Wind rushing by, motor roaring, Hayden Mesler, 13, zoomed along on her dirt bike. The teen has been riding since pre-k, and the spring weather called for a spin on her bike. Before she knew it, her speed had gotten away from her and she was unable to stop quickly. She laid the bike down in an effort to lessen the blow of the attempted stop and within a blink, she was walking up the driveway to her parents, cradling her arm.
Hayden Mesler, 13, is all about being active outdoors. In addition to riding dirt bikes, she enjoys hunting, fishing and playing golf. While her broken arm has paused those activities, she looks forward to enjoying them later this summer.
As the child of a nurse and a firefighter, she was in good hands to assess the damage. It was clear something was wrong with her arm and she needed to get more help. They jumped in the car for Akron Children’s Hospital’s Beeghly campus.
Safety first! Hayden makes sure she wears a helmet whether on her 4-wheeler or her dirt bike.
The family was nervous to go to the emergency department (ED) during the COVID-19 pandemic. As first responders, Hayden’s parents could not help but think of that as they drove to the hospital. Thankfully, their nerves were eased by the precautions Akron Children’s put in place. Hayden immediately was put in a room, already greatly reducing potential exposure.
Hayden was not happy with the results of her X-ray. After staff sat down with her and made sure she understood her injury and the plan to get her back on her bike, Hayden felt much more comfortable moving forward.
Hayden clutched her arm in pain. X-ray results returned within minutes of being sent to the doctor, Hayden had broken her arm. While her clinical team figured out the best course of action to heal her arm, Hayden was in need of pain management. Despite wanting to be comfortable, Hayden was putting her foot down to an IV. The nurse then came in and took time with her,” Hayden’s mother, Casey Mesler says. “They really explained and showed her things that they would do and she finally agreed and was okay with the IV.”
Hayden’s injury can’t stop her cuddle sessions with her canine bestie.
In the end, best course of action was surgery to reposition the arm and put in pins for proper healing. Hayden worked with a staff member to get a better understanding of the surgery and give her a part in her health care. By being involved and completely understanding of her situation, Hayden was put at ease as she was wheeled back to surgery.
Hayden is (slowly) returning to her bike with doctor’s approval. She is ready for a fun and safe summer outdoors.
Today, Hayden is on the mend and slowly getting back to normal. She is approved to get back on her bike and we hope she gets to ride into the sunset as she enjoys the rest of her summer.
Learn about the steps Akron Children’s Hospital is taking to keep you and your family safe during the pandemic. Check out our website for more tips on when, why and how to wear a mask, as well as other COVID-19 resources.
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