Charleston County commends nurses' actions

Sally Ani finds herself thinking about that day often. Occasionally, scary thoughts about what could have happened haunt her in nightmares.

A bloody, one-armed stranger had stumbled toward Ani and other picnickers on Sept. 16 at Short Stay Naval Recreational Park. Immediately, she and a handful of other nurses sprang into action, frantically trying to save his life.

They applied pressure to stop the bleeding, and kept the man alert and relaxed.

Tenisha Waldo/The Post and Courier

Charleston County Council last week commended the six nurses who tended to Bill Hedden after his arm was bitten off by an alligator at Short Stay Naval Recreational Park. From left are Sally Ani, Mercy Salvatierra, Grace Osea, council Chairman Tim Scott, Delia Buscato, Jo Losa Masauding and Marisol Dalusong.

Their medical backgrounds and quick thinking kept Bill Hedden of Summerville alive, though his arm, which had been ripped off by an alligator while Hedden was swimming in Lake Moultrie, could not be reattached.

Ani, a veteran registered nurse who lives in Goose Creek, called the rare incident miraculous.

Charleston County Council members couldn't agree more.

Last week, at a specially called meeting, they commended Ani and the other local nurses — Delia Buscato, Marisol Dalusong, Jo Losa Masauding, Grace Osea and Mercy Salvatierra — for their fast response and attentive care on that unfortunate day.

Council Chairman Tim Scott said he was moved by their story when he read about what happened in the newspaper. He said he was especially touched by the spiritual connection Ani experienced when she prayed to the Virgin Mother for a towel, and out of nowhere, one appeared.

Several council members praised the nurses for their heroism.

Councilwoman Colleen Condon said, "I think we all agree that if something like this would happen to one of our family members, we would want every single one of you to be very close by."

The nurses had been picnicking at the park with the Bicol Association of Charleston. It was the last day of the Roman Catholic group's three-day celebration to honor the Virgin of Penafrancia, their patron saint.

Dalusong said she appreciated the recognition from County Council. As she listened to council members' kind comments, her mind drifted back to that extraordinary day at the park.

"I realized that life is valuable," she said. "I feel different because I saved a life. That's just amazing grace."

Reach Tenisha Waldo at 937-5744 or twaldo@postandcourier.com.