A father called Herrin ED to try and get some advice about a critical situation involving his pregnant wife in which the baby's umbilical cord was hanging out of her and visible. In this situation, the pressure from the baby's head or body can put pressure on the cord and completely sever the blood supply to the baby. The cord is how the baby receives oxygen and if it is deprived of the oxygen for too long the results can be catastrophic. He wasn't sure what to do, and when he tried to contact 911, they told him that it was his decision when he asked if he should take her to the hospital. Haley immediately mobilized EMS to get to their home and transport them to MHC. She called OB to get advice from them about how much intervention a layperson can do. She also told them the situation so they could prepare for the patient's arrival. She then walked the father through specific maneuvers he needed to do in order to restore blood flow to the baby until EMS could get there to help. When they got there, EMS took over and transported to MHC. Haley's quick notification had ED staff and security holding the elevator so they could get to the OB floor and into an OR suite for a C-section.

From hospital arrival to delivery of a healthy, crying baby, 10 minutes had passed. I spoke with the OB staff that was there, and they said the baby didn't need any more resuscitation than what a typical baby delivery would require. She also told me everyone involved, OBs, neonatologist, and nurses, believe it was the quick action of Haley and EMS and the extraordinary teamwork of all involved, in a situation where every single second counts, that made it as seamless as possible and led to the most amazing outcome for the new family. The husband was so emotional and appreciative of the quick action of Haley, he came to the ED to personally meet and thank her for saving his brand-new baby's life.

This nomination comes not only from me, but from the entire Herrin Emergency Department. Haley has always gone above and beyond for the most vulnerable of our population, from education to keep the department's nurses sharp and able to care for these tiny humans, to being a member of the department's EMSC group to ensure we are providing the absolute best and evidence-based patient care that we absolutely can. Haley saved the day.