emergency department team angel medical center

Kelli Randall, RN
Kim Mellies, RN
Deborah Bruner, RN, CCRN, RNC
Duane McHan, RN, CEN
Karen Gorby, MSN, MBA, RN, CENP, FACHE
Benjamin Lackey, Respiratory
Matthew Pearson, Radiology
Kevin Cope, Radiology
Tori Dragoo, Lab
Delaney Garris, WCU Paramedic Student
Dr. Stephanie Taft
Rev. Bonnie Peggs

In the early morning hours, a 20-month-old child was brought into the ER unresponsive, having an apparent drowning. The entire team, under the direction of Dr. Stephanie Taft, responded and worked on the child.

None of the staff would give up, even with his pupils fixed and dilated, a body temperature below 85 degrees, and no pulse, they continued CPR. After an hour, the child was breathing about 10 breaths per minute on his own, while receiving respiratory support, and the team continued to work. As the time approached to transport the child to Mission after 90 minutes of working on him, the child's eyes were reactive, he was breathing on his own, and his body temperature had reached almost normal.

This was a truly miraculous happening, all thanks to the nurses and the entire AMC Emergency Department.