Director's Special Act or Service Awards

The Indian Health Service Eastern Arizona District Office is indebted to Mr. Burdette and the San Carlos Apache Tribe for saving the Indian Health Service project at Hopi, providing knowledge and training to the Hopi construction crew, improving water and sewer facilities serving the new hospital, and promoting public health by providing needed water and sewer facilities to the First Mesa Consolidated Villages. Both the tribes and the Indian Health Service are extremely fortunate to have the services of Mr. Burdette and the care, dedication, and enthusiasm he has demonstrated by his work and character.

A child was brought into PIMC for flu-like symptoms and was triaged by Ms. Haecker, who noticed symptoms indicating graver injuries. She immediately involved Mr. McDonald and Dr. Asher who classified the patient as a Level One Trauma and arranged for immediate transport to St. Joseph's Hospital, Barrow Neurological Center where the child was admitted to the neurological intensive care unit. There he was diagnosed with a penetrating head wound due to injury sustained earlier. He was discharged a week later, neurologically intact.

This multidisciplinary team achieved the ultimate goal of patient survival with no deficits - they are heroes. Ms. Haecker's intuitive judgment and highly accurate assessment of this patient saved valuable time. Mr. McDonald's outstanding technical performance and strong clinical knowledge temporarily stabilized the patient's precarious health. Dr. Asher's efficient and effective management of the patient's care and disposition provided the definitive care necessary for this patient's survival. They exemplified the skill, knowledge and dedication unique to the Emergency Department veterans in the Indian Health Service.

Even the largest forest fire of the century did not break the stride of the team as they put in overtime to meet the community care need. Not to mention the stress of personal safety, respiratory distress and road closures. After the fire was contained, rain flooded the entire clinic, but the staff continued to care for patients while cleaning the clinic.