‘Superhero’ nurse acts quickly to help man through asthma attack

Fresh into his role as a new graduate nurse in the inpatient bone marrow transplant unit at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, Scott Doe acted quickly to help a man experiencing a severe asthma attack near the pharmacy.

Doe was heading to the Atrium Pharmacy to pick up a prescription for a patient who would soon get to go home when he noticed a couple entering the hospital. The man seemed to be in discomfort, and his partner was attempting to soothe him.

“Something didn’t seem right, so I knew I needed to keep an eye on him,” said Doe.

The man and woman disappeared from Doe’s line of sight, but he soon heard the woman yelling, “Help!” from around the corner in the pharmacy.

Doe picked up his pace and quickly yet calmly approached the man. He learned they were in line at the pharmacy to fill the man’s inhaler prescription when he started experiencing an asthma attack. Doe immediately started helping the man.

“I did four different breathing exercises with him, like box breathing, and kept chatting to help him focus on his breath,” said Doe.

Pharmacy staff brought the man his prescribed inhaler. Doe assisted and stood by the man’s side until he was breathing regularly again.

“I felt lucky I was there,” Doe said. “I’ve been in that position, felt that panic before, and knew that I needed to support him until he had his inhaler.”

For Doe, the experience wasn’t just about being at the right place at the right time. It was also about embodying the commitment to serve, wherever and whenever the need arises. The unexpected encounter highlighted his expertise, compassion and vigilance.

The patient felt much better quickly, and Doe was able to pick up and deliver the prescriptions for his own patient.

Sherry Ramos, a registered nurse at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, submitted a Celebrating You nomination to recognize Doe for rising to the occasion:

“He stayed the entire time until the patient breathed better and normally. Truly, Scott, who was still in orientation, was the superhero of the day.”