Thirteen-year-old Journey has already faced her share of health challenges. What began as the flu and pneumonia eventually led to a diagnosis of asthma. Since then, she has relied on a daily inhaler and nebulizer to manage her breathing.
But during a recent flare-up, her usual treatments just weren’t enough. Journey’s breathing became tight and wheezy, and her oxygen levels dropped into the 80s. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, her mom, Karmyn, rushed her to the Emergency Department at Waverly Health Center.
Familiar Faces Made All the Difference
The moment they arrived; the staff knew Journey. Nurse Kaitlyn Banks had cared for her during a previous visit and immediately stepped in. Angie, another nurse on duty, stayed by Journey’s side, gently talking her through placing an IV and using a warm pack to help her veins show. Kaitlyn checked in often, offering calm reassurance. Their steady presence brought comfort during a frightening moment.
“Everyone was so kind. They helped both of us feel calm. I’ll always be thankful for that.”
Quick Action When Every Moment Matters
Even with treatment, Journey’s oxygen levels remained low. The team worked quickly and called for an ambulance transfer to Waterloo for more advanced care. The paramedics continued the same level of compassion, keeping Journey steady during the ride as a storm lit up the night sky outside.
Moving Forward with Answers and Hope
Journey is now doing much better and undergoing allergy testing to identify what may be triggering her asthma. Her family remains deeply grateful for the fast response and the compassionate care they received when it mattered most.
