Scottsbluff veterinary professionals honored for life-saving care at crash scene

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Two veterinary professionals from Wyobraska Veterinary Services in Scottsbluff have been honored by Regional West Emergency Medical Services for helping save a crash victim’s life after providing critical care before first responders arrived.

Regional West officials said Danielle Becker, DVM, and Kodie Woodral, LVT, Elite FFCP (Veterinary), were driving to a farm call along Highway 26 last October when they came upon a serious motor vehicle accident.

When the pair arrived at the scene, no emergency responders had yet reached the crash site. According to Regional West officials, the patient was suffering from life-threatening injuries and severe bleeding.

Becker and Woodral immediately applied a tourniquet to control the bleeding and remained with the patient while waiting for emergency crews to arrive.

When Regional West EMS personnel reached the scene, Becker and Woodral continued assisting as responders worked to stabilize the patient and extricate him from the vehicle. The process took nearly 30 minutes.

During that time, the veterinary team supported EMS professionals as they established IV access so the patient could receive a whole blood transfusion.

Because of the quick actions and coordinated response, officials said the patient later made a remarkable recovery.

Regional West recently presented Becker and Woodral with the Emergency Intervention Commendation Award, which recognizes individuals who provide meaningful care before EMS crews arrive on scene.

The pair are the first recipients of the award.

“This is a powerful example that our EMS system doesn’t begin when the ambulance pulls up – it begins the moment someone in the community decides to act,” said Regional West EMS Clinical Coordinator Robby Rhembrandt, NRP, FP-C, CCP-C, C-NPT. “While not every day offers the opportunity to save a life, Danielle and Kodie rose to that rare occasion with poise, skill, and selflessness.”

Regional West Executive Director of Emergency Services Marisa Nicol said incidents like the October crash show how community members can play a critical role in emergency situations.

“When an accident occurs, it requires a coordinated response from law enforcement, the fire department and EMS. At times, community members also step in to provide critical assistance before first responders arrive,” Nicol said. “This is exactly what happened last October. It was an honor to present this inaugural award to Dr. Becker and Kodie.”

Wyobraska Veterinary Services said it was grateful the patient recovered and honored to have been able to help until EMS crews arrived.