A Life Saved: Heather Van Boerum

 

The Christmas season is full of joy and wonder, but it only takes a few seconds for the excitement of the season to turn into a nightmare. On December 20, 2021, Heather Van Boerum was heading into Costco when tragedy struck. She was walking through the busy parking lot, talking to her husband, Don, on the phone, when she heard a commotion behind her. 


When she turned to see what was happening, she saw a car back up rapidly, bounce off another vehicle, and then ran into her before hitting another car. She was momentarily pinned between the two vehicles before falling to the ground. She had thankfully jumped so her torso avoided injury, but her legs weren’t so lucky.

 

Scene of the Accident

Her right leg was immediately amputated, and the artery in her left leg was torn and continuously bleeding. At this point, she didn’t realize her leg had been amputated. However, when she looked up, she was horrified at the amount of blood. Since her husband was a trauma surgeon, she knew you didn’t survive losing this much blood. Heather’s phone was still connected, and Don had heard everything. Not long later, he heard her say, “I’m going to die.”


Immediately after the accident, several bystanders hurtled into action. A woman named Terry got Heather’s name, held her hand, and continually spoke to her to try and keep her awake and alert. One man ran into Costco and got a first aid kit, but it didn’t have a single tourniquet inside. Someone called 911, and the dispatcher walked them through fashioning makeshift tourniquets. 

 

Not long after, an ambulance arrived, and the paramedics applied a CAT tourniquet to each of her legs. Heather was extremely fortunate because the trauma one hospital where her husband worked was across the parking lot. She was rushed into the emergency room, and over the four weeks she was hospitalized, she had eight surgeries. 


Heather is now a double amputee who’s made it her mission to spread awareness about the importance of knowing how to save a life and having life-saving equipment on hand. 



Author | Allison Lee

I'm Allison, a content writer at My Medic. My passion is empowering others with first aid knowledge and skills through my writing.

10 comments

  • Julie G.

    Heather, I’m sorry for what happened I’m glad you have made the best out of your situation. Like you I also feel very strongly about being prepared to any emergency situation. I’m a retired volunteer Firefighter and have been in situations where you don’t always have what you need. It’s good to be prepared even if it’s Costco.
    Thanks for sharing your story.
    Julie 🚒

  • Seneca Wyche

    Heather, you are truly a miracle; you went through the most unimaginable ordeal. You are blessed; just look at you. You are a warrior; who went through this battle; and won.
    Your legs are gone; but you survived. You didn’t give up! You are using prosthetics and living life to the fullest.
    You are a crusader. You simplify how to continue; no matter, what you are going through; just hold on.
    ———
    My Medic replied:
    Approved.

  • Jacqueline Helgren

    God bless you and your family ❤️🕊️🫶🙏

  • J

    God bless you and all the people that came to your rescue. I was trained as a combat lifesaver when I was in the military. To this day I still carry a first aid trauma kit in my vehicle and an IFAK on my side. You’re an inspiration to all.

  • Charles V King

    I am so sorry to hear about this misfortune and wish for you along prosperous life
    ———
    My Medic replied:
    Hey Charles, thanks for reading and commenting!


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