Aaron Barth

Home: Macon, Ga

Date of trauma: Feb. 20, 2007

Age at time of trauma: 24

Trauma incident: While running to prepare for a 5K race, I was hit by an SUV and plowed approximately 265 feet along the road. I was caught on the front tire and run over by the front and back wheels. I sustained severe injuries to my hand in addition to wounds to my chest, back and shoulders.

Trauma response: Police were on the scene within minutes and Mid-Georgia Ambulance EMS services arrived about 10 minutes later. The EMS team transported me to the Medical Center of Central Georgia (also my place of employment), a Level I trauma center. I arrived within 30 minutes of the accident. I was taken into the trauma unit where Dr. Dennis Ashley and Dr. Clifton Cannon directed efforts to stabilize me. Nurse Leslie Bassett stayed by my side as I went through radiological testing. Neurosurgeon Dr. Joe Sam Robinson and team checked to ensure that my neurological functions remained intact. Within three hours I was taken into surgery where Dr. Guy Foulkes of OrthoGeorgia worked to preserve as much function in my hands as possible. I lost my left index finger and required several skin grafts to cover the areas of my hand and arm. The trauma team and staff of MCCG’s orthopedic floor served my family and me selflessly.

The trauma care difference: I was incredibly fortunate that my accident took place in Macon near MCCG, one of Georgia’s four Level I trauma centers. The hospital was prepared with all the specialty physicians and nurses and I was treated with great efficiency and care.

Status: After six surgeries and more than 75 occupational therapy sessions, I completed medical treatment on Feb. 8, 2008, almost a year after my accident. Although my healing process continues at every level, it has not stopped me from being able to enjoy and take on more life adventures. In April 2007, two months after my accident, I was able to travel with neurosurgery colleagues and speak at international conferences in Washington D.C., Dubai and United Arab Emirates. I’ve hiked Half-Dome Mountain in California's Yosemite National Park and even started running 5K races again. I have also been able to play guitar in spite of the loss of one finger. I am grateful to be where I am today after such a traumatic accident. Having experienced what it is like to be a patient and require the care of a trauma team, I am all the more grateful that I have the opportunity to continue working professionally with my colleagues and friends at the Medical Center of Central Georgia. The coordinated care has given me an incredible gift through their clinical expertise, care and compassion, and they continue to use their gifts to help other trauma victims daily.

(Photo: Guy Foulkes, MD – Orthopedic Surgeon – OrthoGeorgia (Macon, GA) and patient Aaron Barth)