Piedmont Columbus Regional has named Kristen Cornett with its Infection Prevention department the organization’s First Friday Hero for the month of August. 

This award is generally reserved for first responders who go above and beyond the call of duty to serve, treat, and protect our community. However, Kristen recently went above and beyond when she was off the clock, enjoying some time at the lake when she recognized a man in distress who was swimming. The man had gone under. Onlookers jumped in and pulled the man to safety, but he was unresponsive. The man was actually having a heart attack. Onlookers dialed 911 as Kristen performed CPR until first responders arrived on scene. The man was rushed to Piedmont Columbus Regional’s Northside Campus Emergency Department. Staff was able to stabilize the patient prior to him being transferred to an Atlanta-area hospital for a higher level of care. 

Piedmont Columbus Regional created the First Friday Hero program in mid-2016, which is designed to recognize first responders on a monthly basis who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Their line of work is often a thankless job and we want to make the community aware of our local heroes and all they do to make Columbus a better and safer place. 

A ceremony with Cornett and hospital leadership was held today to commend her response. Kristen is just the third Piedmont employee to receive this honor. Her story is also featured throughout the hospital on commemorative posters and Piedmont Columbus Regional’s social media pages. 

Piedmont Columbus Regional created the First Friday Hero program in mid-2016 to recognize first responders each month who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Their line of work is often a thankless job and we want to make the community aware of our local heroes and all they do to make Columbus a better and safer place.