Melanie Ross, RN

At the end of the workday, a patient exited the office and entered her vehicle. Before leaving the parking lot, she pulled into the employee parking area, experiencing significant shortness of breath.

An MA was leaving work and walking to her vehicle when she noticed the patient in distress. She approached the patient to help and asked if she would like family contacted or if 911 should be called. The patient requested emergency services, and 911 was immediately contacted. 

At that time, Melanie, RN, a Cardiac Sonographer, and another MA were leaving the office and came upon the situation. Melanie immediately directed the MA to return to the office and retrieve the crash cart. Melanie and the Cardiac Sonographer approached the patient and began assessing and speaking with her. While interacting with the patient, she became unresponsive. Melanie applied defibrillator pads; however, no shockable rhythm was detected. 

The decision was then made to remove the patient from the vehicle to initiate CPR safely and effectively. Due to the patient’s size (estimated weight greater than 400 pounds), there were some questions about how to remove her from the car, but multiple team members were needed to assist in carefully lowering her from the vehicle to the ground. The Cardiac Sonographer immediately initiated CPR while bag-mask ventilation was started by one of the MAs. They continued for two rounds before switching, with another Sonographer also assisting. 

The Cardiac Sonographer showed great decisiveness in determining the best way to get the patient out of the car and immediately starting CPR. Melanie remained calm and focused and worked with her team to provide the best care they could for this patient in this unfortunate situation. Her leadership made such a difference in how the incident was handled. 

The whole team did not hesitate and stepped right in. They all shined at this moment for this patient.