Essentia Health nurse receives life-saving care from her colleagues

A licensed practical nurse at Essentia Health's Bridges Medical Center, Carla Wilebski knows that time is of the essence when someone is experiencing an allergic reaction.

On the morning of April 26, Wilebski suffered anaphylaxis – a severe, whole-body allergic reaction – after taking an over-the-counter supplement. Noticing a tingling in her throat, Wilebski immediately took Benadryl and Zyrtec, common antihistamines to treat allergies, but her reaction worsened quickly.

“I realized I was in over my head, so I had to get help,” she recalled.

Dialing 911, Wilebski started to drive herself to the hospital but had to pull over about a half-mile down the road. The 911 dispatcher talked to her to keep her awake and breathing until an ambulance arrived.

“I had an impending sense of doom; you feel like you’re going to die,” said Wilebski. “I couldn’t move my arms or legs or talk, just grunting noises or one word between wheezes. I thought ‘this is it’ because I was waiting alone on the side of the road.

“It was the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced.”

Wilebski was grayish blue in color when Essentia paramedics arrived. She was immediately transported to Essentia Health-Ada, where the care team connected virtually with providers in Fargo to collaborate and prompt intubation. Once stabilized, Wilebski was transported via Life Link to Essentia Health-Fargo.

Wilebski has since returned to work and is extremely grateful to everyone involved in her care, many of whom are her own colleagues. 

“How do you thank someone for saving your life?” she asked. “I want to say thank you, but that doesn’t feel like enough. I feel deeply indebted. I want the teams to be recognized for how stellar they are — I’m proud to be a part of that team. Without these people, I wouldn’t be here.”

Wilebski credits everyone, from the nurses and paramedics to those who provided direction virtually and in radiology, for their skills, quick action and teamwork.

She also has a renewed compassion for those who have a hard time breathing. Colette Fjeld, Wilebski’s sister and a critical access nurse at Bridges Medical Center, adds that she has a new perspective and understanding for patients and their families.  

“It’s very humbling when you’re on the other end,” said Fjeld, who was off work the day of her sister’s reaction. “Working in health care is more than just a job or what we do. You’re doing so much more. You’re saving someone’s life, and those family members sitting at the bedside want to know what’s going on and ask good questions.”

Wilebski is studying to become a registered nurse and is scheduled to graduate in the spring of 2024.