Decisive and Knowledgeable Emergency Team [Steve Swartos]

My name is Steve Swartos. I'm from Volga, South Dakota. I retired seven years ago, and that only lasted not even two months. And I felt I had to do something. I like to work part-time at Hy-Vee, and I also like to raise cattle.

What brought you to the emergency room?

I got off work, went home, sat in a recliner, took a nap, woke up, didn't feel well. So, I got up to go to the restroom, and I started vomiting blood. So, I called one of my brothers, and we decided in a hurry that I had to go to the ER at Brookings Health System. And as soon as we drove up, there were two nurses with a wheelchair, took me inside.

What was your medical provider's assessment?

As soon as I got in there and she assessed my situation, she determined that it would be better if I was airlifted by helicopter to Avera in Sioux Falls. And I felt very comfortable with her decision. And I am thankful that she was decisive. And I don't know if I should say this, but I almost feel like she and they saved my life because I was bleeding an awful lot. I lost a lot of blood.

How did the staff make you feel comfortable?

Them being very decisive, I felt they were knowledgeable about what was going on, and they seemed to handle the situation appropriately, as far as I was concerned.

What was your diagnosis?

When I got down to Sioux Falls and put in intensive care, and the doctor came in and determined that it was esophageal varices, I needed surgery. So, the doctor did bring me to surgery, and he tied off the bleeding varices. 

What is esophageal varices?

Varices is an enlargement of blood vessels or arteries. And esophageal refers to the esophagus, which is the passageway from the mouth down to the stomach. I didn't know I had it until I started having a problem on June 19th.

Why was it important to have emergency care close to home?

I would have had to have been transported by my brother, or an ambulance from Volga down to Sioux Falls. And I should mention that on my way over here, I had an ice cream pail in my lap that I was vomiting blood into. And by the time I got over here, I had an awful lot of blood in that pail. So, I feel if I couldn't have gotten in here, I probably would have lost a lot more blood.

What did you appreciate most about the staff?

I feel I know them and they know me. It's very important. It makes you feel comfortable. A lot of people are scared to go to a doctor or a hospital. I don't feel that way at all. I feel real comfortable coming in, having done what needs to be done.

Why do you recommend the Brookings ER?

It was close, and, you know, it was just a 10, 15-minute drive for me from Volga. And I found out in an awful hurry that these people are caring. They know what they're doing. And they'll take care of you.

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