Lincoln Cyclist Hit by Truck is Bryan Health Trauma Champion
Larry after his recovery
Larry Lohmeier, a Lincoln man who survived being hit by a Ford F450 super-duty truck while biking on the MoPac Trail is a Trauma Champion at Bryan Health.
On April 15, Lohmeier left the Capital City for a ride. He was passionate about biking, logging almost 100 miles a week. The Lincoln native specialized in ultra-endurance cycling, competing in races that stretched several hundred miles. On this cool morning, he was heading to Wabash via the MoPac Trail.
Shortly after 11 a.m., the Lincoln resident arrived at 286th Street near Elmwood. As Lohmeier crossed the gravel road, he was hit broadside by an oncoming Ford F450 truck. The super-duty was traveling between 40 and 45 miles per hour at impact. The collision ejected Lohmeier from his bike. He landed in a ditch over 100 feet away.
Alive, But Unresponsive
Elmwood Fire & Rescue and Cass County EMS arrived to the scene quickly. Lohmeier was alive, but unresponsive. During transport to Bryan West Campus, complications arose. His heart rate dropped, blood pressure decreased and pulse stopped. He was in cardiac arrest. First responders immediately started life-saving techniques. They were still ten minutes from the hospital.
“When a trauma patient goes into cardiac arrest, it’s very, very hard for them to come back,” said Sarah Knight, Cass County Emergency Management Agency. “I remember thinking that we had done everything we could. But we weren’t able to save this man.”
Lohmeier arrived to the Bryan Trauma Center as a category one patient, the most severe. A multi-disciplinary team of medical specialists continued life-saving measures when he arrived. Miraculously, his pulse returned. Rather than heading into the operating room for surgery, Lohmeier was immediately put in the intensive care unit (ICU) for further resuscitation and care.
Devastating Injuries
The Lincoln native’s injuries were life-threatening. He suffered devastating facial fractures, a traumatic brain injury, several rib fractures, a punctured lung, internal bleeding and multiple lower extremity injuries. The greatest area of concern was his chest cavity. His injuries made it difficult for air to move from his lungs throughout his body. Doctors termed his prognosis as ‘guarded’, meaning there was a significant chance he would not survive.
Lohmeier spent several weeks in the ICU at Bryan West Campus. After ten days, he opened his eyes for the first time. Soon thereafter, he followed simple commands and demonstrated improved neurological function. He underwent nine surgical procedures to repair his body. After one month in the hospital, he was well enough to be discharged to a rehab facility. On July 10, almost three months after the incident, he finally returned to his home in Lincoln.
“Larry’s recovery has been far beyond what any reasonable person could expect with the severity of his injuries,” said Dr. Ryne Marshall, surgical and critical care physician at Bryan. “It’s obviously still an ongoing process and these things take a long time. But it’s a testament to him and how far he’s come. He’s only several months removed from a devastating injury that a lot of people wouldn’t have survived.”
Lohmeier continues to progress and recover from his injuries. He uses rehabilitation to improve his balance and vision. He’s returned to work and cherishes spending time with his wife, Holly and their children. Lohmeier is also back on his bike. He rides stationary every day to build up his strength and stamina. Recently, he’s started to ride outside again.
Meeting with First Responders
Last month, Lohmeier reunited with bystanders, first responders and the medical professionals who cared for him. The group gathered at Elmwood Fire and Rescue to reflect on the events of that April day and express gratitude to one another. For Lohmeier, it was the first-time meeting many of the men and women who saved him. He does not remember the events of the accident.
“It really makes me proud to be part of the squad and team who cared for Larry,” said Alexis Campbell, Elmwood Fire and Rescue. “That was a very difficult day for all of us there. It’s just amazing to see him now and know he’s doing well, working so hard to get back to where he was.”
Today, Lohmeier was recognized at Bryan’s Trauma Symposium at Nebraska Innovation Campus. The annual event provides trauma education to medical professionals to better them in the assistance and management of trauma patients. Dr. Marshall presented a study of Lohmeier’s case to those in attendance. Lohmeier received a standing ovation for his will to survive and miraculous recovery.
"Doing the Best I Can"
“I try to do the best I can with everything, whether it’s my kids, my wife, home life or work life,” said Lohmeier. “I never want to say I didn’t try my hardest. We don’t get to change the past, but we can change the future. I can’t express how grateful I am to those who helped me survive.”
Established in the 1970’s, the Bryan Trauma Center has been at the forefront of providing care to critically injured patients in Southeast Nebraska. It is the designated Trauma Center for Southeast Nebraska and the lead hospital for Region II of the Nebraska Statewide Trauma System. Nearly 40,000 patients have been saved, with 97 percent of all trauma patients arriving with signs of life surviving. That figure rises to 99 percent with pediatric trauma patients.
For more information on the Bryan Trauma Center, and to watch Larry’s video, visit bryanhealth.org/trauma-champions.
