Ambulance Accident: EMT paralyzed
Donation protected
AMBULANCE ACCIDENT: EMT PARALYZED
Video from 2013: http://archive.postcrescent.com/videonetwork/2167942325001/After-crash-former-EMT-hopes-for-improved-ambulance-safety
Do you take life for granted?
Imagine the life of a once active and energetic 33-year-old outdoorsman with a wife of 13 years, two beautiful children, and a house on the outskirts of town. The man’s hobbies include coaching baseball, breeding/raising boxers, going to the local speedway, hunting, fishing, and watching the Packers. He was a veteran of the Army Reserves living a busy lifestyle juggling his family with multiple rewarding careers and hobbies. Working in maintenance at the local hospital, he was also a firefighter, first responder, eye enucleator (removed donor eyes for organ transplant), and volunteer EMT.
This man, Matt Deicher, has his name engrained in the hearts and minds of the medical community, surrounding communities, family, friends, and many more. At 33, the once active Matt moved 'From Provider to Patient': http://www.emsworld.com/article/10323790/from-provider-to-patient.
One rainy evening back in 2003, Matt was working a routine on-call shift. Matt was in the back of the ambulance, along with another EMT, caring for a patient. As the patient went into cardiac arrest, Matt stood up to contact the ER on the change in status of the patient. Seconds later, the ambulance skidded, was thrust into the ditch, and rolled in a spiraling motion. Fortunately, Matt survived, but his life would be forever changed.
There would be one casualty and mild to severe injuries to the rest of the crew. Unbeknownst to Matt and the rest of the crew, two worn-down rear inner tires on the rig were below state standards as cited by the state inspector two days prior. Contributing factors were determined to be a combination of rain, new pavement, worn tires, and speed.
The result was approximately 17 days in a coma and permanent paralysis from the neck down. Matt endured multiple surgeries, including plates and bolts in his neck. The damage to the spinal cord affected his Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and initiated a domino effect of other health-related problems. The ANS regulates heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, etc. Organs such as kidneys and bladder, as well as the muscular and skeletal system were compromised. He no longer has movement in his arms, any movement from the neck down, and he is unable to breathe on his own. He needs a ventilator to breathe for him. Nursing care is required 24/7.
From the beginning, community support was amazing! With the help of a worker’s compensation annuity towards living expenses and a new mortgage, a house was custom-built in December 2004 to accommodate the needs of Matt, his wife, nursing staff, and two children.
Sadly, life happens…
In 2005, due to the added strain on the marriage, a divorce was finalized. This resulted in a 60% decrease to the monthly household income and splitting their combined savings. Since then, the financial burdens have been increasing significantly. In 2007, the nursing care provided by a staffing agency was discontinued and Matt took on his own staff. There were many benefits for the transition, but also some added expenses.
Then, in 2014, there was another 60% reduction to Matt's income when worker’s compensation lowered the cost-of-living payments. Matt knew it was time to move into a more affordable situation and to sell the home built for him before losing it to foreclosure. Matt was hesitant when the mention of a GoFundMe page was discussed because he is already so thankful for the outpour of community support 12 years ago but now he needs help. Bottom line: being a quadriplegic is expensive!
You may ask:
· Didn’t Matt get a payout from worker’s compensation? Nope.
· Can’t Matt sue his employer? Apparently not. He could sue the driver of the ambulance, but that's the father of his goddaughter. Not going to happen!
· What about Veterans Benefits? Nope. He was never deployed and therefore is not eligible to receive Veterans Benefits.
Without a second income and dwindling finances due to a lack of being able-bodied (i.e. $600/mo. utilities just to run custom home), Matt knew he had to sell the custom-built house or lose it. He now lives in a duplex. Moving from a custom-built home (as seen in the video) to a cookie-cutter duplex is complicated.
Life is obviously not the same as it was before. Navigating around the duplex, such as maneuvering through doorways, is next to impossible for Matt. The ability to eat in the kitchen with family/friends, take a shower, have an accessible bedroom, and “A home is not a home without dogs” (see video) are unforgotten luxuries. Simple joys, such as no longer being able to see his fishtank and the company of his boxer fur-babies, Jemma and Brhett, are gone. The duplex is too small and his boxers were given to a new home. The living room is his bedroom. It is not ideal, but he makes it work.
Matt does not need to stay in his oversized custom-built home, as he now lives alone. He is realistic. With the risk of a foreclosure imminent, what he needs is to sell his home as soon as possible or pay enough on the house, while waiting for the house to sell, to delay the foreclosure. If you are not able to financially support Matt, please at the very least share the listing: http://www.remax.com/realestatehomesforsale/1116-19th-street-mosinee-wi-54455-id255423495.html.
