Spring is one of the greatest nurses and greatest human beings I know. On Tuesday, our coworker experienced a medical emergency. This nurse noticed our coworker, a paramedic who is also invaluable to this organization, appeared restless, flushed, and diaphoretic. He stated that he would be okay and that this was not a new problem as he had experienced left arm tingling for a few weeks and thought it was a pinched nerve.

At that point, this nurse recognized the symptoms and urged him to seek medical help. He again stated that he would be ok. This nurse immediately went into action and convinced him to allow her to place him on the cardiac monitor and obtain vital signs. He was dangerously hypertensive and experiencing frequent ectopy. He still insisted that he would be ok but this nurse knew the risks and cared for him as if he was a brother. She rode with him as coworkers and helped bring him to an appropriate facility. She held his hand to signify how deeply she cares and that he could rely on her. She took the time to contact his family, explain the situation, and ensure that they would be able to meet him at the facility. She advocated for him after his arrival so that he could get the help needed.

After evaluation by a physician, it was determined that he would need intervention by a cardiologist. The cardiologist stated that had Spring not cared for him that day, he would not be here. She saved his life. By saving that life, this nurse started a ripple effect. Now he can continue to save the lives of children alongside her. I am so thankful for her and that I get to work with such an astute and caring person. I know that she will have my back even when I don't recognize my need just like she did on that Tuesday.