A Trauma Champion at Bryan Health: Willie Mohlman

It takes innovative and aggressive treatment to bring critically injured patients back from death.

Last February, Mohlman and members of his family were traveling in south central Nebraska in blizzard-like conditions. Temperatures were below zero and roads were snow and ice-packed. Shortly after noon, a vehicle tried to pass a snowplow and hit Mohlman head-on.

Mohlman’s injuries were severe. First responders noted he had blood all over his face, struggled to breathe and had open fractures in his lower extremities. His three-year old daughter suffered only minor injuries. Sadly, his wife, Kim, died in the crash. Because of Mohlman’s condition and extremely challenging weather conditions, time was of the essence to save him.

Mohlman was transported by ambulance to Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings. Initial scans and x-rays in the emergency department confirmed the severity of his injuries. He required intubation and was airlifted to Bryan West Campus for further live-saving treatment.

Mohlman arrived to the Bryan Trauma Center as a category one patient, the most severe. He was diagnosed with injuries to his lungs, a ruptured diaphragm, broken leg and broken ankle. Doctors noticed he was beginning to spiral down the trauma cascade and needed stabilized.

Mohlman faced a tough road ahead. He was placed in a medically induced-coma to allow his upper body to heal. When he was stable, surgeons moved on to treating his orthopedic issues. Mohlman underwent several procedures over the course of multiple days to repair an open tibial shaft fracture,
bilateral ankle fracture and toe dislocation. Fortunately, he responded well.

Only eight months after his accident, Mohlman has returned to his home in Red Cloud and made a near full recovery. He is able to walk, climb in his tractor and carry his daughters. He’s not without pain. However, Mohlman is grateful to all those who helped him and doesn’t take anything for granted.