“Little hospital – Big Heart”

Thanks to the heroic efforts of Eagle Ridge Hospital staff, 38-year-old nurse Penny Reed is alive to tell her tale of surviving a life-threatening blood clot in her lung called a pulmonary embolism (full story). Penny’s husband Scott summed up their feelings about the ER staff with glistening eyes, “They’re all saints as far as we’re concerned!”

When Penny arrived by ambulance and went in to cardiac arrest, Dr. Jason Exner and the Emergency team quickly sprang to action. “Everyone’s energy was directed to bed 101,” said Scott. Dr. Peter Blair, who was at the hospital to perform elective surgery, was called upon to open up Penny’s chest. Then, with the whole team focused on keeping Penny alive, Dr. Exner began manual cardiac massage which he continued through the entire ambulance trip to Royal Columbian Hospital where Penny had open heart surgery.

Acute Care Director, Carol McGrandles explained, “It was a very intense time but we’re like a big family of health professionals here, and when one area needs help we all pitch in.” Staff came from many areas to provide assistance to Emergency, where resources were stretched beyond the limit. This demonstrated what many already know – even though Eagle Ridge is a small community hospital, it is one with a big heart.

Penny said, “I think that lots of people see the ‘Hospital’ and ‘Emergency’ signs as they drive by and think that a hospital is a hospital. They would probably be surprised to know that Eagle Ridge doesn’t offer all of the services they expect. However, when you are truly sick and arrive at Emergency, they are there for you.”