I was called to the Intensive Care Unit for a patient experiencing a massive upper GI bleed. As the ICU team intubated the patient, started blood transfusions, and worked to stabilize the patient, it became clear the bleeding was increasing, and the patient might not survive. 

As the nurse and I prepared to bring our equipment to the ICU, I saw Patricia, in the GI Lab. She was not on call for emergency procedures, but I asked her if she could come help us as she is our most experienced GI nurse and, although I have been a gastroenterologist for more than 30 years, I knew I needed her help. 

She came right up with us. After trying every injection, clip, and spray we could, the bleeding did not slow down. The patient was not stable enough to go to surgery or interventional radiology. Patricia had experience using a device known as an Ovesco Bear Claw Over-the-Scope clip. I had no experience using one, but Patricia knew exactly how to use it and talked me through the procedure. 

Thanks to Patricia's knowledge and experience, we were able to stop the bleeding successfully. It is no exaggeration to say that the patient survived thanks to Patricia's passion for gastroenterology and her willingness to go above and beyond in an emergency situation. The patient, his family, and I are forever grateful.