Growing up with a parent who worked at UF Health, Jacquez Robinson, guest services specialist, holds a special place in his heart for our community of heroes.

His mother, Cathy James, has worked as a respiratory care assistant at UF Health Internal Medicine – Medical Plaza for 35 years, which kickstarted Robinson’s own journey with UF Health. Robinson worked in UF Health Shands Environmental Services for two years, UF Health Shands Patient Transportation for one year and began in the UF Health Shands Patient Experience department in January 2021.

All of Robinson’s responsibilities revolve around the patient, from functioning as a liaison between patients and staff to providing guests with information and wayfinding. Little did he know, he had the potential to save one’s life during the first week in his new role.

On Jan. 14, Robinson went to his patient experience orientation. After the session ended, his team went out on other floors in UF Health Shands Hospital to start training.

“We switched to the [Adult] E.R. and I was checking on people but had to stop to use the restroom,” Robinson said. “A patient stopped me and asked me to check on another patient.”

As Robinson walked into the patient’s room, he saw the patient was completely unresponsive.

He gave the patient a slight shake — still nothing. Robinson acted quickly and called Emily Santiago, critical care technician, to help.

Even with Santiago in the room, the patient still was not responding.

“I called a ‘code blue’ before Emily and I rushed the patient to the [UF Health Shands] Trauma Center immediately,” Robinson said.

In this moment, Robinson did not have time to dwell on the situation. He had been called to act.

Santiago performed CPR and Robinson walked alongside the stretcher as the duo transported the patient to the trauma center. The nurses took over as Robinson went back to the front area of guest services.

The patient was revived after a few minutes.

Robinson was relieved. He said he felt like a weight was lifted off his shoulders.

“Just to know the patient was breathing again was incredible,” Robinson said.

Robinson continues to receive praise and thanks from physicians and nurses for his quick actions.

“During the patient experience orientation, we explain how important the guest services specialists are to creating the best experience for patients and their visitors at the entrances and public areas of the hospital,” said Ashley Harrold, patient experience manager. “We encourage them to own that space and feel enabled to do everything they can to care for it and everyone in it. Jacquez’s experience with this patient is a great example.”

Now, Robinson feels even more prepared to care for hospital patients and visitors.

“Don’t take life for granted and always check on others,” Robinson said. “Making sure people are okay is a part of my job and I was happy to assist in any way I could.”