DAISY Award—Sarah Naff, RN, MSN, CCRN

Sarah Naff, RN, MSN, CCRN
PACU

Sarah Naff was driving home from work on Jackson Highway when she came upon a two-vehicle car accident. One car was engulfed in flames, with one passenger (dead) trapped inside. There were four occupants of the other vehicle - all needed attention. Sarah first called 911 and then she negotiated bystanders to help move three victims already out of the vehicle away from the burning car. She also managed to get help and extricate a pregnant female (hyperventilating, tight abdomen, non-English speaking female from the vehicle). Sarah assessed a young boy (probably around 10 years of age) who was unconscious. he had a pulse (fast/thready) and was breathing. Sarah educated a bystander to sit with him, keep her ear to his chest and listen for heartbeat and breathing. Sarah assessed two adult males as stable (had good airways, very stunned). Next, Sarah turned her attention to the pregnant female who kept pointing to her belly and chest, both of which were in extreme pain. Sarah helped her slow down her breathing and checked for signs of labor. She then went back to the little boy and found him pulseless. she initiated CPR. The paramedics, fire and police arrived on the scene. Sarah continued CPR until the team were set-up. Once she was relieved, she found a passer-by who spoke Spanish and was able to help the team get some answers and help stabilize the pregnant female. All three adults were airlifted. Unfortunately, the little boy’s pulse did not return, and the paramedics called time of death. Sarah sat with the little boy until the police took over his care. Sarah showed exemplary care, thought and courage. She is a phenomenal nurse who had her skills tested, she rose to the needs of this situation and showed her true skill as a nurse. Proud to work with her.

Thank you, Sarah!