Family pays visit to first responders after their quick actions saved toddler’s life
Triton Notary
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Today, the family of a toddler who nearly lost his life got to thank the team that saved him.
Four great old Grayson Collier was born with ‘Tetrasomy 18p’ – a very rare genetic disorder as well a heart issues. Earlier this year he came down with RSV, which is normal for children his age – but his conditions complicated things. He was staying at Saint Charles, but they had made plans to transport to him to Portland.
According to Grayson’s mother, Jennifer Underhill, the AirLink team met with them ahead of the transfer and explained every detail of how Grayson’s helicopter ride would go. Underhill says she likes to know how things are going to go ahead of time, and having it explained to her was very calming.
Unfortunately, things did not go as planned, and Grayson had a heart attack right before they loaded him onto the helicopter. Underhill could only watch from the sidelines, as the Airlink team tired to save him.
“He completely stopped breathing. His heart stopped.” Underhill told KTVZ, recalling the event. “So they had to revive him. Right then and there. We’re standing there, the helicopters going. And it was quite terrifying. It was very helpless feeling”
Those feelings were quickly replaced with hope, as the Airlink teams training quickly turned the dire situation around “…They were fortunately able to revive him.” said, Underhill, “It was beautiful. And, I was very scared, and, Yeah, they got him back onto the helicopter, and he was able to be safely transported to Portland.”
Today, the same hanger and helipad where Grayson nearly lost his life were filled with smiles as the family got to meet the heroes that saved their child.
Greyson is non-verbal, but seemed very interested in the helicopter. He even asked to be held by one of the crew that saved him. Grayson also got a small AirLink teddybear as a moment.
While the family couldn’t say thank you enough to the team, the Airlink crew said this was a special treat for them. They rarely get to meet the people they help a second time.
“He completely stopped breathing. His heart stopped.” Underhill told KTVZ, recalling the event. “So they had to revive him. Right then and there. We’re standing there, the helicopters going. And it was quite terrifying. It was very helpless feeling”
Those feelings were quickly replaced with hope, as the Airlink teams training quickly turned the dire situation around “…They were fortunately able to revive him.” said, Underhill, “It was beautiful. And, I was very scared, and, Yeah, they got him back onto the helicopter, and he was able to be safely transported to Portland.”
Today, the same hanger and helipad where Grayson nearly lost his life were filled with smiles as the family got to meet the heroes that saved their child.
Greyson is non-verbal, but seemed very interested in the helicopter. He even asked to be held by one of the crew that saved him. Grayson also got a small AirLink teddybear as a moment.
While the family couldn’t say thank you enough to the team, the Airlink crew said this was a special treat for them. They rarely get to meet the people they help a second time.