Global Health Grad Burned in Iceland Hot Spring Becomes Patient At Her Own Hospital

As a member of the Public Relations & Communications team at Hamilton Health Sciences, MSc Global Health grad and valedictorian Nicole Rakowski helps tell stories of patients who have experienced life-changing injuries or illnesses. Recently, she learned what it’s like to be on their side of the equation. Rakowski burnt her legs and feet so badly in a hot spring in Iceland she could have died.

“It felt like a million knives were stabbing my feet and lower legs, and my nerve receptors were on fire. I started screaming and was pulled out by my two friends,” says Rakowski.

When disaster struck, Rakowski was in a valley with no cellphone reception to call emergency services. A one-hour hike was the only way out. But she made it to safety, thanks to her friends and other hikers who took turns carrying her as she fell in and out of consciousness from pain and shock.

After less than 24 hours, Rakowski was determined to fly home and was admitted to the Burn Trauma Unit at the Hamilton General Hospital. Read her story – Becoming a patient at my own hospital.

 Global Health News