Patient Success Story

On April 1, 2015 was a day that began like any other for Dr. William (Bill) Shula—with a round of golf and a workout. But the day quickly took an unexpected and surreal turn. While driving home, Bill experienced an upset stomach and then suddenly blacked out behind the wheel. His car veered through a traffic light and crashed into a power pole. By the time first responders arrived, Shula had incredibly low blood pressure and was unconscious.

Shula recalls his near-death experience as feeling like he was floating outside his body, witnessing the frantic efforts of those trying to save him. But in that moment, something deep inside him stirred — a fierce determination to live, especially for his grandchildren and family.

The Bethel-Tate Fire Department and EMS life squad, recognizing the severity of his condition, made a crucial decision that would change the course of Bill’s life. They called UC Health’s Air Care & Mobile Care (ACMC). At that moment, the unexpected sequence of events took a turn in Dr. Shula’s favor.

A Lifesaving Response: The Critical Role of Ultrasound in Emergency Care

UC Health’s Air Care & Mobile Care is known for its ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations, and the ACMC team was soon on the scene. Emergency Medicine physician William Hinckley, MD, was onboard — a key element in Shula’s survival. It proved vital to be one of only three programs in the country that have a physician on flight every day, as Dr. Hinckley and his flight nurse/medic partner were able to administer blood during transport, a life-saving measure that stabilized Dr. Shula for the journey to UC Medical Center, the region's only academic medical center and verified Level I adult trauma center.

In addition to his swift actions, Dr. Hinckley utilized a technology that is rare on most emergency flights — ultrasound. Since 2012, UC Health has been one of the few programs in the nation to carry a handheld ultrasound device on board. This capability would soon prove crucial in identifying a life-threatening condition.

Dr. Hinckley utilized a rare-in-the-field diagnostic tool — a handheld ultrasound — to scan the abdominal blood vessels mid-flight. That scan revealed a life-threatening rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a bulging weakness in the wall of the abdominal aorta. The early diagnosis enabled the team to prepare for emergent endovascular repair, minimizing internal bleeding and improving survival odds.

"When I first saw Dr. Shula’s car, it didn’t match the patient," Dr. Hinckley recalls. "The car had minimal damage, yet the patient was in severe shock. This made me think about non-traumatic causes for his shock, leading me to suspect ruptured AAA."

Upon confirming the diagnosis, Dr. Hinckley quickly called ahead to alert the emergency department, requesting that the vascular surgery team be placed on standby. This early identification and communication allowed the medical staff to act swiftly upon arrival, minimizing the time to surgery.

The Power of Teamwork and Trust

Once at UC Medical Center, it was confirmed by CT scan that Dr. Shula had suffered a ruptured aortic aneurysm, specifically an abdominal aortic aneurysm requiring emergency vascular surgery. Left untreated, this condition causes massive internal bleeding and carries a high mortality rate, making timely surgical intervention essential.

 Thanks to the combined efforts of the Bethel-Tate Fire/EMS Department and UC Health’s ACMC team as well as its ED, trauma, and vascular surgery teams, Bill’s chances of survival were dramatically increased.

Dr. Bill Shula often reflects on his experience, deeply grateful for the teamwork and quick decisions that ultimately saved his life. “I would not be standing here if that team didn’t work together as well as they did,” he says, emphasizing the seamless coordination between the fire/EMS department and ACMC personnel.

Shula’s survival is a testament to the power of swift action, advanced technology, and a coordinated team effort. At UC Health, our commitment to providing the highest level of care, especially in life-threatening situations, continues to make a difference in the lives of our patients every day.

But for Dr. Shula, the real miracle wasn’t just the teamwork; it was the trust the community places in the ACMC program. “When you call Air Care, you’re not just getting a transport service,” he says. “You’re getting a highly trained team dedicated to saving lives — no matter what.”

Life-Saving Lessons from the ACMC Program

Dr. Shula’s journey is a powerful testament to the life-saving capabilities of UC Health’s Air Care & Mobile Care program—and to the importance of early diagnosis and timely aneurysm repair. In many cases, patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms may not know they’re at risk until rupture occurs. This is why AAA screening, early referral to a vascular surgeon, and access to open surgery or endovascular repair can be lifesaving.

In a situation where every second counted, the ACMC team’s rapid response, advanced transport medicine, and the critical presence of blood products and ultrasound capability and expertise on board made all the difference.

In a way, Dr. Shula’s story underscores how life can sometimes play tricks on us. What seemed like a routine day—a simple outing and workout—quickly turned into a life-altering event. But thanks to the fast thinking and expertise of the ACMC team, Dr. Shula received the care he needed just in time. He often reflects on how improbable his survival seems—as if life itself had played a prank, but one that ultimately ended with a gift: the chance to see his family again.

Dr. Bill Shula’s experience is a reminder that in moments of crisis, even those that occur on April Fool’s Day, the community’s trust in the ACMC program — and the vital coordination between EMS, fire departments, emergency medicine specialists, and medical professionals trained to recognize a ruptured AAA — is no laughing matter. It's a serious, life-saving system that ensures the best possible outcome when minutes truly count.