TVHS Caleb Mancuyas saves Veterans life, wins national award
Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Ambassador responds to a Veteran in crisis and wins National VHA HeRO Award.
When Caleb Mancuyas found out he was the recipient of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) National HeRO Award, the top award for patient safety, he was speechless. What was a normal work routine of his turned into a life-saving interaction for a Veteran in need.
Mancuyas works as an ambassador at the Nashville VA Medical Center and noticed a Veteran who appeared lost. Mancuyas approached the gentleman and asked if he needed assistance to his appointment.
“He told me he didn’t need help, but something in me felt like I needed to ask if he way okay,” Mancuyas said. “I asked if he was okay, and he replied with, ‘between me and you I was on my way to kill myself, but I ended up here.’”
Mancuyas saw the signs, did not panic, and responded to the Veteran with kindness. His ability to empathize and discern the Veteran’s body language ultimately saved the life of the Veteran.
“Hearing that was hard but I took time to talk with the guy and he shared what was going on. I really felt for him, and I talked to him for about 15 minutes, and I eventually asked him if I could get him some help,” Mancuyas said.
The Veteran was reluctant at first to visit the emergency room, but he trusted Mancuyas and followed his lead.
The National HeRO Award is the highest level of high reliability organization (HRO) recognition available within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and is reserved to honor employees who advance VHA’s journey to high reliability through demonstration of HRO principles in action.
Suicide prevention is one of VHA’s six priorities, and TVHS continues to align with this priority by emphasizing that employees do not have to be a mental health provider to help a Veteran in crisis. TVHS Deputy Executive Director, Michael Renfrow,
I’m thankful that I was at the right place at the right time, and I would do it any other day,” Mancuyas said. “Always know that someone is battling something that you know nothing about, so always be kind.”