As a registered nurse in the Chemotherapy department of our
Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center for over 5 years,
Sara Hudson provides potentially life-saving treatments to patients every day. But her expert training and compassion for others extend beyond her working hours.
Recently, after her shift had ended, she stopped by a local store to do some holiday shopping. Seeking out gifts for her daughter, she began to hear a coughing infant several aisles over. Soon, the coughs became more incessant until it was obvious that the baby was choking.
Sara rushed toward the infant and proceeded to perform the Heimlich maneuver on her. After three of four attempts, the baby dislodged the small piece of plastic that was obstructing her breathing.
It was a terrifying experience for all involved, including the infant’s family members who expressed their eternal gratitude to Sara for her quick thinking and decisive action.
Sara understood the value of CPR from witnessing her mother perform it on her nephew many years ago. Even so, during the process of performing it on the infant, she worried that her efforts wouldn’t be enough. “Am I doing everything right?” she questioned to herself.
But she credits her extensive CPR training with her ability to act effectively in this emergency situation. Every couple of years, she renews this training here at Watson Clinic alongside her colleagues.
“It’s really important,” she said. “Everyone should keep up their training, even if you’re not in healthcare.”
In a surprise presentation held on Tuesday, December 16, Sara was given the Watson Clinic Hero Award in recognition of her life-saving actions. “We are beyond proud to have this exceptional nurse on our team!” praised
Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center Clinical Coordinator Diane Swift.
Diane’s sentiments are echoed by everyone at Watson Clinic. Sara’s natural instinct to act in the selfless care of others represents the very best of us.
Photo caption: Sara Hudson, RN, BSN, proudly displays her Hero Award alongside Chief Human Resources Officer Elliott Willis and Chief Executive Officer Jason Hirsbrunner.