Nate Biel’s memories of the days that followed his horrific accident in February of 2011 aren’t just fuzzy – they don’t exist. But the Lincoln City resident explained that a chain of fortunate events proved lifesaving and that he’ll be forever grateful.

The last memory Biel can recall is driving with a friend through Cape Foulweather, just south of Depoe Bay, in the midst of a storm. He later learned that gravel in the road caused him to over-correct and enter the opposing lane of traffic. Hit by an oncoming truck, his vehicle spun down into an embankment and hit a tree. Biel was unconscious, but his passenger exited the car and pulled Biel away just as it burst into flames. It was the first of many efforts that would save Biel’s life.

“The truck actually hit the passenger side of the car, so it’s just amazing that my friend wasn’t seriously injured,” says the 25-year-old Biel. “And I know there were other people who saw the accident and immediately came to help.”

Ambulances arrived and due to the severity of Biel’s injuries, paramedics made the decision to activate the REACH air ambulance. REACH, which operates out of Corvallis 24 hours a day, seven days a week, can quickly transport patients who need emergency medical care. In Biel’s case, he was flown to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center where a team of specialists was waiting.

“I was taken into the ER and apparently someone had called my parents who drove up from Eugene,” said Biel. “The doctor ran a scan on me and they found a tear in my aorta. I was rushed into surgery with one the hospital’s heart surgeons.”

That surgeon was Dr. Mark Taylor, a cardiothoracic specialist with  Samaritan Heart & Vascular Institute.

“Mr. Biel had very serious injuries including a small brain bleed, fractured ribs and scapula, and a collapsed lung,” said Taylor. But the injury to his aorta was of greatest concern.

Biel’s aorta was repaired, and four days later, his first memory since before the accident was waking up in the Intensive Care Unit. “I was in the hospital for about a week and a half, which I’m told is quite brief for the type of injuries I suffered,” he said. “And I’ve been told it’s pretty amazing I’m alive today.”

Biel’s road to recovery has been long and challenging. He underwent extensive physical therapy before returning to his job as a paramedic last summer.

“The worst part was not being able to hold my 6-month-old daughter,” recalled Biel. “I may not ever be exactly how I was before, but I’m able to hold her, go back to work and live a normal life.”

“I’ve thought so much about what saved my life that day,” he continued. “If I hadn’t been pulled from the car, if the medic hadn’t called REACH or the heart surgeon didn’t move quickly, I would have died. Everything just fell into place and I’m forever grateful. I’m certain there were angels watching over me.”