April 2026 Honoree
Courtney Siska, BSN,RN
I am honored to recognize Courtney Siska, RN, for her quick thinking, clinical expertise, and decisive action that saved a teammate's life.
Courtney and I were attending a disaster preparedness exercise in the Community Room of the Outpatient Pavilion at Advocate Christ Medical Center. Just before 10:00 a.m., we stepped out to prepare for another EMS meeting and went to the food court area on the ground floor. At the time, there were two individuals working on computers in the corner and one teammate seated at a table eating. I put my belongings down and briefly stepped away to the restroom.
When I returned, I noticed Courtney sitting beside the teammate, who appeared tearful. As I walked past them, I heard Courtney mention something about the Emergency Department. A few moments later, Courtney joined me as we signed into our 10:00 a.m. meeting, but I noticed she continued to keep a close and intentional watch on the teammate. At first, I assumed the teammate was simply having a difficult day and that Courtney had been offering emotional support.
Shortly afterward, the teammate stood up and left the area. Courtney then explained what had actually happened.
Without warning, the teammate had abruptly stood up, placed her hands near her throat, and was unable to speak or make any sound—classic signs of a complete airway obstruction. Courtney immediately recognized the emergency. Without hesitation, she instructed one of the nearby individuals to run to the desk and activate a Rapid Response while she immediately initiated the Heimlich maneuver.
After several abdominal thrusts, Courtney successfully dislodged the piece of food that was obstructing the teammate's airway, allowing her to breathe again. Because of Courtney's rapid recognition of the emergency and immediate intervention, the airway obstruction was relieved before additional emergency assistance was needed, and the Rapid Response was ultimately not activated.
The teammate declined further evaluation in the Emergency Department and later returned to work. We later followed up with her director, who shared that she had been experiencing similar swallowing issues and was already undergoing medical evaluation and treatment. We were grateful to learn that she is now doing well.
Courtney's actions exemplify the very essence of the DAISY Award. Her exceptional clinical vigilance, calmness under pressure, rapid decision-making, and expert intervention directly prevented what could have been a tragic outcome. She recognized a life-threatening emergency within seconds, confidently took control of the situation, and acted with the skill and composure that every patient and colleague hopes to encounter in a moment of crisis.
Equally impressive was the compassion she demonstrated after the event. She remained attentive to her teammate's emotional well-being, ensuring she felt supported long after the immediate danger had passed. Courtney's ability to combine outstanding clinical expertise with genuine kindness reflects the very best of the nursing profession.
Courtney Siska, RN, is an extraordinary nurse whose actions quite literally saved a life. I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.
Courtney and I were attending a disaster preparedness exercise in the Community Room of the Outpatient Pavilion at Advocate Christ Medical Center. Just before 10:00 a.m., we stepped out to prepare for another EMS meeting and went to the food court area on the ground floor. At the time, there were two individuals working on computers in the corner and one teammate seated at a table eating. I put my belongings down and briefly stepped away to the restroom.
When I returned, I noticed Courtney sitting beside the teammate, who appeared tearful. As I walked past them, I heard Courtney mention something about the Emergency Department. A few moments later, Courtney joined me as we signed into our 10:00 a.m. meeting, but I noticed she continued to keep a close and intentional watch on the teammate. At first, I assumed the teammate was simply having a difficult day and that Courtney had been offering emotional support.
Shortly afterward, the teammate stood up and left the area. Courtney then explained what had actually happened.
Without warning, the teammate had abruptly stood up, placed her hands near her throat, and was unable to speak or make any sound—classic signs of a complete airway obstruction. Courtney immediately recognized the emergency. Without hesitation, she instructed one of the nearby individuals to run to the desk and activate a Rapid Response while she immediately initiated the Heimlich maneuver.
After several abdominal thrusts, Courtney successfully dislodged the piece of food that was obstructing the teammate's airway, allowing her to breathe again. Because of Courtney's rapid recognition of the emergency and immediate intervention, the airway obstruction was relieved before additional emergency assistance was needed, and the Rapid Response was ultimately not activated.
The teammate declined further evaluation in the Emergency Department and later returned to work. We later followed up with her director, who shared that she had been experiencing similar swallowing issues and was already undergoing medical evaluation and treatment. We were grateful to learn that she is now doing well.
Courtney's actions exemplify the very essence of the DAISY Award. Her exceptional clinical vigilance, calmness under pressure, rapid decision-making, and expert intervention directly prevented what could have been a tragic outcome. She recognized a life-threatening emergency within seconds, confidently took control of the situation, and acted with the skill and composure that every patient and colleague hopes to encounter in a moment of crisis.
Equally impressive was the compassion she demonstrated after the event. She remained attentive to her teammate's emotional well-being, ensuring she felt supported long after the immediate danger had passed. Courtney's ability to combine outstanding clinical expertise with genuine kindness reflects the very best of the nursing profession.
Courtney Siska, RN, is an extraordinary nurse whose actions quite literally saved a life. I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.
Thank you, Courtney, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
View More Honorees