‘My worst nightmare’: Alberta paramedic responded to own daughter’s deadly crash
Posted Nov 22, 2022 8:27 am.
Last Updated Nov 22, 2022 6:53 pm.
An Alberta paramedic says she’s “overwhelmed with grief and absolutely gutted” after she responded to a crash that claimed the life of her own daughter.
Jayme Erickson says her “worst nightmare as a paramedic” came true when she lost her 17-year-old daughter Montana in a deadly collision near Airdrie, Alta., just north of Calgary, last Tuesday.
She and her partner were dispatched to the crash at 4:30 p.m. When they got there, they found two people who were badly hurt. The passenger, a girl, was trapped in the vehicle and critically injured.
Erickson says she did whatever she could to tend to the injured girl while firefighters worked to free her from the vehicle. Once the girl was taken out of the vehicle, Erickson says she was flown to hospital by STARS air ambulance.
At that point, Erickson’s shift ended and she went home.
“Minutes after arriving home, my doorbell rang. My life was changed forever,” Erickson said in a Facebook post. “RCMP were at my door, to inform me that my daughter had been in an accident. The critically injured patient I had just attended to, was my own flesh and blood. My only child. My mini-me. My daughter, Montana. Her injures were so horrific I did not even recognize her.”
Erickson adds she officially said goodbye to her daughter on Friday, three days after the crash. She says 17 years was not enough time to spend with Montana.
“I am shattered and left wondering. What would you have become my baby girl? Who would you have been? I will never see you graduate and walk across the stage, I will never see you get married, I will never know who you would have been,” she said. “I love you more than anything in this world (yes, including the goats my girl!). I will cherish the memories we made and the time we had together. I am shattered. I am broken. I am missing a piece of me. I am left to pick up the pieces and expected to carry on.
“Love with all your heart. Hold those close to you. Make memories. ‘If you’re going to love somebody, hold on as long and as strong as you can… til you can’t.'”
Chad Durocher, platoon chief at the Airdrie Fire Department, says the first responder community in the city is horrified by what happened to Erickson.
“It’s nearly impossible to explain this kind of trauma to those that don’t live it,” Durocher said.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Erickson, joined by several first responders as well as her husband and brother, said she was devastated.
“I just want my baby girl’s memory to live on,” she said.
Erickson says her daughter donated her organs upon her death, two of which have already saved the lives of others.
She says her daughter wanted to be a lawyer, was a wonderful swimmer, and a very creative girl.
“Montana is going to be greatly missed by everyone and we love her so very much,” she said.
She added “there are no words” to describe the support that she and her family have been receiving.
Richard Reed, a representative for the Erickson family who identified as a close friend and also a first responder, says “it is unlikely (Jayme) will be able to return to her role on a ground ambulance again without a great deal of help.”
He adds a fundraiser was set up to support the Erickson’s and “to assist the family with funeral costs and cover their expenses.”
Erickson’s story resonated with hundreds of people across Canada. Several people who read the Facebook post offered their condolences and an outpouring of love and support.
“I am at a loss for words, I am so so so sorry. Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family,” Rebecca wrote.
“I am without words, my heart aches for you I am so sorry peace, love and strength being sent to you from us here in BC,” Kayla wrote.
“Sending condolences and prayers. My heart aches for you as a mom. RIP to your precious baby girl,” Sheila said.
“Words cannot express….praying for your family at this difficult time,” Astrid wrote.
“You don’t know me but I was a Paramedic for several years in Nova Scotia. I am so sorry for your loss and even more sorry to learn the circumstances,” Matt said.
