From left to right: Shirley Pritchard, Jenny Rice, Skyler Kroll, Haldyne Senatus, Bob Beal, Sean Grove, Melissa Ames, Stephen Delong, Melissa Bonasera, and Thomas Kester
Melissa Ames, RN, was recognized as Broward Health Imperial Point’s DAISY Award recipient after providing immediate emergency care while off-duty. Sponsored by the DAISY Foundation, the award honors the extraordinary work nurses do for patients and their families every day.
Ames was at a local Starbucks when she witnessed a bicyclist colliding with a semi-truck. Ames and her friend, who is a paramedic, rushed to the bicyclist’s side and immediately began providing life-saving CPR until the ambulance arrived and transported the individual to Broward Health North. Even though it was her day off, Ames did not miss a beat. When asked about her heroic actions, Ames said, “We don’t think, we just do.”
“Melissa is truly an inspiration going above and beyond her daily tasks to make a difference in the life of others,” said Beverly Capasso, interim President/CEO at Broward Health.
The DAISY Foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died from complications from an autoimmune disease at age 33. Barnes received exceptional care while he was sick, and his family developed the award as a way to recognize the profound impact nurses have on the lives of patients and their families. More than 2,700 healthcare facilities in all 50 states and 70 other countries honor nurses with the DAISY award.
About Broward Health
Broward Health, providing service for more than 75 years, is a nationally recognized system in South Florida that offers world-class healthcare to all. The Broward Health system includes the statutory teaching hospital Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health North, Broward Health Imperial Point, Broward Health Coral Springs, Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital, Broward Health Weston, Broward Health Community Health Services, Broward Health Physician Group, Broward Health Urgent Care, Broward Health International, and Broward Health Foundation. For more information, visit BrowardHealth.org.
