When Eric Opel and his wife, Caroll, moved to Kamloops from the United States in June of 2024, they were excited for a new adventure. For Caroll, this was a homecoming. She had secured a director role at Royal Inland Hospital, a place she held close to her heart. This was not only the hospital where she was born but also where she initially trained as a nurse, jump-starting her highly rewarding career. Little did Caroll and Eric know that life-changing events were about to unfold within the walls of this hospital, giving them a profound appreciation for Canadian healthcare and the team of medical professionals who were about to touch their lives in ways they could never have imagined.

Paramedics arrived within minutes and quickly recognized the urgency of the situation. Eric’s blood pressure was dangerously low, and he was slipping in and out of con¬sciousness. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed that he had suffered a ruptured mesenteric pseudoaneu¬rysm, resulting in life-threatening internal bleeding within his abdominal cavity. The only chance of saving him was to stop the bleeding and get him into emergency surgery as soon as possible.

The nurses and staff in the Teck Emergency Department worked tirelessly, administering blood transfusions and stabilizing him for transport. Within hours, Eric was airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital, with Caroll by his side. Waiting ambulances rushed him straight into surgery, where special¬ists worked to repair the rupture and save his life. The proce¬dure was a success, but Eric’s journey was far from over.

Over the next 37 days, he faced one challenge after another, including: complications from surgery, a battle with COVID-induced pneumonia, and even a pulmonary embolism. Through it all, he never faced it alone. The compassionate and highly skilled teams at Vancouver General Hospital and Royal Inland Hospital stood by him and his family every step of the way.

After 10 days in Vancouver, Eric was strong enough to return to Kamloops, where he continued his recovery at Royal Inland Hospital. The care he received was nothing short of extraordinary. In addition to expert medical treatment, Eric’s care team took a family-centric approach, ensuring that Caroll was involved in every decision. When she couldn’t be at his bedside, Dr. Brar, Eric’s hospitalist, would even FaceTime her to keep her updated. Nurses, medical students, and support staff all went above and beyond in the delivery of his care. During a difficult night when Eric was experiencing anxiety, a nurse offered to do her charting by his bedside so she could stay with him, providing comfort and reassurance.

During their time in hospital, Caroll and Eric truly came to appreciate the strength of Canada’s healthcare system. Having spent years navigating the complexities of an insurance-driven model in the United States, they saw firsthand how care in Canada is delivered with compassion, without hesitation, and without financial barriers.

The day Eric was discharged was unforgettable. As he and Caroll walked out of 6 south, the staff who had diligently cared for him during his recovery gathered to cheer them on as they departed.

With each passing day, Eric grows stronger, and his family’s gratitude deepens. Looking back, Caroll knows there is no way to truly express the depth of their appreciation. “We hear so much about the challenges in healthcare, but I have seen the best of it. When you walk into Royal Inland Hospital needing help, you will get it. We are here today because of the remarkable people who saved Eric’s life.”