Two Salinas Valley Health Respiratory Therapists Honored with STAR Awards for Life-Saving Care

Salinas Valley Health has recognized respiratory therapists Lindsay Gimelli, RCP, RRT, and Luis Hernandez, RCP, with STAR Awards in recognition of the exceptional, life-saving care they provided during a critical emergency. Their swift action, clinical expertise, and unwavering commitment to their patient exemplify the organization’s STAR values-Support, Teamwork, Accountability and Respect. A colleague who witnessed the life-saving care nominated them for this award.

“Luis and Lindsay recognized the patient was chocking. The patient was laying flat on the bed, Luis immediately checked for a pulse while Lindsay attached the suction on the crash cart,” explained respiratory therapist, Stephanie Borzini, RCP, RRT. “Luis hopped on the bed behind the patient performing the Heimlich maneuver while Lindsay did a sweep with the Yankauer and then used her finger to sweep the patient’s mouth to remove food debris. A code was called and an Emergency Department doctor rushed in to check on the patient, at that point, the respiratory therapists had cleared the patient’s airway. I cannot describe how fast they responded”.

Lindsay Gimelli and Luis Hernandez exemplify the very best of our profession,” says louis Villaneda, RCP, RRT-NPS, Manager/NICU Educator. “Their quick thinking, skill, and dedication to our patients turned a critical moment into a life saved. This STAR Award recognizes not just their actions, but their extraordinary commitment to caring for others.

Other employees nominated for a STAR Award include: Agnish “Julie” Prasad, Pharmacy Tech II, Pharmacy; Alex Suarez, Clinical Assistant, Emergency Department; Ariel Mendoza, Registration Float Clerk, Patient Registration; Jacob Ortiz, Tech, Environmental Services; Jennifer Calderon, Department Coordinator, Pharmacy; Ana Torres-Garcia, Aide, Environmental Services; Eva Raygoza, Unit Assistant I, Mother/Baby; Maria Gonzales, Aide, Environmental Services; Nikko Crivello, Transport/Prep Aide, Patient Care Resources; Ruben Pulido, Transport/Prep Aide, Patient Care Resources; Sylvia Rodriguez, Aide, Environmental Services; William Vardaro, Cook II, Nutritional Services; Norma Suarez, Pharmacy Tech II, Pharmacy; Pilar Reyes, PT, CNT, Physical Therapist, Rehab Services; and Valarie Gonzalez, CPT, Tech Assistant I, Laboratory.

The STAR Award recognizes employees who demonstrate the organization’s core values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability and Respect. Alongside the internationally recognized DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses, the program is part of Salinas Valley Health’s commitment to honoring staff who strengthen the patient experience and advance a culture of excellence across the organization.

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843