BIGGEST CATCH AWARD RECIPIENT HAS A TRUE EYE FOR THOSE IN NEED
Sharp reflexes save a patient’s life at the UF Health Eye Center – The Oaks
When Beverly Carroll had to learn the Heimlich maneuver in her high school health education class, she could have never predicted it would allow her to save a future patient’s life — or win her an award.
Carroll, a clerical supervisor at the UF Health Eye Center – The Oaks, was named the 2020 Fourth Quarter UF Health Physicians Quality & Safety Biggest Catch Award recipient after her astute instincts helped her rescue a choking patient. Knowing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver was not in her job description, yet that did not deter her from displaying her dedication to her patients and to her profession.
Here’s how the life-saving moment unfolded:
(L-R) Eric Greiser, M.D., UF Health Eye Center – The Oaks medical director; Whitney Spellicy, UF Health Eye Center – The Oaks practice manager; Beverly Carroll, award recipient; and Jon Moller UF Health Eye Center – The Oaks department administrator.
While walking a patient to the financial counselor’s office, the man tapped Carroll on the shoulder. When she turned around, he motioned that he could not breathe. She then asked him if he was choking, to which he nodded his head yes.
Carroll immediately turned the patient around and began performing abdominal thrusts while yelling for medical assistance. The thrusts helped to clear his airway and the object in his throat dislodged. The man dropped down to his knees in relief. After being medically evaluated, the patient was cleared to leave.
Carroll did not hesitate to make her patient her utmost priority, and it did not go unnoticed.
Practice manager Whitney Spellicy was profoundly impressed by her staff member’s quick action and was thrilled UF Health Physicians could highlight her focused and optimistic employee who is a role model to others and is always looking to improve the patient experience at their clinic.
The day before the surprise award ceremony, Spellicy covertly ensured Carroll had her hair done and was dressed in her best black scrubs. Carroll even accidentally walked into Spellicy’s office when it was full of balloons, yet Carroll still never suspected she would be on the receiving end of the celebration.
At what Carroll thought was an ordinary staff meeting, she was “shocked and a little emotional” to discover she was the UF Health Physicians Quality & Safety Biggest Catch Award recipient. She feels extremely grateful to be appreciated for her job.
Carroll has been with UF Health for 34 years. She cherishes working at an institution that she believes makes great strides in the advancement of health and patient care.
