Editor, Times-Union:

As the new CEO and member of the Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital family, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the tremendous efforts displayed by our staff and the various groups who helped during the school bus crash this past Saturday.

On Nov. 12, Lutheran Kosciusko EMS received the call regarding a school bus that had been hit by a semitractor-trailer with multiple injuries and immediately responded, notifying our hospital emergency department of the situation so our team could prepare for an influx of students and adults. Our team was prepared and took outstanding care of these individuals during a busy and stressful time with compassion, poise and professionalism. We had many employees call in asking if we needed help, and several who came in to make sure we were able to give the best care possible with such a high number of individuals coming in at once.

But it wasn’t just our team that was involved. It was the fire department, city police, sheriff’s department and other area EMS groups that also came to assist with the crash. I wanted to let each of these individuals know how proud I am to be a part of our great organization and this community. The response truly was a group effort that demonstrates who we are as a community and how we come together to help one another.

To my LKH teammates, I am not only grateful for all the effort and caring the team exhibited that night but for all the efforts put forth each and every day. This group of extraordinary individuals consistently meets the various health care needs of people in our community daily and has a calling to serve those who require our help. Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital has been caring for the people of this community and the surrounding areas for almost 50 years and will continue to do so for the years to come.

Lynn Mergen

Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital

via email