The Short Pump ED team is part of St. Mary’s Hospital but is a standalone ED in the community, providing amazing care for their patients and families and making meaningful and impactful connections. Earlier this year, a patient came in complaining of just not feeling well. Right after triage was completed, the patient went into cardiac arrest. The team quickly started resuscitation efforts. The team would gain a pulse, but then patient would arrest again. This happened several times while she was at Short Pump ED.

Once ROSC was achieved and deemed stable, she was transferred to SMH, where she underwent a successful cardiac intervention and made a full recovery. The same week, the family requested to come back to Short Pump ED to thank all of those who helped save her life. Almost everyone who participated in the resuscitation was able to be there to see the family again. Gratitude and love for the team were felt not only from the large number of snacks that were brought from Costco but also through the many hugs and tears and thank you cards they brought for everyone. The most impactful cards the team read were from each of their grandkids, saying, “Thank You for saving our grandma so she can be with us longer.” More tears came as each card was opened, and everyone realized the impact they made on this patient and her family. That is why we do what we do every day.

There are many more stories that can be shared that demonstrate how extraordinary this team is, but that is not why they do what they do. They are called to serve, and it shows, and it is felt by so many.