By Lauren Turner
Sept. 15 was an ordinary day of clinical rotations for Michael Yencho, a graduate student in the physician assistant program at UMHB. However, on his commute from Belton to Darnall Army Medical Center on Fort Cavazos, he noticed a scene of distress at a nearby gas station.
“On the side of the road, there were two cars stopped and a cyclist was hit by a vehicle near the Exxon on I-14 frontage and FM 1670,” he explained. “I pulled into the gas station parking lot and assessed the situation. There was one person, an ICU nurse, rendering first aid.”
Michael served as a field artillery officer for 10 years before deciding to attend the PA program at UMHB. Once he knew medical assistance was needed, his Army experience and PA education kicked in.
“I ran inside the gas station, purchased two gallons of water and used that to help wash and clean the wounds,” he said. “I adjusted the tourniquet on their arm, making sure it was above the wound as well as tight.”
Michael and other nearby medical professionals stayed with the cyclist until EMS personnel arrived at the scene. The victim was taken to the hospital and listed in critical condition.
“I assisted in rendering aid, but again was thankful the first person on scene was an ICU nurse … We were blessed so many medical personnel were there to really provide aid to this person,” he said.
Unfortunately, Michael did not learn the name of the cyclist and was unable to receive any updates on their condition.
“I was shocked, surprised and saddened. This person was simply cycling and was struck by a vehicle,” he said. “As unfortunate as the situation was, this person was blessed in some regard that it happened in a location where people could respond and not isolated in some rural area.”
As a precaution, Michael received post-exposure prophylaxis care to make sure no blood-borne pathogens had been spread while he assisted the victim and then continued with his 12-hour OB-GYN clinical shift. Maj. Merry Fontenot, his preceptor for the day and chief of midwifery at CRDAMC Women’s Health Clinic, commended Michael on his performance and quick action.
“He is very knowledgeable already, but also very eager to learn,” she said. “Even after everything that occurred, he still gave 100 percent during a busy labor triage shift. I’m very proud of the work he has done, and I know he’ll be a wonderful provider.”
Even with his education and Army experience, responding to this emergency still left a lasting impact on the PA student.
“You never know what is going to happen on any given day,” Michael said. “I would encourage others to just think of where they live as their community and how you can help each other. It doesn’t even have to be a [traumatic experience] to make a difference. Simply treating others with respect and being kind and understanding to people goes a long way.”
