November 2022
Sarah
Normandeau
,
RN, BSN
Medical/Oncology Telemetry
Fountain Valley Regional Hospital
Fountain Valley
,
CA
United States
Sarah sent the respiratory therapist to gather the code cart and the team while she actively did the Heimlich maneuver over and over until the obstruction was relieved and the patient was breathing well.
Sarah was rounding on the M4 nursing unit when she heard a respiratory therapist yell out for help. When she arrived at the bedside the patient was actively choking on something and had no airway. Sarah sent the respiratory therapist to gather the code cart and the team while she actively did the Heimlich maneuver over and over until the obstruction was relieved and the patient was breathing well. She composed herself with professionalism and courage and saved this person‘s life. Sarah however does not see it that way. She just feels she was doing her job. The patient’s family was ecstatic that someone had been there to support their loved one and provided coffee and goodies for the entire staff the next day. Without Sarah’s quick response, this patient would probably not have done as well. The patient was discharged home without any issues. Sarah consistently gives of herself on a daily basis on her unit and cares for patients undergoing the harshest chemotherapy with respect and dignity.