Update Page
NICK"S HOME!!!! (4/15/00) ~~Thursday, December 23, 1999~~ Nick was driving home when he hit a patch of black ice. His car slid, hit one tree and slammed into a second tree on the passenger side of the car. Granville EMT's, Fire Department, and Westfield Paramedics came to the scene and thanks to their skills, speed, and dedication to rescuing Nick he was rushed to Baystate Medical Center and is in ICU.
This website is to keep all of Nick's friends updated on what is happening at the hospital. Any changes in Nick's condition will be posted here and everyone is welcomed to sign the guestbook to let Nick know that you are thinking of him.
DATE OF ACCIDENT:
Injuries:
* black and blue eyelids
* he had a collapsed lung on the right side
* both clavicals are fractured
* a back rib is fractured
* his top vertebraes have fractures
* his skull looks like a cracked egg shell
* a chest tube was put in place
* he has been put into a medically induced coma
* nasal fracture
* broken teeth
Originally Nick was on a ventilator with an Endotrachial tube, a monitor, a bis sensor (tells his depth of sleep), a catheter, an A-line (arterial line), a N-G (nasogastric tube), a pulse oximeter, I.V. Pump, antibiotics, suctioning as needed to remove fluids, a warming blanket, pressure braces on his legs to help with circulation, a clavical collar and a drain in his forehead to remove fluid from around his brain. Nick has had continuous CAT scans and X-rays to check the brain swelling and lungs. His ICP (Inter Cranial Pressure) needs to maintain below 25...this is one of the key factors that is being monitored along with his vital signs.
The Nicholas Dawson Savings Fund C/O Tammy Zuccala (his mom) Westfield Bank 141 Elm Street Westfield, MA 01085 Thank you!
Due to the uncertainty of what Nick will need during the course of his rehabilitation, a savings account has been opened. Anyone who wishes to contribute to this fund please mail it to:
Thank you to all of the staff in the NOR Unit. A special thanks to Liz for her determination in getting Nick into Spaulding Rehabilitation Center. To Mikki, who was Nick's OT at Baystate, thanks for your hard work keeping Nick's mobility, tone, and flexibility going because his loss in these areas is minimal and it is making his therapy easier. Special thanks to: Roberta - the #1 nurse Lisa - don't forget Dunkin Donuts Maria - are you sure you are a nurse Philamina - yes I went today! To everyone in the speech Department: Margaret - who enjoyed the strawberry shortcake Lynette - captain of the breakfast club Edel - I won't forget my schedule book The OT Department: Anne - can't eat just one?! Kerry - what's for lunch? Michelle & Rebecca - anyone want to go for a walk? Daphne - good luck on your upcoming wedding Valerie - break a leg! To Ruth in PT: a woman that could fix just about anything! Secreatry:
By the way Denise, the code is *926 To all of the friends that Nick and his Mom made at the hospital: Your support and friendship at such a difficult time was greatly appreciated. Without all of you the endless days and nights would have been unbearable - thank you so much! Good luck to all of the people that are still enduring those days.
Please sign Nick's guestbook
The Pancake Breakfast was a great success!!
Many thanks to everyone who supported these families!
~~ Nick's Updates From Baystate Medical Center ~~
~~ Nick's Updates From Spaulding Rehabilitation Center~~
Nick and his family would like to extend their whole hearted thanks to all of the nursing staff on the 6th floor, doctors, and student nurses who made it all possible for Nick to come home.
~~ A "Get To Know Nick" Page ~~
~~ The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program at Spaulding Center ~~
Nick's ICU picture and a list of medical terms and procedures that Nick has been through.
