From trauma to triumph: Kentucky man credits Tristar Skyline Medical Center with saving his life

Elwood "Trent" Snead of Fancy Farm, Kentucky, was just two miles from home when his world turned upside down. He was involved in a serious car crash, resulting in severe injuries that required him to be airlifted to TriStar Skyline Medical Center. He spent five weeks in the Trauma ICU recovering from his injuries.

Trent believes his survival was due to the compassionate and skilled care he received at TriStar Skyline.

“The nurses in the Trauma ICU were phenomenal,” Trent shared. “They were patient with me, showed real empathy and never made me feel like anything less than their number one priority.”

Throughout his ICU stay, Trent's wife, Renee, remained by his side. She served as his advocate during some of the most critical moments of his recovery. The care team supported her as well, providing reassurance, guidance and strength so she could be strong for her husband when he needed it most.

After being transferred to a long-term acute care facility, Trent made a special request to return to TriStar Skyline for inpatient rehabilitation. He said he trusted the team that had already done so much for him.

While in rehab, the staff arranged a visit to the Trauma ICU to see the nurses who had once cared for him. Their joyful reaction — smiling, laughing and hugging—overwhelmed him. “They treated me like family,” he said.

The inpatient rehab team continued that same level of personalized care, taking time to talk with Trent and understand him as a person. As he prepared to return home for outpatient rehab, he says he’s ready to get back to life, and he is forever grateful to the TriStar Skyline team who helped him get there.

“They are fun-loving, optimistic and truly loving when you need it most,” he shared. “They never gave up hope, and because of that, I didn’t either.”