A lifesaver saved: An EMS veteran’s journey from rescue to recovery

For Don Hauge, the irony was unmistakable. After dedicating 43 years to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) — a career spent helping others in their most critical moments — he suddenly found himself on the receiving end of the very care he once provided. In a dramatic twist of fate, the system he had long served was now called upon to save his life.

A sudden emergency

In 2024, Don was participating in a clinical trial at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, for acute necrotic myositis — a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the muscles, causing weakness, decreased mobility and the inability to walk. Shortly after being discharged home, Don developed a saddle pulmonary embolism, a blockage of blood flow in his lungs, which triggered a cardiac arrest.

EMS responded to his home, performing CPR for an astonishing hour and 20 minutes between his home and the Emergency Department at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea. From there, Don was flown to Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus in Rochester, where he was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a life support treatment that temporarily takes over the work of the heart and/or lungs. For someone who had spent decades witnessing the urgency and precision of emergency response, the experience was surreal.

“I was relying on the medical expertise and skills of my colleagues to keep me alive,” says Don.

The long road to recovery

Don spent two months at Saint Marys Hospital, beginning the slow process of recovery. His acute necrotic myositis left him unable to walk or stand on his own. To continue his recovery and rebuild strength and mobility, he was transferred to Mayo Post Acute Care (MPAC) at Mayo Clinic Health System in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, where he began his two-month rehabilitation journey.

At MPAC, Don began a rigorous schedule of physical and occupational therapy five days a week. Physical therapy focused on rebuilding muscle strength, starting with standing exercises using supportive devices and gradually progressing to targeted exercises for his legs, core and lower body. Eventually, he graduated from using an assistive standing device to managing a walker on his own.

“It was hard, and I always broke out in a sweat,” Don says. “But with every effort, I knew I was working toward regaining my strength.”

As his lower body grew stronger, Don also focused on strengthening his upper body, using Therabands and light weights. Every movement, no matter how small, was an accomplishment and was met with encouragement and praise from his therapists.

“Don’s perseverance was truly unmatched,” says Samantha Lencioni, physical therapist at Mayo Clinic Health System in Cannon Falls. “He never said no to a challenge, even when he was exhausted. We celebrated any progress toward his goals, no matter how small.”

Occupational therapy helped Don relearn everyday skills and tasks. He practiced moving around in his room and the kitchen, reaching for dishes and clothing and grooming items. These tasks, once considered routine, were meaningful markers of progress.

“Don made significant progress with this ability to care for himself, and it was exciting to see him meet each challenge to further his independence,” says Lori Copeman, occupational therapist at Mayo Clinic Health System in Cannon Falls.

Healing beyond the physical

Recovery wasn’t just physical for Don; it was emotional, too. The slow, often frustrating pace tested his resilience. On difficult days, it was the MPAC staff who helped carry him through. From the nurses and aides to food service workers, housekeeping staff and the hospital chaplain, everyone played a role in lifting his spirits.

“They were my cheerleaders,” says Don. “Even the simplest ‘hello, how are you today,’ made a world of difference. It was hard to be grumpy and frustrated around such happiness and encouragement.”

That support extended beyond kind words. The staff helped Don navigate insurance challenges to ensure his therapy could continue uninterrupted. As his discharge date approached, they coordinated every detail — providing him with a walker and installing handrails for his bed and bathroom to ensure a safe and smooth transition home.

A new chapter begins

In March 2025, Don was finally discharged home — an emotional milestone in his long journey.

“I felt like I was leaving my family,” says Don. “I formed so many close relationships with the MPAC staff, and everyone provided such wonderful care and support. It was very difficult to leave.”

But those bonds didn’t end at discharge. Don keeps in touch with some of his care team through texts, maintaining the connection that played such an important role in his recovery.

Don continues outpatient physical and occupational therapy three times a week at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea, Minnesota, closer to home. His progress is steady, though he admits it’s not going as fast as he would like.

“Recovery is going slower than I want, but I’m determined to keep working toward some normalcy again, like being able to drive and go to the store on my own,” says Don.

Full circle

Don’s recovery isn’t over yet, but he remains optimistic and extremely grateful for the care he received at MPAC in Cannon Falls. His story is a powerful testament to strength, perseverance and the life-saving impact of compassionate care. For a man who spent his life rushing to save others, the outpouring of care and support he received in return speaks volumes.

“I’ll never forget the care I received,” Don says. “And I will be forever grateful.”