During a particularly busy night shift, Meg got a call that there was a fire in the lab.

Meg arrived at the lab to find out that one of the chemistry machines had shorted out, filling the area with toxic fumes before bursting into flames! Meg and the staff used the fire extinguisher to put out the flames.

Meg called the fire department. They helped clear the smoke out, then she informed the lab staff that they could not go back inside the lab because of the fumes. They objected until Meg calmly explained that the burned plastic was still emitting toxic fumes that could cause irreversible lung damage.

Meg then set up the system to run ASAP labs in the ED utilizing their I-Stat equipment and arranged for AM labs to be shuttled out to FH and returned there, mitigating any delays or issues with patient care.

This fire was an unprecedented event and Meg managed it the situation seamlessly, with care, respect and compassion for staff and patients.

If this incident had been the only issue she had to manage, that would have been a major accomplishment. Meg also managed a challenging staffing shortage, a leaky roof, and provided guidance in the ED in the care of a particularly rowdy group, with a relatively inexperienced staff, who were very grateful for her support. I appreciate Meg for her kindness and her willingness to help others, even if she is just listening. She comports herself with dignity,  integrity, professionalism, and pride in her work.

I am so proud to work alongside her here at Ballard.