It started out as a beautiful day during summer break from college, a beautiful day to spend on the river with family and friends. It was just a few weeks before Joseph Healey would start the nursing program at Mohave Community College in Bullhead City. It ended as the day Joseph saved the lives of two children and lost his leg.
On July 17, Joseph was spending the day at Lake Havasu’s Nautical Inn Cove with his 16-year-old son who was visiting with friends from California. His friend’s children, ages 6, 4 and 3, were delightfully playing in the water. Joseph and his son were enjoying good company when Joseph noticed a boat backing into where the children were playing and noticed the churning propeller approaching two of the children.
Without a thought about his own safety, he jumped into the water and pushed the children to safety as the propeller of the boat sliced through his lower leg, almost severing his foot.
Joseph remained calm and got to shore. Nearby, off-duty Lake Havasu City firefighters ran to render aid. They were able to keep his bleeding under control until paramedics arrived. Joseph was rushed to Lake Havasu hospital where he was stabilized and then flown to Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas. It took two surgeries, and his leg was removed to his calf.
Joseph said he has always had a love of the medical field. He is employed at Western Arizona Regional Medical Center as a cardiac monitor technician, and had worked hard earning admission to the nursing program in fall of this year. Due to this traumatic injury, he was not able to start; however, his spot will be ready for him in January, and he is determined to be ready with the help of his loving wife who has a master’s degree in nursing, and has given him first-class care since his return home.
Joseph has been working hard at rehabilitation. He had his prosthesis on after three weeks and was walking after five weeks. He said it has been difficult for his wife and sons, and he regrets that his 16-year-old son had to witness the terrible accident. But he feels this experience will make him a better nurse, with more understanding and compassion for someone who is injured.
Not only is he thankful that the children’s lives were spared, but that his family has been so supportive. Joseph is back to work two days a week, on 11-hour shifts. It is 22 hours a week, but not enough to cover the family’s bills.
The staff of the Western Arizona Regional Medical Center emergency room has organized a charity event on Thursday, Sept. 3, at Buffalo Wild Wings in Bullhead City. The restaurant will donate 15 percent of the proceeds from every patron who brings in a “Come Support Joe Healey” charity flier.
Joseph is the father of two sons, ages 16 and 4. Those who want to help can pick up a flier in the administration building at Mohave Community College’s Bullhead City campus.
