WOUNDED HERO COP SENT HOME FROM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Odds Were against Officer Surviving Gunshot, Airlifted to Our Trauma Center
______________________________________
STONY BROOK, NY, March 15, 2015 — Today, Suffolk County police officer Mark Collins who was critically wounded while pursuing a suspect in Huntington Station was discharged from Stony Brook University Hospital.
The 35-year-old officer, a member of the police department's gang unit, had been shot in the neck and hip following a traffic stop that led to a violent encounter. He was quickly airlifted to Stony Brook for emergency care.
"He is very lucky," says James A. Vosswinkel, MD, chief of trauma, emergency surgery, and surgical critical care, and medical director of the Stony Brook Trauma Center. "The bullet came within an inch of vital structures in the officer’s neck, and although he did not require surgery, those injuries were potentially life-threatening."
Officer Collins was discharged just four days after the shooting.
The hero cop made his way through a procession of more than 100 cheering fellow officers and other supporters in a wheelchair pushed by Dr. Vosswinkel. A bagpipe band played and two Suffolk police helicopters did a flyover.
Dr. Vosswinkel says he is optimistic Officer Collins will make a full recovery.
Dr. Vosswinkel says he is optimistic Officer Collins will make a full recovery, but "he'll need extensive outpatient treatment and rehabilitation."
"He's an extremely strong person and the recovery that he made, not everybody could," adds Dr. Vosswinkel. "Having said that, we're not discharging him from our care."
Suffolk Police Commissioner Edward Webber and County Executive Steve Bellone were among those who greeted Officer Collins, as was Nicholas Guerrero, the Suffolk officer injured in a hit and run in September (read more). The two offers had worked together at the Second Precinct.
"To be greeted by Nick Guerrero, who was grievously injured just a short time ago, is unbelievable, and just a great day for the Suffolk County Police Department, and everyone who cares about the work they do," Mr. Bellone told the news media.
Dr. Vosswinkel describes Officer Collins's demeanor as selfless: "He tried to downplay his injury. He says he's fine. He doesn't want to complain and keeps saying how grateful he is. He's got a terrific attitude."
Lucky for the hero cop, he came to Stony Brook where his life was saved.
| P.S. On the occasion of the State of the County Address, Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone recognized Dr. James A. Vosswinkel and our entire trauma team for their remarkable work and success in saving Officer Mark Collins's life. See video. From Times Beacon Record Newspapers: "How could you not be inspired by someone like Suffolk County Police Department's Officer Mark Collins?" Dr. Vosswinkel says. "These guys are out there making it safe so something bad doesn't happen to us." And, when something bad happens to them, the Stony Brook Trauma Center stands ready. |
