Reason for Admission: Vertebral fracture
Length of Stay: About 13 days
Discharge Location: Home
Hospital: PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Westminster
Don Harris, 68, is a veteran skydiver from Florida who has done more than 200 jumps with a parachute. During his most recent jump in the greater Denver area, he had to maneuver away from a fence as he was approaching the ground. He landed irregularly, striking his right knee on the ground then bouncing and striking the left side of his body on the ground. He suffered a closed compression fracture of a vertebra.
When Mr. Harris arrived at PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Westminster, he was in severe pain and unable to complete simple tasks or movements while confined to his bed. Our expert physical and occupational therapy teams got right to work to help improve Mr. Harris’s mobility and ability to perform functional tasks, while our nursing staff helped manage his pain. “Physical and occupational therapy had a huge impact on my recovery and even gave me exercises to do in my room in order to recover quickly,” he said.
“I loved all of the personalized treatment and individualized care I received while at PAM Health…It was similar to being at a 4-star hotel.”
-Don Harris
Facing a daunting situation being far from his home in Florida, Mr. Harris was grateful for the personal, compassionate care he received at every level of our hospital. “I loved all of the personal attention of everyone, from the CEO to the housekeepers…It was similar to being at a 4-star hotel,” Mr. Harris said. After less than two weeks, Mr. Harris discharged to a local hotel to rest for a bit longer before flying back home to Florida. PAM Health’s personalized approach to patient care was even apparent in his discharge orders, which jokingly included, “Patient is not to jump out of the airplane on the flight from Denver to Miami.” Mr. Harris appreciated that our staff took the time to get to know him personally, as well as doing the same with every other patient.
We wish you continued success on your healing journey back in Florida, Mr. Harris! Your adventurous spirit is an inspiration!
