Trudee was traveling in the Eastern Sierras with her husband on a day trip during their vacation when they got stuck in a big traffic jam. Both Trudee and her husband, P, got out of their car to see what the holdup was; there was a multi-vehicle accident, where the only attending CHP officer called for any medical personnel to come forward. P, who heard the call first, told him that his wife was a nurse; the officer shouted to get her down to the site quickly.
Trudee first went to the aid of a single male occupant of one of the many cars involved; the victim was unconscious with agonal respirations, a weak pulse and severe bruising to the anterior neck. Assessing the situation, Trudee knew a full cardiac arrest was impending. She made the call to move the victim; after getting help and moving the victim she reassessed him when he became pulseless. Trudee started chest compressions and was later assisted by two more RNs that came on the scene.
After the paramedics arrived, Trudee was able to suction his airway as oral secretions were becoming an issue. After fifteen minutes of chest compressions, the paramedics reassessed the victim and made the call to end resuscitative efforts. Trudee was then able to join P, who was working with other responders, to manage other victims. This all happened just two weeks after Trudee rendered aid (Heimlich) to a choking child as she walked from the main hospital to the Betty Irene School of Nursing.
Trudee is a consummate professional, calm, skilled and an excellent resource both in and out of the hospital. Children's Surgery Center and UC Davis benefits every day from her thoughtfulness and expertise; we are lucky to have her.