I had quite a traumatic case several weeks ago, and I have really spent a lot of time reflecting on what happened, specifically with our nurse Amy Lamaj.

We had a very difficult case several weeks ago with a patient who ended up with an emergency C-section and real (very real!) DIC. It was one of the scariest cases of my life because her labs were so completely abnormal that it was truly life-threatening. I have never felt out of control as a physician. I’ve always felt like, surgically, I could correct anything. But in this case, surgery was not the answer, and nursing really was the true solution to the problem. She needed product, she needed IVs and care, and she needed it all stat. I remember looking at the output from her Jada and checking it against the input from her PRBCS, wondering which one was dripping faster, and in sheer terror. We were against the clock.

I specifically wanted to write about Amy because I thought she was absolutely incredible that day. She saved her life. Not only am I thoroughly convinced that she saved the patient’s life, but I am sure that she was operating under an unbelievable amount of stress with the calmest of demeanors. She was so incredible that day, and I am so proud to have worked beside her. I am not sure what I can do to shout out her perseverance, strength, calmness, intelligence, and professionalism on that day. This should absolutely not go unmentioned or unnoticed, because I am sure the patient is alive today because of Amy. I am so proud that Ohio State has people working there like her because that is truly what makes us great. Please share this with her and give her the highest acknowledgment, because I am so astounded by her intelligence. I know that this patient would not be here today if it were not for Amy. We are lucky to have her on staff.