It was a Monday evening in October 2022, and 17-year-old Ben was in Quincy, WA, participating in firefighter training with the local fire department. After training, he joined the resident firefighters for dinner before starting his drive home.

Everything changed about a mile into his drive. Another driver crossed the center line and collided with Ben’s car. They clipped each other on the driver’s side, causing both cars to spin. When Ben came to a stop, he was in shock but could see the firefighters rushing toward him. It was the very same team Ben had been training with earlier that day. They began the extensive process of extricating Ben from the wreckage, and thanks to their swift efforts, Ben was quickly transported to Quincy Valley Medical Center by Columbia EMS.

Due to the severity of Ben’s injuries, Life Flight Network was dispatched to transport him to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, WA, providing ICU-level care enroute. When the flight crew arrived at the hospital to stabilize him, Ben’s mom felt a small wave of relief. “Oh good, we get the pros,” she thought. “Okay, he’s got a chance.”

Ben’s injuries were extensive: collapsed lungs, a major concussion, a skull fracture, a dislocated right shoulder, broken bones in his arm, multiple pelvic fractures, a shattered femur, a fractured ankle, and internal injuries to his spleen, bladder, liver, and colon. He was unable to breathe on his own and required intubation. Ben received all available blood products at Quincy Valley Medical Center, two more units from the Life Flight Network crew during the flight, and a total of 40 units at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center.

Ben’s surgeon doubted he would survive. Yet, just days later, there he was in the ICU—alive, defying expectations. Ben was hospitalized for a total of 64 days, including seven days in the ICU to stabilize his internal injuries. After his release, Ben faced a new challenge: the amputation of his leg. But he didn’t let that stop him.

After several months of intense rehabilitation, Ben began wheelchair racing for track and field, winning four state titles. He also started playing wheelchair basketball and traveled across the country to compete. In January 2024, Ben started EMT school while continuing with track and field, basketball, Civil Air Patrol, and even working as an EMT with Grant County Fire District #3.

One of the most emotional moments for Ben was meeting the Life Flight Network crew who transported him that night. He felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude, realizing that without them, he might not be alive. “It was very unexpected to meet them,” Ben said, “and I’m thankful I got to talk to the team.”

From a terrible crash on Highway 28 to state titles, new passions, and a career in emergency services, Ben’s journey is one of strength, resilience, and the power of community.