In The Nick of Time

How a Quick Response to an Accidental Snag Saved a Patient’s Life

John Wong

PIH Health bariatric patient John Wong holds up his old size 68 inch waist jeans. He has shed 30 inches off his waist.

Former emergency medical technician (EMT) and trauma responder, John Wong, is fully aware of the events that transpire in a hospital. Rushing a patient from a trauma site through the doors of an emergency room is an experience he remembers well. But recently, John gained a new perspective on timely and compassionate patient care after unexpectedly being the one on the operating table.

In 2013, John underwent gastric bypass surgery, and more recently in 2020, he had a lap band procedure with Justin Braverman MD, PIH Health bariatric surgeon. The procedures were successful, but left John with excess skin. He was referred to PIH Health Plastic Surgeon Millicent Rovelo MD, for skin removal surgery in June 2022.

The day after surgery, John’s nurse knew something wasn’t right and realized a surgical drain had been ripped out. John was hemorrhaging.

“A handful of medical professionals flooded into my room and confirmed that I had internal bleeding,” recalled John. “They were very transparent about what was going on, and based on my EMT knowledge, I knew it was serious. My blood pressure had dropped, and they did their best to keep me calm in those moments.”

Fortunately, Dr. Rovelo was still at the hospital.

“Internal bleeding is a life-threatening event,” says Dr. Rovelo. “I had just finished my last surgery for the day and therefore I was thankfully still in the hospital. We were able to immediately return John to the operating room and control the bleeding.”

The reason for the bleeding? John recalled slowly getting out of his hospital bed when he noticed his hip was wet with blood. He had accidentally ripped out one of his drains.

John’s life was saved by the immediate attention of his nursing team and by his quick return to the operating room to control the bleeding. “I know I had the most compassionate team saving my life—and I know I’m lucky to be here,” said John. “I’m so grateful for my care team at PIH Health Whittier Hospital. They saved my life.”

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