Piedmont Columbus Regional has named Damekia Anthony with the Columbus Police Department’s 911 communications team the organization’s First Friday Hero for the month of August. 

Anthony answered a 911 call from a family who unexpectedly had to deliver their baby at home. They needed medical help, but the baby was coming quickly and couldn’t wait for an ambulance to arrive. As the baby was coming, the umbilical cord got wrapped around her neck. Anthony, a certified Emergency Medical Dispatcher, walked the family through the steps of dislodging the umbilical cord. Because of her calming and knowledgeable presence, Columbus’ newest resident was delivered safely. 

A ceremony with Anthony and hospital leadership was held Thursday 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.