Home / Health / Arkansas Woman Crushed by Tree Survives, Advocates for Expanded Blood Transfusion Access
Arkansas Woman Crushed by Tree Survives, Advocates for Expanded Blood Transfusion Access
18 Nov
Summary
- 32-year-old Little Rock mother survives being crushed by a massive falling tree
- Calls for expanded access to prehospital blood transfusions across Arkansas
- Neighbor's quick action and UAMS medical team's emergency response saved her life
On April 5, 2025, a 32-year-old Little Rock mother, Katie McClanahan, was alone in her home when a severe storm sent a four-foot-wide tree crashing into her bedroom, instantly pinning her beneath the trunk and debris. Hearing her screams, a neighbor called 911, bringing firefighters, paramedics, and the UAMS Trauma Team to the scene.
Crews spent over three hours working to free McClanahan, who had no pulse and no vitals when she arrived at the hospital. UAMS cardiology fellow Michael Cross and acute care surgery chief Ben Davis rushed to the scene with blood and emergency supplies, a step not typically allowed in Arkansas. Davis and nursing director Carrie Knauer were able to start a transfusion on-site, which McClanahan credits with saving her life.
After a 17-day hospital stay and three months of rehabilitation, McClanahan regained her ability to walk. Inspired by her near-death experience, she is now advocating for expanded access to prehospital blood transfusions across Arkansas, where blood loss continues to be the primary cause of avoidable trauma deaths.
