Not many people have the privilege of witnessing a miracle. And very few people get the opportunity of watching the emergency department providers work to save somebody's life. I am an interpreter at CDH and I had the privilege of witnessing both: an amazing miracle performed by the A Pod emergency department providers when they saved a patient's life. I want to recognize Barb Schrage for the extraordinary role she played in this miracle.
A non-English speaking patient was brought into the ER Pod A, due to a fall he had experienced. The patient was in much pain, but his main concern was the cost. Barb comforted the patient, she sweetly assured him that his health was most important at that moment and I could see a sigh of relief in the patient's face, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders, while he also understood that he was in the hands of someone who really cared for his health.
As time continued, the patient was having new and different symptoms and he would ask why he felt them. And no matter where Barb was at, she would come to the bedside and explain why he was feeling them, in a very kind and simple way and with such a calming voice that I could see that the patient understood and would start to relax. All the while, Barb worked diligently on the patient and getting providers on board. As the patient's health began to decline to critical levels, Barb worked swiftly, quickly and with much precision, without any signs of nervousness nor distress. She was highly efficient and very knowledgeable while also obtaining the assistance of everyone who needed to be involved in his care. I watched in awe! I was absolutely amazed at the way everyone played their role impeccably and in perfect unison because at the moment their sole purpose was to save the patient's life.
Everything happened very fast. The ER was able to stabilize the patient, so he could be in a condition to continue with the next steps of his life-saving ordeal.
In the meantime, I had just witnessed a true miracle, and Barb and her patient were at the center of it all. I still get goosebumps, a lump in my throat and my eyes tear up when I think about what happened that incredible and unforgettable day.
Barb is an Extraordinary Nurse. She is experienced, intelligent, kind and humble. She is a marvelous person and it was an honor to have interpreted for her and her patient!