We received a patient into custody that had been outside in the extreme -25 degree temperatures. He had extreme frostbite to both his hands and all ten fingers. He had been taken to the local hospital and medically cleared before he arrived at the jail. His orders included making a follow-up appointment at the burn center that was located two hours away.
Because it was both the weekend, and the night shift Cheryl Dillon was faced with several barriers. Cheryl went above and beyond and contacted the burn center during the night shift. Cheryl was given specific instructions on how to change bandages, pain management, and how the patient should shower and complete self-care. Cheryl then contacted our provider and received all the appropriate orders.
Throughout the weekend, there were several other roadblocks such as a coworker that was not comfortable changing the bandages and then they ran out of a supply to complete the bandage changes. Cheryl came in during her time off to complete the bandage change and to go pick up the needed supplies. She educated the other nurses, communicated both verbally and by email to all the staff, and made sure that all documentation was complete.
The end result has been incredible. About a week ago, the patient stopped me in the booking area. He showed me that while he has extensive scarring that includes permanently enlarged fingers, he has a full range of motion. All ten fingers are intact and usable. The patient stated to me “ Nurse Cheryl saved my fingers.” The patient is able to dress, eat, and complete all his daily living activities largely in part to Cheryl being willing to go above and beyond.
We are truly blessed to have her as part of the ACH team.