Advocate Condell affiliated doctor in the right place at the right time for accident victim
He's more comfortable delivering babies than being the first responder on an accident scene, but Dr. Robert Rosenberg's healing instincts kicked in when he witnessed a motorcycle crash last month.
Rosenberg, an obstetrician/gynecologist affiliated with Advocate Condell Medical Center, was coincidentally driving behind a motorcyclist who slammed into a deer on Riverwoods Road near Lincolnshire.
Brian Creevy, 48, was riding his Honda 750 Nighthawk motorcycle when he collided with the animal. The self-employed consultant from Lincolnshire was thrown to the pavement. The scene looked grim, according to Rosenberg.
“It knocked him right out of his shoes,” Rosenberg said. “I hit the brakes, pulled over and immediately called 911.”
Though he's only used it a few times, Rosenberg keeps an “OB pack” in the trunk of his car. It proved useful.
“There are gloves, gauze, towels and a bulb syringe. It came in handy this time,” Rosenberg said. “But in some ways I felt helpless outside of the hospital environment. Sometimes we take that equipment for granted.”
Rosenberg said blood was pouring from Creevy's head. He was not wearing a helmet.
“I took the towels and applied pressure to help stop the bleeding. The towels were quickly soaked with blood,” Rosenberg said. “I also worked to stabilize his spine and neck until the paramedics arrived.”
“Creevy, said Rosenberg kept him settled at the accident scene. “He really kept me calm,” he said. “I asked him if I was going to live, and he assured me help was on the way and that I would be okay.”
Creevy spent three days at Advocate Condell being treated for a broken collar bone and multiple abrasions. Rosenberg stayed with Creevy in the emergency room and then came for a follow up visit a few days later.
“He and his family were very grateful and thankful I happened to be driving right behind them,” Rosenberg said.
A Lincolnshire resident, Rosenberg has been affiliated with Advocate Condell for the last 14 years and is chairman of Condell's OB/GYN department.
Continuing to recover at home, Creevy said Rosenberg checks in with him from time to time.
“I'm fortunate he was right there at the accident scene,” Creevy said. “And to call me at home is very thoughtful. He's a good guy.”