Branson is facing a lot of challenges this year from floods to the potential effect of gas prices and other economic factors impacting on the number of visitors coming to Branson. These, and most of the other challenges that come our way, are a matter of “things” that we, as a community endeavor to handle on a daily basis.
Yet, on Thursday of this week, our community handled a challenge of the “heart,” as many of our phones rang to tell us that there had been an accident involving two Branson School busses and that children were being taken to the hospital in ambulances. As a Grandfather who received one of those calls, the Ole Seagull cannot describe the stark fear he felt when he got the call.
The relief he felt when he walked into the emergency room at Skaggs and found his grandson sitting up in the bed with just a neck brace on and talking was indescribable. It was a relief that grew exponentially as it became apparent that there appeared to be no major injuries to the many children and school staff who were on the buses involved.
From the time he arrived at the emergency room check in desk, until the time he walked out with his Grandson about two hours later, the Ole Seagull was again struck by just how fortunate he is to live in the community that he does. From the moment the accident happened there was a system in place that responded in a caring efficient way to protect the lives and health of those involved.
In talking with his grandson, even at the scene there was someone holding his head and preventing him from moving it as he was transferred to a board and placed on an ambulance for transport to the hospital. The efficiency with which Skaggs responded to just the administrative aspects involved with the large unexpected influx of patients, along with concerned parents and grandparents calling and coming in, was amazing.
Even as the Ole Seagull walked into the room where his Grandson was, there was a member of the Branson School District Administrative staff talking with him. On more than one occasion members of the district staff came in to inquire and offer help. It meant a lot to an Ole Seagull as he is sure it did to most of the others involved. Also not to be ignored is the speed with which information was disseminated to the public by the school district through Home Town Radio, KRZK, as it developed.
The speed and efficiency of the emergency responders who responded was commendable. The on the scene management resulted in those needing medical aide being quickly and efficiently transported to Skaggs. The system in place at Skaggs handled the large influx of patients that overflowed their emergency room and went out into the hallways not only in terms of administration but in terms of the quality of the medical care given.
During the whole incident, from the emergency responder that came to get additional information to the clerk that checked us out, to the school officials and medical personnel, the Ole Seagull observed everyone involved treating all those impacted by the accident in an extremely professional, efficient, and caring manner. For that, An Ole Seagull would simple say thank you; our community is blessed to have you acting on our behalf.
Yet, above all, an Ole Seagull would thank his God that, on Thursday afternoon, He held those on the buses involved in the palm of his hand and delivered them safely back to us. How different it could have been. Particularly on this Mothers Day it just seems so appropriate to say, “Thank you Lord, thank you.”
