Rehab Nurse Honored for Heroic Care Aboard Flight

Rehab Clinical Manager Emily Reese congratulates SMH Hero Award-winner Mina Grbic, RN, right.

Every once in a while, Sarasota Memorial gives a Hero Award to a staff member who goes far above and beyond to help someone in need.
Last month, the organization awarded the honor to Mina Grbic, a 20-year SMH team member who is an RN on the inpatient Rehab Unit.
Mina was singled out for her exceptional, life-saving efforts aboard a flight from Europe to Tampa earlier this year.
During the flight, she noticed a passenger nearby who did not look well and began to try to revive him. The aircraft crew asked other passengers with medical backgrounds to come forward to help. With nearly no medical equipment, Mina and the team worked together for more than two hours, trying to keep the passenger alive. It took some time, but eventually the passenger began to open his eyes and interacted with those around him.
The plane finally landed at Tampa International Airport and the passenger was taken to the hospital.
Thanks to Mina’s expertise, experience and quick response, she was able to identify an individual in distress, and jumped right in to come to his aid. Because of her rapid intervention and skills, the passenger survived and was able to get the medical care he needed.
Mina is a true hero, not only to the passenger aboard her flight, but to all of the patients she has cared for at SMH over the years.

Thank you, Mina, for your dedication and exceptional service!