Travis Pigg, of Robinson Creek, is a real traumatic success story from Pikeville Medical Center (PMC).

Pigg was working deep in the coal mines and was injured by a shuttle car transporting coal.

Pigg was seven miles into the mine and about 360 feet underground when he was injured.

“I went to work that day like any other day. I guess you never truly know what life has in store for you,” said Pigg.

Pigg, a seasoned miner, had worked for years running a miner.

“I was working like any other shift. I felt the shuttle car hit me and at first, I didn’t realize what was going on,” added Pigg.

The shuttle car pinned Pigg against the coal wall, causing damage to his lower body.

“I realized my right leg had been nearly cut off and I was losing blood,” he added.

Pigg’s coworkers began carrying him to meet a shuttle car to try to get him above ground.

“I asked my coworkers to tell my family that I loved them. I honestly thought I would not make it out alive. I was bleeding so bad and aware of how bad my injuries were,” he added.

Pigg was immediately transported to PMC for advanced care. He said he felt a sense of relief knowing he was going somewhere his family could be with him.

“When Pigg arrived at the hospital he was immediately taken to surgery. PMC physicians and staff repaired the broken left lower leg and had to complete the amputation to the right lower leg. He required two units of blood,” said PMC Emergency Department Registered Nurse, AJ Ison.

Ison said the emergency department staff acted efficiently to provide care.

PMC’s commitment to growth and providing advanced care is raising the bar for trauma patients in our region. Patients like Pigg have access to our state-of-the-art trauma center.

“Our highly qualified team performs procedures close to home, allowing family and friends a more convenient opportunity to support patients during their recovery,” said Ison.

Following surgery, Pigg was admitted to PMC’s Critical Care Unit for continued intensive observation.

“Our staff monitored Pigg for a few days. We made sure he was stable and ruled out any additional complications he may have suffered from his accident,” said PMC Director of Critical Care, Josh Damron.

He said it was a pleasure to care for Pigg and his family. He was glad he could help them in their time of need.

Since his accident, Pigg is adjusting to life with a prosthetic leg. Having a prosthetic leg is not slowing him down. He is doing well and living life like he did before the accident.

Since his recovery, Pigg started drag racing.

He often races at Pikeville’s Muscle on Main where he is known as Frankenstein on the drag strip.

“I could not speak more highly of PMC. They treated me like family. I had a wonderful team at PMC taking care of me. They never gave up on my recovery,” Pigg said.

He said he was thankful he was able to receive quality care and stay close to home with his family during this time.

“Looking back, I am forever grateful for the care and compassion I received at PMC,” added Pigg.

For more information about PMC Trauma Services, call 606-218-6334 or visit the Trauma Services page on this website