Engwall honored with hospital hero award

     A former Monticello resident was recently honored with the “Iowa Hospital Hero” award, presented by the Iowa Hospital Association.

     Christine (Roller) Engwall is a nurse in the ER at Jefferson County Health Canter in Fairfield, Iowa. She’s been working there since 2014.

     “I started as a clinic nurse, working in the Rural Health Clinic,” she said. “Then I transitioned to the ER and Ambulatory Care Unit a year and a half later.”

     As an ER nurse, Engwall’s training spans many facets of the job: trauma nurse core course (TNCC), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), pediatric advanced life support (PALS), and CPR.

     “We care for all ages of the community many different aspects of nursing such as cardiac, pulmonary, and mental health,” explained Engwall.

     At the end of September, the VP of nursing services surprised Engwall with the news of her award. On Oct. 11, Engwall and her husband, Justin, went to Des Moines for the award ceremony, which was held the day after they returned from a trip to Germany.

     “I was delighted that we and other family members were present for the ceremony,” she said of the support.

     So why was Engwall nominated for such a prestigious award? (Only 12 hospitals employees in the State of Iowa were awarded.)

     On Christmas Eve in 2017, Engwall, her mother-in-law (Rachel Engwall), and brother-in-law (Ryan Engwall) were on their way to church when they spotted a vehicle in a ditch.

     “Without hesitation Ryan and I jumped out of our vehicle and investigated,” she said.

     She said the hazard lights were on and smoke was coming from the hood of the car.

     “Initially, we could not see anyone in the car because the airbags deployed,” she said. But then they heard a muffled cry: “Help me! I can’t get out!”

     Ryan, who also has a medical background, tried to get into the car through the back passenger window; Engwall called 911.

     Before EMS crews arrived on scene, Engwall and Ryan were able to pull the elderly woman from her car to safety.

     “Within three minutes of our 911 call, the entire car was engulfed in flames,” recalled Engwall. “Fortunately no one was seriously hurt.”

     The Engwalls continued on to church “without hesitation” following the miraculous rescue.

     “While singing hymns with the candle lights flickering, Christmas had a deeper meaning that year,” Engwall said of the Christmas Eve service.

     It was Engwall’s mother-in-law who nominated her for the award.

     “She was very proud of what Ryan and I did to save an elderly woman that night,” she said.

     Her mother-in-law worked with the Jefferson County Health Canter administration in order to complete the nomination.

     Engwall admitted she was quite surprised to be selected concerning she never spoke to anyone but her family about the accident that Christmas Eve night. She said she’s been overwhelmed with gratitude to be one of 12 candidates for the hero award.

     “I am honored to be part of such an elite group of healthcare professionals,” she said.

     Over the past four years that Engwall worked in the ER, she said the atmosphere could rapidly change at any minute.

     “I quickly learned that I thrive on the spontaneity and adrenaline of the ER,” she said. “I enjoy turning chaos into order.

     “Each day is a new challenge and it feels very rewarding to make a different with the patients in my care,” continued Engwall.

     She said her co-workers are some of the best teachers and role models out there in the medical industry.

     Engwall’s mother, Sharon Roller, is also a nurse. Engwall said she learned compassion and empathy through watching her mother care for others.

     Today, Roller serves as the nursing director at Camp Courageous. Engwall earned many of her Silver Service community hours by volunteering at Camp while in high school.

     “She has taught me to live each day to the fullest, be open minded to change, and stand up for what you believe,” shared Engwall.

     Outside of her job, Engwall is quite active in Jefferson County. On Election Day, she was voted to serve on the Jefferson County Extension Council. She is also active in her local 4-H and county fair, something Engwall knows a thing or two about from her own youth in Jones County.

     “I have personally ‘bled green’ since fourth grade,” she said of her 4-H involvement. “I enjoy seeing the youth grow in their skills and projects.”

     She continues to assist the Great Jones County Fair, alongside her mom, in the first aid station.

     “I am truly grateful for each and every experience,” she said.

     Engwall is the daughter of Sharon and Ed Roller of Monticello.