of three-year-old patient River Combs. They again changed River’s life for the better a month later when they surprised him with a special gift.

In September, River was rushed to the PVH Emergency Department (ED) as a priority 1 trauma patient, which indicates life-threatening injuries or illness. Staff discovered River suffered from head trauma, one of the most frightening patient scenarios, particularly in the case of a young child.

Led by Catherine Kirbos, MD, the ED staff, anesthesia staff, and respiratory staff worked together to stabilize the patient and transfer him to WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital, where he received further care.

Had the story ended there, it still would have been another memorable tale of the life-changing care available at WVU Medicine. But the staff involved in this pediatric case showed its compassion and commitment to its patients by adding an extra happy ending.

On Halloween, the staff originally involved in the case met with River for the first time since his initial injury. After hearing about River’s recent interest in learning how to ride a bike, staff took up a collection to buy him his first bicycle, complete with helmet, knee and elbow pads, spinning lights, and horn.

Among the many hellos and hugs and some tears, River got to meet the people who helped save his life a month earlier. They even watched over him as he took his first “ride” through the hospital hallways on his new bike.

“Due to the interdisciplinary teamwork that was displayed that day, we got to watch a three-year-old boy run around our conference room, eat candy, and ride his bike,” Jason Liller, ED manager, said. “It’s just amazing. This is healthcare at its best.”

The care the staff at PVH displayed is an excellent example of WVU Medicine’s Standards of Behavior in action. Rolled out earlier this year, the Standards of Behavior are about meeting and exceeding patients’ expectations – from registration through discharge to follow-up. The Standards, referred to as the Four Cs, focus on four essential behaviors: Compassion, Communication, Commitment, and Competence.