Photo caption: Pictured L-R: Wayne County Hospital and Clinic System present at the IHA Heroes Award Ceremony include Georgia Runyon, Dr. Gary Runyon, Denise Hook, Sheila Mattly, Jill Babbitt, Mike Thomas, Cody Babbitt, Kellie Bunnell, Dawn Christian, Dr. Joel Baker and Daren Relph.
This special award is presented to individuals who have been nominated by their organization, and then selected by an independent panel of judges. They are all part of a unique group of committed health care professionals. Nomination criteria is based on someone who has performed a heroic act or tirelessly gives their time, talent or expertise to better their organization, patients or community, with measurable results. These everyday heroes are role models for other hospital employees and the community they serve. They are people of integrity and honesty whose actions are evidence that they always place others before themselves. To honor their contribution to their community, the Iowa Hospital Association has developed a program to recognize these dedicated men and women.
“Healthcare is filled with exceptional individuals who perform heroic acts every day. But, every now and then someone truly stands apart; Cody Babbitt is one of these rare individuals. It was his willingness to question the validity of medication dosage information that others in authority had previously endorsed that proved to be lifesaving,” commented Daren Relph, CEO.
In 2011, while reviewing the newly issued State Protocol of Medication Administration, Cody was alarmed when he read the section pertaining to the correct dosage for Pediatric Epinephrine. The printed protocol was 10 times the actual recommended dose, which could have led to complications ranging from headache, increased blood pressure with the potential for cerebral hemorrhage, pulmonary edema, and even fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Cody not only took the time to read the protocol, he worked the calculations and verified the information was incorrect. Medication errors often happen because someone has mislabeled a dose or misplaced a decimal point. He immediately notified the regional EMS coordinator who passed the alert onto the State level to revise and correct the protocols.
The State Protocol information is distributed to every Emergency Medical Service throughout the state of Iowa. It is the ‘Bible’ for determining proper dosage amounts. Cody’s critical thinking and quick action prevented potentially deadly outcomes.
Cody joined the Wayne County Ambulance Department in 2004, just out of high-school as an entry level EMT-B. He progressively earned his EMT certifications and was one of the first in the EMS department to earn his RN degree. He was promoted to Ambulance Director in 2010 and subsequently promoted to Emergency Department Director in 2012.
Cody believes in training and mock drills are one of his favorite activities. He is active in Region 5 Emergency Preparedness and has coordinated on-site disaster training exercises. He was instrumental in procuring grant funds for automated external defibrillator (AED) machines for our rural clinics, dialysis department and rehabilitation centers. He is active with the local EMS Council and is a member of the Indian Hills Community College Rural Health Education Partnership Board.
Cody is always smiling, is a little bit shy and has a huge heart. He cares deeply about his profession and the responsibility it carries. He has proven to be a superb team leader and is highly respected by his peers.
Congratulations, Cody!