Cartersville, Ga (June 2, 2025) — What began as a tragic accident on a rainy December night has become a story of resilience, gratitude, and the life-saving power of emergency response.
On the evening of December 10, 2024, 18-year-old Madelyn Van Stijn was driving in Bartow County when her vehicle hydroplaned, veered off the road, struck a tree, and rolled down an embankment. The violent crash partially ejected Madelyn from the car, leaving her critically injured and unresponsive.
Bystanders quickly called 911 Emergency Services. Bartow County Fire Department arrived at the scene to find Madelyn barely breathing. Firefighters removed her from the wreckage and began life-saving care. Metro EMS (Ambulance) soon arrived and performed an emergency intubation in the field. Madelyn was designated as a full trauma alert and rushed to Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center, an ACS-verified Level III Trauma Center.
At Piedmont, the emergency department staff worked swiftly to stabilize her. She had sustained multiple fractures as well as a traumatic brain injury that left her unable to breathe on her own. After stabilization, she was transferred to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, a Level I Trauma Center, where she stayed in intensive care until December 31. She was transferred to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, where she continued her recovery until March 15, 2025.
Now, just months later, Madelyn is defying the odds. She is undergoing physical, occupational, and speech therapy—and on May 21, she hiked four miles on Iron Hill Trail at Red Top Mountain.
Her remarkable progress came to light when Brad Cothran, EMS Liaison at Piedmont Cartersville, contacted a family friend to check on her condition. That connection led him to Madelyn's mother, who shared the inspiring update.
In celebration of National EMS Week, Madelyn and her family returned to thank the first responders who helped save her life. In a heartfelt ceremony, they presented the Bartow County Fire Department and Metro EMS with a Trauma Save Award. Madelyn also gifted handmade bracelets to the healthcare workers who cared for her throughout her recovery.
Before the accident, Madelyn was a licensed cosmetologist working at Great Clips. She dreams of returning to her career and is already practicing her hair-cutting skills with family members.
“This week is about honoring the heroes who respond when we need them most,” said Cothran. "Madelyn's story is a powerful reminder of the impact EMS and fire personnel have on our daily lives."