Head Trauma: How Tracey Recovered from a Bizarre Auto Accident

May 27, 2010 was a life-changing day for 38-year-old Tracey Truby. In a bizarre auto accident, a deer fell off an overpass and into Tracey’s windshield as she was heading to Mason on I-71 North. EMTs arriving on the scene rescued her from the kicking hooves of the deer and extricated her from the car.

Tracey's Trauma Team got to Work Immediately

They raced her to Bethesda North Hospital, designated a trauma center in 2003 and equipped to care for the most critically injured patient. A trauma team met the ambulance at the doors and went to work to assess Tracey’s injuries and keep her breathing.

“There was obvious trauma to her head and some facial injuries,” recounts Michael Bain, M.D., emergency physician. “She was not responsive, so we put her on a ventilator to help maintain adequate oxygen to her brain.” A CT scan showed severe head injuries. X-rays confirmed there were no other life-threatening injuries.

Gravely concerned about the bleeding occurring in Tracey’s brain, the trauma surgeon on duty decided to transfer her via helicopter to University Hospital, a regional trauma partner that specializes in neurosurgical care. The trauma team moved so rapidly that Tracey’s husband, en route to Bethesda North, received a call before he reached the hospital and was told to meet her at University.

Now, Tracey has no Recollection of the Accident

As Tracey tells her story a year later, she has no recollection of the accident and remembers little of the month of May. As she continues to recover from a brain injury and a paralyzed arm, she focuses on the positive. “I see May 27 as a happy day, not a sad day. That’s the day I didn’t die.”

She expresses her gratitude to all who made it possible for her to survive. In addition to visiting firefighters and dispatchers, she has stopped by Bethesda North Emergency Department. “I just want to thank them because I’m so appreciative. I’m improving week to week and month to month.”