HCA Florida Northside Hospital honors EMS and first responders with challenge coins inspired by military tradition

St. Petersburg, FL — HCA Florida Northside Hospital has launched a heartfelt initiative to recognize first responders and care teams for their extraordinary dedication and lifesaving efforts. The hospital has designed custom challenge coins, to present to those heroes who go above and beyond for patients. Challenge coins date back to World War I and are often used among military, law enforcement and first responders.

“Challenge coins symbolize the deep connection and shared victories of our military units,” said Northside Hospital chief operating officer Stephanie Tijerina, who is also a Commanding Officer in the United States Navy reserves. “We’re honored to present this coin to our EMS and first responders, as well as our colleagues whose swift, coordinated actions save lives every day.”  

This week, hospital leaders presented the first challenge coins to Sunstar paramedics and Lealman Fire Department emergency crews for their heroic response to a life-threatening emergency in April. Kevyn ‘ZuZu’ Bartlett, 37, thought she was having a migraine, but in fact was suffering from a severe brain bleed.

Thanks to the rapid response of first responders and expert care provided by Northside Hospital’s surgical and intensive care unit teams, ZuZu survived against all odds. She and her fiancé’ returned to the hospital for the special coin ceremony, where they had the opportunity to personally thank the team that saved her.

“Everyone deserves to hear, ‘It’s great to see you. It’s good to see you still here,” said ZuZu.

Northside Hospital’s challenge coin was designed by Lindsay Douthitt, the hospital’s stroke coordinator, who is also a U.S. Navy veteran.