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Daniel Bisset never expected to be one of Geisinger’s first coronavirus patients. But after 24 days — and a 0% to 5% chance of survival — he was finally able to leave the hospital and reunite with his family.


It was an emotional day on April 9 for one very special patient and employees at Geisinger Medical Center. On this day, Daniel Bisset, the Danville hospital’s first patient diagnosed with COVID-19, left the hospital and was given a fond farewell as employees lined the halls to celebrate his recovery.

Dan was brought to the Geisinger Community Medical Center (GCMC) Emergency Department on March 16 with respiratory distress. He was transferred to the intensive care unit at the Scranton hospital, where he was intubated and put on a ventilator. The next day, he was placed on ECMO, an advanced therapy that delivers healthy oxygen to the blood for those who’ve had lung and/or heart failure, and Geisinger Life Flight transported him to GMC.

Dan lost his father to COVID-19 in late March, and Dan’s mother was hospitalized with the virus at Geisinger Medical Center as well. Knowing the emotional hardship this family was facing, the Geisinger family stepped up and provided the support the Bissets needed. The team was there with behavioral health resources and counseling, emotional support and understanding to help the Bissets through this very difficult time.

After several weeks, Dan was finally able to reunite with his family and leave the hospital. Watch as applause and cheers of joy fill the halls as he leaves for home. 
 
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