Melissa Hodge, respiratory therapist, and Niki Gerber, surgical unit nurse, recently received the Hamilton Hero Award for displaying an extraordinary commitment to the values of Hamilton Health Care System during life-saving events.

 

Hodge noticed a car speeding into a local store parking lot. A woman exited the car and frantically began trying to get help. Hodge drove near the car and noticed a passenger who was unresponsive. She requested a bystander to help get the passenger out of the car, then she assessed the passenger, realizing that the passenger was not breathing. She began CPR and continued until Hamilton Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) arrived.

 

While out motorcycle riding, Gerber and her husband came across an accident where a vehicle had gone off the road and down an embankment. Gerber made her way to the vehicle, assessed the driver and stayed with the driver until HEMS arrived.

 

“Stepping up in an emergency situation while not on duty speaks to the caliber of these associates,” said Jason Hopkins, Human Resources director. “We’re very proud of them and appreciate their service and example.”