Lone survivor of plane crash goes through surgery at U. Kentucky
By Shannon Mason
Kentucky Kernel (U. Kentucky)
08/28/2006

(U-WIRE) LEXINGTON, Ky. — The sole survivor of the Flight 5191 crash at Blue Grass Airport Sunday was in the intensive care unit at the University of Kentucky's Chandler Medical Center and listed as "critically ill," said Dr. Andrew C. Bernard, trauma surgeon and assistant professor of surgery at UK, in a media briefing Sunday night.

First Officer James Polehinke survived the crash — 49 others were confirmed dead.

Bernard told the media he was present in the trauma center when Polehinke was brought in and that Polehinke is now under his care. Other than saying Polehinke was listed as critically ill, Bernard declined to comment out of respect for the patient and his family.

Bernard said when a person is listed in critical condition, it means that his or her life is in danger.

"He is very lucky," Bernard said of Polehinke's survival.

Bernard said he could not comment on the nature of Polehinke's injuries, the length of the surgery, the type of the surgery, where he was from or even if his family was in Lexington.

"I gave them my word," he said.

UK Public Relations Director Jay Blanton said he had been in contact with Polehinke's family and that they did not wish to speak with the media.

When asked how important the next few days were in Polehinke's recovery, Bernard again responded in general terms.

"The first couple days in any trauma are very important," Bernard said.

Bernard told reporters that Polehinke was not in the burn unit, but that did not mean he did not suffer burn-related injuries. Bernard did not confirm or deny burn injuries.

Bernard said future updates on Polehinke's condition would "depend upon the willingness of the family."

Copyright ©2006 Kentucky Kernel via UWire

[ Back to Student Voices ]