Just over 20 years later, Mrs Marshall is urging Otago and Southland people to fight to keep the service that saved her life.
She has no doubt she would have died if Dunedin Hospital was unable to offer neurosurgery.
On June 17, 1990, Mrs Marshall (formerly Dick) was in a single-vehicle crash on Three Mile Hill Rd in which another passenger died. Mrs Marshall was thrown 33m from the car, which was travelling about 160kmh.
The car hit a power pole. Mrs Marshall was initially missed by helpers at the scene, who heard her gurgling and went to help.
Mrs Marshall was in a coma for 11 weeks, followed by about five months in Dunedin Hospital and four months in Wakari Hospital's rehabilitation ward.
She remains physically impaired by her injuries, which affect her walking and speech, as well as cognitive functioning.
Mrs Marshall was proud to join others yesterday for the "circle of support" around Dunedin Hospital at 12.15pm.
Her mobility issues prohibit her from marching.
She has been urging people to write to Health Minister Tony Ryall to save the service.
"I'm a fighter," she said.
People needed to realise the trip to Christchurch was too far for a brain-injured person and the idea must be scrapped.
The distance from Invercargill to Christchurch especially worried her.
Mrs Marshall said she was indebted to now-retired Dunedin neurosurgeon Sam Bishara, who stabilised her immediately after the crash, which occurred at 12.30am, before carrying out a major operation at 6.30am to relieve pressure.
Her mother, Robyn Dick, said the family was given a stark prognosis.
"Mr Bishara said without surgery Mel would die ... he also said she could die through the surgery. He also said if she made it through she could have severe brain damage. But there could be a very slim chance that the surgery could be successful, and it was, thankfully."
Brain Injury Otago liaison officer Cathy Matthews said that as well as initial trauma needs, patients might start to be channelled to Christchurch facilities for rehabilitation, which would be detrimental to recovery.
For families affected by serious trauma, their lives changed forever in an instant.
The provision of services close to home helped families cope, Mrs Matthews said.
Brain Injury Otago members were "up in arms" about the risk of losing the service, she said.
