The accident happened Sunday Jan. 21 1973 right after 2 in the afternoon. Four lane highway, on a curve, by the conveyor belt beside the Lavender Pit - Bisbee.
Bob took the call from the Copper Queen Hospital right at 3. All they said was there had been an accident and to come right away. He made one call locate Scott, unplugged the popcorn popper while I dressed and we were on our way. So frightened when the 2 doctors came towards us but he was alive though they didn't give us any encouragement. They didn't do anything to his head, but talked to Tucson Neuro people before they left Bisbee and were in touch with them on the long ride up. The Kanes brought Scott and a suitcase to the Warren cut-off and we were on our way.
Everyone from Douglas got to see their family but us. Just before they loaded the ambulance we finally got to see Dan for about 30 seconds.
The ambulance was at the emergency door wide open and unfolded when we arrived. We were the first to get to Bisbee and to Tsn. They said they had a rough trip but they made it. Called Mike at Manzanita Hall and a friend brought he and Sandy out. He arrived while we were in Emergency talking to Dr. Goodman - a neurologist. They wanted to do a test looking for blood clots and he explained there was an element of risk, like 1 in 200. He convinced us we had no choice and we signed. An anesthetist put 2 needles in the neck using a dye and very fast Xray pictures were taken. No clots, so no surgery. They just sewed him up and moved him into Intensive Care. They had no idea if he was going to live or die. He compared it to walking a tight rope. Called Judy and she said she was coming and I said good. Asked her to call the folks. Bob called Don Confer and I think Jackie walked in 10 minutes later. We sat and watched and got to see Dan for 5 minutes on the even hours. Judy didn't come alone! They all came Russ, Cousin, and Mother and Daddy. We sure were glad to see them. Sat in the Surgery Lobby outside ICU and watched the clock. Cafeteria open until 2 - thank heavens. After 4 walked back to the Police and Press room in Emergency for some pretty lousy coffee. One family sleeping in Surgery Lobby. Later met and became acquainted with the Figueroa family. Their 18 yr. old son had all the blood removed and changed because his liver was destroyed. He was in an isolation room in ICU."
I sure wish my Grandma was still around. It would be nice to read these journal entries with her.
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