NEOGA, Ill. (WAND) — A 21-year-old woman was able to reunite with an air medical crew who helped save her life after a UTV accident earlier this summer.
On the evening of June 8, 21-year-old Bianca Miller was involved in a life-threatening rollover UTV accident, that resulted in a severe head injury and skull fracture.
Bianca Miller posing inside an ARCH Air Medical helicopter.
The rollover happened while the UTV was taking a sharp curve. She did not a seatbelt or helmet on. Miller was thrown from the vehicle, which then rolled over and landed on her head.
This crash is one of several UTV/ATV accidents that took place this summer. In July, three incoming Stew-Stras freshmen were killed in a crash in Shelby County and 14-year-old boy was killed in an ATV accident in Neoga.
Witnesses were able to get the UTV off of her, but she was unresponsive. The ARCH 3 air medical crew landed at the scene and took Miller from rural Neoga to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, where doctors were able to stabilize her.
“When we are called to the scene of an accident, we know that the patient is going to be in rough shape,” said ARCH 3 Flight Paramedic Dylan Johnson. “Knowing the shape that Bianca was in when we transported her and seeing her with us today is a prime example of why we do what we do. She still has a long way to go, but we are proud of her telling her story to hopefully prevent others from suffering similar injuries.”
When Miller was transported by air to Urbana, she underwent surgery to reset several parts of her skull that were displaced. Unfortunately, doctors were unable to save her entire skull so she will have to undergo further surgeries to reconstruct her skull. However, she credits the ARCH 3 crew for saving her life.
“The ARCH medical team has been amazing,” said Miller. “Everyone that works there is so nice and caring, and I wouldn’t be here without their life-saving care. You guys are so awesome!”
Injuries Bianca Miller sustained after a life-threatening UTV crash in rural Neoga.
On Saturday, Miller and her family met with the first responders who cared for her on that June evening. The reunion included the ARCH 3 team, as well as members of the Cumberland County Sheriff Department, the Neoga Police Department, and the Neoga Fire Department.
Miller, who was not wearing a helmet or seat belt and was sharing a seat with another passenger during the accident, hopes she can use her story to raise awareness to the importance of UTV safety and help prevent similar accidents in the future.
“If you want to ride a UTV, wear your seat belt, wear a helmet. Sit in your own seat,” said Miller. “Just be careful and drive with caution.”
ARCH 3 is one of seven locations branded under the ARCH Air Medical program, which is celebrating 45 years of service throughout the state of Illinois and Missouri providing lifesaving service to those who need it most.
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