There’s both new hope and new frustration for a family of a young boy left severely brain damaged after a STARS air ambulance trip to Winnipeg.
Morgan Moar Campbell suffered brain damage at age two after something went wrong during a medical transport in May, but a clinic in B.C. is giving the family new optimism.
“I’m hoping for the best – just to see my son be happy again,” said Emily Moar, Morgan’s mother.
The nightmare for the family started after Morgan was put on a STARS air ambulance trip from Brandon to Winnipeg after having a seizure. His parents said a STARS representative told them Morgan is brain damaged because his breathing tube came out at some point during the trip to the hospital in Winnipeg.
“Everything was fine and then we come here and everything went wrong. I don't know how that could have happened,” said Blair Campbell, Morgan’s father.
The boy can no longer sit up on his own and can’t communicate or recognize his family.
CTV’s story in May on the incident caught the attention of doctors in a private facility in B.C. that offers hyperbaric oxygen treatment.
Staff contacted Morgan’s family, saying they’ve seen positive results from treating other severely brain-damaged patients.
They say results vary but think Morgan could benefit.
“Generally, we always see some type of improvement and very often when doctors say nothing could be done. Some of these people are walking around now,” said Dr. Lucien Larre from the Advanced Hyperbaric & Recovery Centre.
The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority said doctors haven’t recommended hyperbaric oxygen treatment for Morgan.
Manitoba Health said it only funds treatments referred by a physician and only if it’s at a publicly-funded facility, meaning Morgan’s family would have to cover costs for a private B.C. clinic.
“I will fundraise and everything. I will do the best I can to get him there,” said Emily Moar.
Morgan’s parents and infant brother plan to travel with him to B.C. for the treatment.
Morgan’s family said they’re frustrated the trip isn’t covered but are hopeful the treatment will mean an improvement for him.
Family members have set up a trust fund at Scotiabank under Morgan's name, in the care of Emily Moar. They also plan to hold a fundraiser this fall.
STARS representatives say results of an internal investigation can’t be released yet because the province is using them to complete its own investigation into the incident.
- with a report from Alesia Fieldberg
