VIENNA — On July 11, Maries-Osage Ambulance District (MOAD) hosted a meet-and-greet at its Vienna base with a patient and first responders who assisted her after a motor vehicle accident.

In the early morning on June 13, Maries County Dispatch Center received a call about a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Highway 63 and Highway 28 Spur. MOAD, Maries County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Trooper Steve Cunningham from the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop I were dispatched to the scene.

After arriving on the scene, first responders found Madison Miller of Rolla lying on her side about 30 feet from the 2014 Toyota Avalon she had been driving. Paramedic Tyler Melton, EMT Richie Hinz, Cpl. Shannon Fannon and Deputy Ryan Fowler assessed, secured and loaded Miller, who they suspected had been ejected from the vehicle. They determined her condition was a Level One Trauma with several suspected life-threatening injuries.

The next step was to request assistance from Phelps Air while first responders treated and stabilized the patient on the scene. MOAD’s Medic 82 ambulance went en route to the landing zone near Westphalia Fire Protection District where it met Phelps Air Crew Paramedic Kevin Dominic, Flight Nurse Kristen Craighead and Pilot Jacob Reutner. Phelps Air transported the patient to a Level One Trauma Center to receive care for her injuries.

The meet-and-greet on July 11 included a meal for everyone involved and their families. Miller got to walk up and meet the first responders who helped her.

“There are no greater words than a ‘miracle’ when it comes to the outcome of this call,” MOAD wrote on its Facebook page. “There were numerous variables and factors that played against the patient and the crews caring for her. This is one story that all of those involved will hold onto in their hearts, and in the words of the patient: ‘I’m here for my daughter and it is thanks to all of you. You all are my angels.’”