Matt was hesitant to have a GoFundMe page due to the overwhelming support he received after the accident. Saying he is grateful is an understatement. Matt has lost enough. Matt does not dwell and even after his accident, he continues to help individuals through his advocacy for ambulance safety: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090630006341/en/Ambulance-Safety-Data-Calls-Drivers-Respect-Ambulance .
http://www.wisn.com/news/wisconsin-ambulances-inspected-less-often-than-buses-limos/20035288
--------------------------------------------------
In my opinion, the accident brought a sense of clarity to many. As a young member of the medical community back in 2003, I felt the overpowering flock of emotion run rampant throughout the hallways of the hospital. Medical personnel are well-known for putting their patients ahead of their own needs. The accident was a reminder how life can be drastically altered in a second and what is at stake working as a medical professional.
Although Matt wants to be known for his personality and not his disability, it is critical to emphasize the devastating loss Matt experienced while working as an EMT. Matt has an amazing spirit. He does not dwell on the past and focuses on enjoying life.
Whether you support Matt by financially assisting him, sharing his GoFundMe page, or sharing the following link (http://www.remax.com/realestatehomesforsale/1116-19th-street-mosinee-wi-54455-id255423495.html) to help sell the house, please dedicate your support in honor of a profession, a person, a hobby, life's simple pleasures. You may dedicate your support for a veteran, firefighter, maintenance worker, EMT, first responder, fur babies, a spouse, children, co-worker, baseball coach, or anything simple that you take for granted.
Fundraising Goal
The primary goal is to keep Matt from foreclosure. The money may help delay a foreclosure while working on selling the custom-built home. A secondary goal is to help with living expenses and to assist him in recovering financially from moving from the house to the duplex. One example of this was the cost to move the hoyer lift to the duplex, $1700.00
In a dream world, Matt would have a small custom-built home. It would have wider doorways, the ability for Matt to navigate through the house, and durable flooring to help resist against wear and tear. Matt's living room would not be his bedroom. There would be seating in the living room to enjoy the company of others. He would hopefully be able to enjoy having dogs around and feel relaxed by watching the fish swim in the fishtail.
YOU could help make these goals a reality!
Again, if you are not able to contribute financially, please share this GoFundMe page and the link for the house. Thank you to everyone who took the time to read this. Matt is forever grateful!
Lastly, this message is to Matt:
Dear Matt,
Although you have only known me for a short time, I have known you for years. You have been an inspiration to me and I believe you deserve as much normalcy as possible. I hope that this will help. It is my pleasure to be a part of your life.
Merry Christmas with love,
Me =)
Video from 2013: http://archive.postcrescent.com/videonetwork/2167942325001/After-crash-former-EMT-hopes-for-improved-ambulance-safety
Do you take life for granted?
Imagine the life of a once active and energetic 33-year-old outdoorsman with a wife of 13 years, two beautiful children, and a house on the outskirts of town. The man’s hobbies include coaching baseball, breeding/raising boxers, going to the local speedway, hunting, fishing, and watching the Packers. He was a veteran of the Army Reserves living a busy lifestyle juggling his family with multiple rewarding careers and hobbies. Working in maintenance at the local hospital, he was also a firefighter, first responder, eye enucleator (removed donor eyes for organ transplant), and volunteer EMT.
This man, Matt Deicher, has his name engrained in the hearts and minds of the medical community, surrounding communities, family, friends, and many more. At 33, the once active Matt moved 'From Provider to Patient': http://www.emsworld.com/article/10323790/from-provider-to-patient.
One rainy evening back in 2003, Matt was working a routine on-call shift. Matt was in the back of the ambulance, along with another EMT, caring for a patient. As the patient went into cardiac arrest, Matt stood up to contact the ER on the change in status of the patient. Seconds later, the ambulance skidded, was thrust into the ditch, and rolled in a spiraling motion. Fortunately, Matt survived, but his life would be forever changed.
There would be one casualty and mild to severe injuries to the rest of the crew. Unbeknownst to Matt and the rest of the crew, two worn-down rear inner tires on the rig were below state standards as cited by the state inspector two days prior. Contributing factors were determined to be a combination of rain, new pavement, worn tires, and speed.
The result was approximately 17 days in a coma and permanent paralysis from the neck down. Matt endured multiple surgeries, including plates and bolts in his neck. The damage to the spinal cord affected his Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and initiated a domino effect of other health-related problems. The ANS regulates heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, etc. Organs such as kidneys and bladder, as well as the muscular and skeletal system were compromised. He no longer has movement in his arms, any movement from the neck down, and he is unable to breathe on his own. He needs a ventilator to breathe for him. Nursing care is required 24/7.
From the beginning, community support was amazing! With the help of a worker’s compensation annuity towards living expenses and a new mortgage, a house was custom-built in December 2004 to accommodate the needs of Matt, his wife, nursing staff, and two children.
