Ten members of the staff at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown were recently recognized as Everyday Heroes for their compassion and professionalism during a true, life and death emergency.
Nominated by Maryann Ruehrmund, CFRE, executive director of the UM Chester River Health Foundation, she wrote:
“I was recently visiting the Emergency Department when a call came in from a volunteer EMS team, announcing it was seven minutes out with a person in full arrest, not breathing on her own and no heart rate. CPR was ongoing in transit.
As a fan of most of the TV series involving hospitals and ERs, I thought, well, I’m going to stay out of the way but watch and see how this kind of emergency is truly dealt with.
A well-rehearsed, large cast of characters began meaningfully moving into place, gathering supplies, some in the room some outside. It was obvious that everyone knew exactly what to do, where to be and what they needed.
What I observed was so calm, organized and purposeful – nothing like a TV drama with loud voices and unnecessary fast, confusing movements. Thinking about it after, what I observed truly was a 15-minute symphony of highly trained medical professionals at their best!
The staff working that morning epitomize what I believe are Everyday Heroes. I was humbled by them. I know no better way to say “thank you for what you do,” — and to tell you how much you are appreciated by so many, than to nominate this team for this recognition.”
The Everyday Hero program provides patients, visitors and staff members with the opportunity to recognize and thank any member or team at UM Shore Regional Health, who made a positive difference in a visit or stay, by making a financial contribution of any size to the UM Chester River Health Foundation. Funds received are used for equipment, capital improvements and staff education in the departments in which the employees or team work. For more information about the Everyday Hero program, call the Foundation at 410-810-5661.
Jane E. Hukill says
Volunteering at the Shore Health Chestertown, I see these marvelous people all the time – calmly helping everyone who comes to the ED. We are so lucky – and they serve us all with compassion and good humor. A great recognition for a great team.