Piedmont Columbus Regional has named registered nurse Linda Sheffield with Brookstone School the organization’s First Friday Hero for the month of June.

A student running up the stairs at school collapsed and hit his chin— causing him to bleed. Recognizing the fall was a result, rather than a cause, of the boy’s condition— Linda immediately applied the Automated External Defibrillator (AED), administered two shocks, and performed CPR until EMS arrived.

The boy was transported to Piedmont Columbus Regional’s Pediatric Emergency Department with what was initially described as a head injury. After several episodes of abnormal heart rhythm, it was discovered he had a primary cardiac event. The boy was later transferred to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for a higher level of care. The boy was released from the hospital and is back living a normal life. Nurse Linda’s knowledgeable assessment and actions saved the student’s life.

A ceremony with Sheffield and hospital leadership will be held at a later date to commend her for her response. 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.