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Good Catch Champions: Alexandra Reyes and Dena Prith

December 01, 2022

Alexandra Reyes and Dena Prith

Personal Care Assistants

Hartford Hospital


What happened:

A patient came to the Emergency Department on a Police Request for Emergency Evaluation for aggressive behavior at home. Initially, he showed no signs of suicidal ideation. While the patient was using the bathroom, a loud noise was heard. He was found staring at himself in the mirror and visibly upset. He then hit his head against the wall twice. Staff stopped him and convinced him to return to his room where he willingly took medication. Shortly after being medicated, the patient removed his gown and attempted to strangle himself with it. Both Alexandra and Dena quickly recognized what was happening and staff intervened by removing the gown from the patient’s neck. Security arrived to help place the patient in restraints with a provider at bedside. The patient was assessed to be alert, oriented and uninjured.

Safety behaviors demonstrated:

The attention to detail on the part of both PCAs helped to resolve a potentially difficult situation and to keep the patient safe.