posted August 05, 2024

21-year-old woman meets first responders who saved her life after UTV accident

Neoga, IL, Aug. 5, 2024 – On Saturday, the ARCH 3 air medical crew had the honor of reuniting with a former patient who is recovering following a life-threatening UTV accident earlier this summer.

On the evening of June 8, 21-year-old Bianca Miller was involved in a horrific rollover UTV accident, resulting in a severe head injury and skull fracture. While taking a sharp curve, she was thrown from the vehicle, which then rolled over and landed on her head. Miller was not wearing a helmet or a seatbelt at the time of the accident. Witnesses were able to lift the UTV off of Miller but when first responders arrived, she was unresponsive. The ARCH 3 crew quickly responded to the scene and transported 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!”

On Agu. 3, Miller and her family had the opportunity to meet and thank the first responders who saved her life on that fateful 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 Air Medical is part of Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the United States. Their highly trained flight nurses and paramedics are trained and equipped to transport pediatric, high-risk obstetric, stroke, cardiac, and other patients with a wide variety of critical care needs. 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.