Kansas City, KS-What began as a routine moment quickly turned life-changing for Brock Martin after a 22-foot fall left him with devastating injuries, including facial fractures, broken ribs, a collapsed lung and a shattered kneecap. Rushed to The University of Kansas Health System, Brock underwent multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation to relearn basic tasks like walking and chewing. During Trauma Awareness Month, Brock shares his powerful recovery journey alongside the trauma and surgical teams who helped save his life. We are offering a first-hand look at the critical importance of rapid trauma care, teamwork and perseverance.
Morning Rounds: The nursing team at The University of Kansas Health System has been awarded Magnet with Distinction. One of the highest honors a nursing organization can receive. Only a small percentage of hospitals are awarded this distinction.
Tori Butler, RN, The University of Kansas Health System
Tori talks about what it means to her and her fellow nurses to be a nurse at The University of Kansas Health System.
She talks about why this award is so meaningful because it not only reflects the expertise of the nurses but the compassion, innovation and the teamwork of the nurses at The University of Kansas Health System.
Alivia Nunez, Brock’s Partner
- Alivia expresses Brock’s positive attitude helped with his successful recovery and her ability to provide the best support especially emotional support.
- She talks about how keeping Brock’s life as normal as possible by keeping his spirts up and helping him progress back to normal activities.
Brock Nunez, Patient
- Brock talks about his injury and what he was doing when this accident first happened.
- He explains his journey with physical therapy learning to walk, talk and other challenges.
He stresses the need to be transparent and honest about your pain and what you are feeling to your care team.
Dr. Omar Karadaghy, Otolaryngologist, The University of Kansas Health System
Dr. Karadaghy talks about his initial concerns after seeing Brock’s injury. Possible injuries to his airway and spine.
He speaks about Le Fort fractures. That is a type of facial fracture from high-energy trauma that separates the maxilla and surrounding structures from the skull base.
Omar is keeping focus on how things like his teeth aligning to watch for how his skull is regrowing.
He talks about what it’s like as Brock’s doctor to see how far he’s come and his success.
Dr. Jennifer Hartwell, Trauma Surgeon, The University of Kansas Health System
Jennifer stresses that, as in most emergency situations, time is of the essence.
She explains the A-B-Cs of treatment: A-Airway, B-Breathing, C-Circulation, D-Disability, and E-Exposure.
She talks about some changes which have been made in the Emergency Department such as giving whole blood, as well as radiology which has changed patient recovery and pain.