Patient reunites with Acadian medics three years after severe accident

Traci Picard turned 26 years old this past Labor Day weekend. Three years ago this milestone seemed unreachable as the Church Point, Louisiana, native fought for her life after a severe ATV accident. After years of rehabilitation and healing, Picard was able to meet the Acadian Ambulance and Air Med medics who saved her life.

In 2011, dozens of Picard’s family gathered together to celebrate her nephew’s birthday. After cake and punch were served, Picard hopped onto a plastic inner tube connected to an ATV. As the driver made a turn, the rope snapped and Picard was thrown into a barn.

Patient reunites with Acadian medics three years after severe accident

Cutline: Pictured L-R; Ruthie Picard, EMT Ashley Fail, Traci Picard, Paramedic Brittany Trahan, and Paramedic Jerod Meaux

Frantically making her way to her daughter, Ruthie Picard knew the situation wasn’t good. “Traci was hunched over like a rag doll and not breathing. It’s a sight I’ll never forget.”

Acadian Ambulance Service was dispatched, followed by Air Med. Paramedics Brittany Trahan, Jerod Meaux, and EMT Ashley Fail were on the scene in minutes. “Traci was unresponsive and badly injured,” Trahan said. “From her head all the way down to her feet, her injuries were the most severe I have ever seen in a patient.”

Sustaining internal and external injuries, facial and pelvic fractures, and trauma to the brain, Picard’s chance of survival was very slim, but her mother never lost hope.

“There was no doubt in my mind,” she said. “My daughter was a fighter and I knew she was going to make it. I never lost faith.”

After numerous surgeries and many months of rehabilitation, Traci Picard did make it.

“I almost can’t believe it,” Paramedic Jerod Meaux said. “There is no better way to explain it. With the extent of the injuries she sustained, she is a miracle and I am so happy to see her doing so well.”

During the reunion, Traci Picard presented each medic with an angel pin in honor of their efforts. “I want them to always remember they are my angels,” Picard said. “You may not be able to see their wings, but I can. Without their help, I wouldn’t be walking again, let alone alive today.”

Since 1971, Acadian has provided the highest level of emergency medical care and transportation possible. In the past decade, the company has expanded to include a diverse suite of services in health, safety, and transportation. Acadian’s six divisions are Acadian Ambulance Service, Acadian Monitoring Services, Air Med, Executive Aircraft Charter Service, National EMS Academy and Safety Management Systems.

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