Dillon McDowell, CCRN

The ICU was receiving a trauma patient from the ED. After the team settled the patient, one of the nurses walked out of the room and collapsed. Dillon McDowell quickly responded and checked for a pulse. After finding no pulse, he started CPR while his co-workers got the code cart. Dillon placed the nurse on the monitor, which showed ventricular fibrillation. He immediately delivered a shock, and the patient had a return of spontaneous circulation. Dillon helped get the nurse to the ED so they could receive necessary care. 

Our intensivist that night sent this in an email to the Nurse Manager:

I have to commend Dillon for the presence of mind and quick response when a fellow Nurse collapsed suddenly and crashed onto the floor of the ICU.
Dillon’s quick response saved the life of a fellow nurse. Rapid CPR and quick defibrillation to Ventricular Fibrillation event.
I have to commend Dillon for the rapid and right response. His hands were trembling after the event had passed, but he never missed a beat on CPR.