Emergency Care in Eufaula: One Family’s Experience at Saint Francis ER

A frightening night on a family trip turned into a story of gratitude—thanks to the Saint Francis Eufaula and Saint Francis Children’s teams that never slowed down.

By Saint Francis Health System Staff

Ashlee Miller didn’t plan on spending her family vacation in an emergency room. But when her daughter Libby stopped breathing in the middle of the night, she was grateful beyond words that one was close by.

The Millers were visiting Eufaula when the unthinkable happened: Libby woke from sleep, vomited, began choking — and went limp in her mother’s arms.

“It was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever been through,” Ashlee says.
 

They Knew Exactly Where to Go

The family had discovered the Saint Francis Eufaula emergency room just that morning, when Libby’s cousin needed stitches after a minor accident. That knowledge became a lifeline hours later.

On the drive to the ER, Libby kept going in and out of consciousness. By the time they pulled into the parking lot, she had another severe spell and went limp again.

“My brother had her in his arms. I ran through the doors. They could see how scared I was — and they rushed outside, grabbed her, and immediately went to work.”
 

Fast, Caring and Focused

Libby’s oxygen saturation had dropped to 68 when they arrived. The team moved quickly, working to stabilize her and bring her levels back up. Within a short time, her oxygen was back to 100.

“Their first concern was taking care of her,” Ashlee says. “We were so thankful for how urgent, friendly and caring everyone was.”

Once Libby was stable enough to travel, the family rode by ambulance to Saint Francis Children’s Hospital in Tulsa, where the team determined she had a virus that had caused her oxygen to dip dangerously low. 

She stayed two nights while they monitored her and treated her with respiratory care.

“The team at Children’s were so good with her. She would scream during the treatments, and then as soon as they were done, she would turn and smile at them. They were all so gentle, caring and loving.”
 

What Might Have Been

For Ashlee, the experience is one she tries not to dwell on — but can’t quite let go of either.

“When you’re away from home and something terrifying happens to your little girl, you think about all the ‘what ifs.’ If that emergency room hadn’t been there, I don’t know what would have happened.”

The family found comfort in their faith and in the care they received at every step — from the Eufaula ER team to the ambulance paramedic who talked with Ashlee the whole ride to Tulsa.

"He told me how new the emergency room was, and the tears immediately started. To me, it was another sign that God knew we needed it exactly when we needed it."
 

Emergency Care Close to Home — and Away

Saint Francis Health System’s network of emergency rooms means that whether you’re at home in Tulsa or traveling across eastern Oklahoma, expert care is never far away.

We’re honored to have been there for the Miller family — and we’re here for yours.