Celebrating Grace Under Pressure

We recently had the chance to interview one of our Emergency Medicine Medical Directors about his experience during the April 27 tornado which struck in Alabama. Dr. Doug Alexander was working his regular shift that day when his whole world was turned upside down along with his staff, the hospital and the entire surrounding communities. To hear him tell the story of that day is to climb inside a violent world that seems almost unimaginable for the average person.

This quiet rural hospital was shell-shocked by the aftermath of an absolutely vicious F5 tornado. Russellville Hospital’s emergency department was instantly turned into a battle zone with patients arriving in large numbers simultaneously, many with critical, life threatening injuries. Children were seated on floors, in chairs, in beds and on countertops, many in shock. There were people missing and families lost with no knowledge where loved ones, personal belongings or pets were. And yet, Dr. Alexander and his fellow emergency department physicians and nurses all stayed calm and somehow made it through the ordeal. Such is the life of an Emergency Medicine physician. In reflection, on this holiday of independence, it is only right to salute the heroes who do what they do eveyday and yet, ask for no pomp and circumstance.

Dr. Alexander received a “Partners In Excellence” award from us for his efforts that day. Yet, he has repeatedly shone the spotlight away from himself and onto his staff and peers. Humble, proud and still trying to fully comprehend the impact Apri 27 has had on his life, Dr. Alexander along with every other member of the Russellville Hospital staff is to be saluted, thanked, admired and Appreciated for what they did and how they performed. That’s a celebration worth having accompanied by fireworks and awe!