A Life Saved: How Quick Thinking and Expert Care at Dahl Memorial Stopped a Stroke in Its Tracks
By Darrell Messersmith, CEO, Dahl Memorial Healthcare
When Carol and James Stark arrived in Ekalaka from Florida for James’ work, they were struck by the warmth and kindness of the people here. They quickly felt at home in our small town, unaware that their brief stay would soon test their instincts, their trust in each other, and the lifesaving expertise of our medical team.
It started as just a headache. Carol, hoping it would pass, sat quietly at home with James, waiting for the pain to subside. But instead of easing, it intensified. James grew concerned and urged her to go to the hospital, but Carol hesitated. She didn’t want to overreact.
That’s when Baby, their dog and James’ service animal, did something unexpected. Trained to assist James with his heart arrhythmia, Baby had learned to recognize medical distress. But this time, she wasn’t focused on James. Instead, she persistently alerted to Carol, signaling something was seriously wrong.
James knew better than to ignore Baby’s instincts. He insisted they go straight to Dahl Memorial’s emergency room, just a few blocks away. That decision changed everything.
Within moments of arriving, Carol was placed under close monitoring. Soon after, the warning signs of stroke became undeniable—facial drooping, slurred speech, and weakness on one side of her body. Carol was having a stroke.
Karl Hager, the Nurse Practitioner on duty, acted fast. Recognizing the urgency, he administered Tenecteplase, a clot-busting medication that can mean the difference between recovery and lasting disability for stroke patients. He and Willow Beach, the nurse caring for Carol that day, worked quickly to stabilize her before she was transported by ambulance and flight to a larger hospital for advanced care.
Stroke treatment is time-sensitive. The window for administering clot-busting medication like Tenecteplase is only 4.5 hours from the onset of symptoms and requires negative CT imaging to rule out bleeding. Acting fast is critical, and in Carol’s case, quick decision-making and immediate medical attention made all the difference.
Today, Carol has nearly fully recovered. When I spoke with her last week, she was overwhelmingly grateful—not just for Baby’s unwavering insistence, but for the swift action of her husband and the expert care she received at Dahl Memorial.
This story is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. In rural communities like ours, timely access to high-quality emergency care saves lives. It’s also a lesson in listening—to
our loved ones, to our instincts, and sometimes, even to a dog who just won’t take no for an answer.
But moments like this don’t happen by accident. They are possible because of the unwavering commitment of Carter County residents, whose investment in local healthcare ensures that Ekalaka remains a place where people receive the lifesaving care they need—when they need it most. Dahl Memorial is here because this community values its hospital, its caregivers, and the essential services they provide. Without that support, this story might have had a very different ending.
So, to the people of Ekalaka and Carter County—thank you. Your dedication to keeping Dahl Memorial strong means that when emergencies strike, we are ready. And as this story shows, sometimes that readiness makes all the difference.
Recognizing a stroke quickly is key. A helpful way to remember the signs is using the BE FAST mnemonic:
· B - Balance: Sudden trouble with balance or coordination
· E - Eyes: Sudden blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes
· F - Face Drooping: One side of the face appears uneven or droops
· A - Arm Weakness: Difficulty lifting or using one arm
· S - Speech Difficulty: Slurred or difficult-to-understand speech
· T - Time to Call 911: If you notice any of these signs, act immediately
If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of a stroke, DON’T wait. Call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room. Every second counts.