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January 30, 2008

Hale selected as Employee of the Month

Marshall Hale, facilities supervisor at the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center for the past six years, was named Employee of the Month for December for the calm and immediate manner in which he provided CPR.

“His immediate response of providing quick assessment and CPR most likely saved Dr. David Love’s life,” one person who nominated Hale wrote on a Catch Someone card.

The Catch Someone program was implemented in 2001. Special boxes with cards to be filled out — identifying the employee and reason for being nominated — are in each department. Patients, volunteers, physicians, employees and visitors can fill out a Catch Someone card and explain why the person deserves special recognition.

Hale was teaching a CPR class Dec. 3, when he heard the emergency response signal. He immediately rushed to the side of Love, who had collapsed in the gymnasium while playing ball.

“The timing was unbelievable,” Hale said. “But, when you’ve done CPR as long as I have, it just comes naturally.”

A member of the fitness center also applauded care provided by Hale, although not as life threatening as Love’s ordeal.

“I experienced a torn calf muscle while playing racquetball. Marshall came to tend to me and had an extremely caring attitude and wonderful advice,” the member wrote.

A third card commended Hale’s willingness to do extra work, even when it was time for the fitness center to close.

“I called Marshall late one evening to ask if he could set up a class for me that I was having early the next morning,” an HRMC employee wrote. I didn’t realize it was almost 10 p.m. when I called. Although he was closing for the evening, he set up two rooms for me. Marshall did not need to do this since it was late and he was ready to leave.”

Others agree that Hale is an asset to Haywood Regional Medical Center.

“I was speaking to someone at the fitness center about Marshall and I explained how wonderful he is. They also made the comment that Marshall is consistently positive, extremely polite and will go out of his way for anyone at anytime. He is truly a great person,” a co-worker wrote.

Hale worked for 20 years as a lifeguard for the Miami, Fla. Beach Patrol. He has a 4th degree black belt in karate and taught martial arts for several years.

While he originally wanted to be a teacher, Hale said he always looks forward to going to work at the fitness center each day.

“I have a great time with my fellow workers,” he said.

He and his wife, Susan, have five children and reside in the White Oak community.

Recognition of the Employee of the Month includes a prominently displayed portrait, an article in the hospital’s newsletter and a monetary award, as well as the chance to be named Employee of the Year.