SGMC Health recognized two groups of team members with the October Health System Hero Award for their extraordinary lifesaving actions while off duty. These individuals demonstrated remarkable courage and compassion, stepping into emergency situations without obligation and embodying the true spirit of healthcare service.

The first group—nurses Mary Margaret Smith, Ruby Craft, and Angie Efird—responded to a medical emergency near SGMC Health Main when a driver suffered a cardiac event and crashed her vehicle. They immediately administered CPR and coordinated emergency services. Their swift and composed response stabilized the patient until paramedics arrived. The patient’s husband later shared, “They performed CPR on my wife and saved her life.”

In a separate incident, the second group—nurses Jesi Clanton, Autumn Phillips, Meredith McBride, and Christina Brannon, along with General Surgeon Alec Seaton, MD—came upon a severe traffic accident while off-duty. Rather than passing by, they stopped to assess the scene and provided critical care to multiple injured individuals. Their clinical expertise and compassionate presence brought order to chaos and comfort to those in distress. Their decision to act, when they could have chosen convenience, reflects the essence of heroism and the values SGMC Health strives to embody every day.

Both groups received a standing ovation from those in attendance.

SGMC Health participates in an array of recognition programs to honor employees who most exemplify the tagline, "Remarkable People, Extraordinary Care, Human Kindness." To learn more, visit sgmc.org/recognition.