When Forsyth engineer Steve Harbin suffered an allergic reaction to medication on Tuesday, July 16, his wife Debbie knew she didn’t have much time.
“I knew we didn’t have time to wait on an ambulance,” said Debbie.
Steve was disoriented and could barely walk. Debbie helped him to the car and they sped toward Monroe County Hospital. A former ICU nurse, Debbie called the ER at Monroe County Hospital to let them know that her husband was on the way and was in bad shape.
When they arrived, the caring and professional staff rushed Steve to a room to begin emergency care. Steve was criti- cal by this point, with no blood pressure or oxygen levels in his blood. Dr. Ogbobe and nurses Jessica and Crystal rapidly went to work treating him with epinephrine and an IV. Meanwhile, Debbie gave the ER admissions clerk Tiffany his driver’s license and she kindly waved her back and said she would get the rest later.
“That would not have happened if we had gone to a bigger hospital,” said Debbie.
Respiratory therapist Tyler began administering oxygen.
“Everyone worked as a team,” said Debbie. “That is what impressed me. Everyone knew exactly what to do and did it efficiently.”
Steve entered the hospital near death. A few hours later, he walked out to go home.
“I am very impressed with Monroe County Hospital,” said Debbie. “As a former ICU nurse, I know those first minutes when someone is coding are crucial, and you have to anticipate what effects the medicines will have. They saved my husband’s life. It was amazing.”
Debbie said having emergency care in her neighborhood at Monroe County Hospital is invaluable to her family.
“You have to be able to trust the people,” said Debbie. “And I trust them now. In emergency situations the family atmosphere at Monroe County Hospital is better than anything you can from a larger hospital. They were efficient, attentive and concerned, and were so well trained. Their level of competence was way up there. It was extraordinary. And when you find people who care and do such a good job, you want to let other people know.”
– Debbie Harbin, Forsyth, GA