Weed resident and Salmon River Hotshot firefighter Becky Quigley remains in critical but stable condition after being run over by a truck as she lay sleeping in a Plumas County Fire Camp.
Quigley sustained injuries to her back and ribs, as well as trauma to her lungs. She has relied on a ventilator to assist her breathing, though she has had brief reprieves from this device.
On Monday morning, she underwent a tracheotomy, which, it is hoped, will help her breathing. “People wean faster off of the vent with a trach tube in,” it was reported in a carepages.com update on her condition.
The Quigley family has received excellent support from friends and neighbors in Weed, where the family has lived for a long time, as well as from firefighting organizations an many others throughout the region and afar.
Becky’s father Darin is a Weed Fire Chief, and the family is well known in the Weed community and beyond.
The Quigley family regularly updates Becky’s progress on carepages.com,
The website is also a chance for well-wishers to contribute their thoughts and encouragements to Becky and her family. As of yesterday morning, the site had almost 600 registered visitors and 800 posted messages.
Friends and supporters are encouraged to visit carepages.com to view updates posted by her family, as well send her messages. As reported on the site, Becky is reading all messages closely and receiving much encouragement from the messages.
Here are two updates posted yesterday morning. The second one is from Becky herself. This is the first time she has directly posted a message.
“They finally did the tracheotomy at 5:30 p.m. with no known complications. Becky is resting comfortably and will sleep through the night with plenty of meds to help her sleep well. Thank you all for waiting patiently through this day with us.”
Becky writes, “I just got done reading a bunch of messages - thank you. This is the first time I've tried to use my left arm to type. It's taking me quite a while. I also sent my first text today to my crew, however that was also very hard so I'd prefer not to communicate that way.
“This is a great program and I love reading all of your posts! I still can’t talk - so this is the very best thing! I can’t wait to see you all. If I ever get time I will send back some personal responses.
“Speaking of personal responses, thanks for all the personal prayers you have sent up. I can tell they have worked. My dad was just telling me how much better I look and that some healing is taking place within my body. I’d also like to send a shout out to my family (includes Deb and Sam), everyone that’s come to visit, Jeremy, Crew 4, and the Lujans for all the extra support! Becky”
The Wildland Firefighter Foundation has been helping to take care of the family. Donations can be made either online at wffoundation.org or sent to 2049 Airport Way, Boise, ID.
Weed, Calif. —