Sadly, life happens…
In 2005, due to the added strain on the marriage, a divorce was finalized. This resulted in a 60% decrease to the monthly household income and splitting their combined savings. Since then, the financial burdens have been increasing significantly. In 2007, the nursing care provided by a staffing agency was discontinued and Matt took on his own staff. There were many benefits for the transition, but also some added expenses.
Then, in 2014, there was another 60% reduction to Matt's income when worker’s compensation lowered the cost-of-living payments. Matt knew it was time to move into a more affordable situation and to sell the home built for him before losing it to foreclosure. Matt was hesitant when the mention of a GoFundMe page was discussed because he is already so thankful for the outpour of community support 12 years ago but now he needs help. Bottom line: being a quadriplegic is expensive!
You may ask:
· Didn’t Matt get a payout from worker’s compensation? Nope.
· Can’t Matt sue his employer? Apparently not. He could sue the driver of the ambulance, but that's the father of his goddaughter. Not going to happen!
· What about Veterans Benefits? Nope. He was never deployed and therefore is not eligible to receive Veterans Benefits.
Without a second income and dwindling finances due to a lack of being able-bodied (i.e. $600/mo. utilities just to run custom home), Matt knew he had to sell the custom-built house or lose it. He now lives in a duplex. Moving from a custom-built home (as seen in the video) to a cookie-cutter duplex is complicated.
Life is obviously not the same as it was before. Navigating around the duplex, such as maneuvering through doorways, is next to impossible for Matt. The ability to eat in the kitchen with family/friends, take a shower, have an accessible bedroom, and “A home is not a home without dogs” (see video) are unforgotten luxuries. Simple joys, such as no longer being able to see his fishtank and the company of his boxer fur-babies, Jemma and Brhett, are gone. The duplex is too small and his boxers were given to a new home. The living room is his bedroom. It is not ideal, but he makes it work.
Matt does not need to stay in his oversized custom-built home, as he now lives alone. He is realistic. With the risk of a foreclosure imminent, what he needs is to sell his home as soon as possible or pay enough on the house, while waiting for the house to sell, to delay the foreclosure. If you are not able to financially support Matt, please at the very least share the listing: http://www.remax.com/realestatehomesforsale/1116-19th-street-mosinee-wi-54455-id255423495.html.
Matt was hesitant to have a GoFundMe page due to the overwhelming support he received after the accident. Saying he is grateful is an understatement. Matt has lost enough. Matt does not dwell and even after his accident, he continues to help individuals through his advocacy for ambulance safety: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090630006341/en/Ambulance-Safety-Data-Calls-Drivers-Respect-Ambulance .
http://www.wisn.com/news/wisconsin-ambulances-inspected-less-often-than-buses-limos/20035288
--------------------------------------------------
In my opinion, the accident brought a sense of clarity to many. As a young member of the medical community back in 2003, I felt the overpowering flock of emotion run rampant throughout the hallways of the hospital. Medical personnel are well-known for putting their patients ahead of their own needs. The accident was a reminder how life can be drastically altered in a second and what is at stake working as a medical professional.
Although Matt wants to be known for his personality and not his disability, it is critical to emphasize the devastating loss Matt experienced while working as an EMT. Matt has an amazing spirit. He does not dwell on the past and focuses on enjoying life.
Whether you support Matt by financially assisting him, sharing his GoFundMe page, or sharing the following link (http://www.remax.com/realestatehomesforsale/1116-19th-street-mosinee-wi-54455-id255423495.html) to help sell the house, please dedicate your support in honor of a profession, a person, a hobby, life's simple pleasures. You may dedicate your support for a veteran, firefighter, maintenance worker, EMT, first responder, fur babies, a spouse, children, co-worker, baseball coach, or anything simple that you take for granted.
Fundraising Goal
The primary goal is to keep Matt from foreclosure. The money may help delay a foreclosure while working on selling the custom-built home. A secondary goal is to help with living expenses and to assist him in recovering financially from moving from the house to the duplex. One example of this was the cost to move the hoyer lift to the duplex, $1700.00
In a dream world, Matt would have a small custom-built home. It would have wider doorways, the ability for Matt to navigate through the house, and durable flooring to help resist against wear and tear. Matt's living room would not be his bedroom. There would be seating in the living room to enjoy the company of others. He would hopefully be able to enjoy having dogs around and feel relaxed by watching the fish swim in the fishtail.
YOU could help make these goals a reality!
Again, if you are not able to contribute financially, please share this GoFundMe page and the link for the house. Thank you to everyone who took the time to read this. Matt is forever grateful!
Lastly, this message is to Matt:
Dear Matt,
Although you have only known me for a short time, I have known you for years. You have been an inspiration to me and I believe you deserve as much normalcy as possible. I hope that this will help. It is my pleasure to be a part of your life.
Merry Christmas with love,
Me =)
Organizer and beneficiary
Shelly Ann
Organizer
Wausau, WI
Matt Deicher
Beneficiary