Miles From Home: How Global Rescue Helped a Motorcyclist Survive a Devastating Crash

Timeline of Events:

• Chuck Miller crashes his motorcycle in northern British Columbia, suffering severe spinal and rib injuries.
• Miller’s riding partner calls Global Rescue for assistance and Miller is taken to a local medical clinic for initial treatment.
• Miller is diagnosed with fractured vertebrae and multiple broken ribs.
• Global Rescue arranges transfer to Vancouver General Hospital for specialized surgery.
• Sue, Chuck Miller’s wife, is notified and flies out to be with him.
• Chuck undergoes surgery to treat his spinal injuries.
• Global Rescue coordinates an air ambulance for Chuck’s return to Florida.

Chuck Miller, a Florida resident and avid motorcyclist, faced a life-threatening situation during what was meant to be an exhilarating road trip through northern British Columbia. Chuck and his riding partner, Bill, were four days into their return journey from Alaska, aiming to reach Florida after weeks of adventure. Little did they know an unexpected turn of events would dramatically alter their plans.

Chuck had always been a careful rider. As a veteran of long-distance motorcycle trips, he meticulously prepared for every journey, whether it was wearing all the right gear or having contingency plans in place. During the return ride, Chuck and Bill split up with a plan to meet later. Bill, a rider of 50+ years of experience wanted to cruise a curvy section at a higher pace, and Chuck, with less experience decided to ride at a slower speed.

The Crash

Despite his precautions, Chuck crashed. “I came into a curve, and I don’t know if I locked the brakes, or my attention wandered, but I knew I had made a mistake.” The next thing he remembered was losing control and the bike flying off into the woods, taking him with it.

His wife, Sue, wasn’t with him, and his riding partner, Bill, was further ahead. Chuck was alone on the ground with serious injuries. Another motorcyclist who happened to be riding behind Chuck witnessed the crash and quickly called British Columbia emergency first responders. It was obvious Chuck had severe injuries to his back and torso. He was rushed to the nearest medical facility in Dease Lake where the physician suspected fractures to the spine. X-rays confirmed that Chuck had fractured his T2 through T5 vertebrae. The imaging additionally showed that half of his ribs were fractured.

Chuck’s riding partner, Bill, found out what happened, rejoined his friend, and called Global Rescue. The Millers had signed up with Global Rescue before the trip. “My riding partner, Bill, made the call,” said Chuck. It was a lifesaving and cost-saving decision.

Sue, who was not on the trip, was notified of the accident in the early hours of the morning. She quickly gathered the necessary documents, including her passport, and flew to Vancouver to be with Chuck. “It was stressful not being able to communicate with him right away,” she said.

Global Rescue Medical Operations in Action

Chuck’s injuries were stabilized but he needed specialized surgery. He was airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital for emergency treatment. “Global Rescue was the best investment we ever made,” Sue Miller said upon reflection. “They took Chuck from a small clinic in northern British Columbia to a top-rated spine hospital in Vancouver over 1,000 miles away. Global Rescue kept me in the loop. They kept checking in, making sure I knew what was happening, and ensuring Chuck received the best care possible. They worked tirelessly behind the scenes, dealing with insurance issues, hospital transfers, and everything else,” she said.

Journey Home

Chuck underwent surgery to address his spinal injuries. While the medical team at Vancouver General Hospital provided excellent care, it became clear that Chuck would need to return home for further recovery. About a week later, Global Rescue was informed that Chuck would require an air ambulance due to the severity of his condition. Without hesitation, our team coordinated with the hospital, Chuck’s health insurance, and St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, to arrange his transport.

The Millers were deeply impressed with the level of care and support provided by Global Rescue throughout the entire ordeal. “When the hospital deemed Chuck stable enough, Global Rescue arranged for an air ambulance medical flight, and I was able to fly with him,” Sue explained. “The nurse and paramedic who flew with us were outstanding. They kept me informed, and every effort was made to ensure Chuck’s safety.”

“The pain was unbelievable, but I knew I was in good hands,” Chuck recalled. “Global Rescue handled everything: getting me to the hospital, coordinating with my insurance, and eventually bringing me back home.”

After several weeks of treatments, surgeries and recovery, Chuck returned home. It was slow but steady, with the support of his family and friends. “It’s been a long road,” Chuck admitted. “But I’m grateful for how everything turned out. Global Rescue took care of all the logistics, and I could focus on healing.”

Global Rescue: A Safety Net for the Unexpected

Reflecting on the entire experience, Chuck and Sue emphasized the importance of having a safety net while traveling. “I’m 67 now, and while I still love riding, this accident reminded me of the risks,” said Chuck. “Global Rescue made all the difference. We had peace of mind knowing they were there, and they were worth every penny.”

Though his family has voted against future motorcycle trips, Chuck hasn’t completely ruled out the idea. “I may not do the long trips anymore, but I’ll still ride, especially around the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s one of the safest and most beautiful places to ride.”

As for Sue, a former motorcycle rider, she remains supportive of Chuck’s passion but is equally thankful for the precautions they took by having a Global Rescue membership. “We’ve always tried to be safe riders, but having Global Rescue really gave us an extra layer of security.”.

Chuck’s concluding thoughts echoed Sue’s sentiment. “If we go on another big trip, I’m packing a Global Rescue membership. It’s the best investment you can make when you’re traveling,” he said.

The Millers’ story is a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of travel and the importance of being prepared. Whether riding through the rugged mountains of British Columbia or exploring new roads closer to home, having a service like Global Rescue can be the difference between life and death.

As Global Rescue celebrates its 20th anniversary, stories like Chuck’s are a testament to the value of our work – helping travelers return home safely, no matter the circumstances.