The Humanitarian category of Heart and Soul recognizes employees for acts of kindness and charity that promote the wellbeing or improves the life of someone in our community. It also includes actions of bravery, courage and selflessness.
In July, a police chase ended with a vehicle accident at the base of the 35th Street Bridge. A car flipped on its side with a baby trapped inside.
The impact was loud enough to be heard throughout multiple off-site offices, including the emergency medicine department’s administrative offices on Staunton Avenue.
Dr. Jerry Edwards made his way across the street with stethoscope in hand.
While a Charleston police officer had apprehended the suspect, Dr. Edwards was assessing the car to see if anyone needed medical attention.
Edwards emerged from inside the car, which was balanced on the passenger side with a collapsed roof and shattered glass. He handed a car seat and baby out to paramedics for further evaluation.
Edwards returned to his office without fanfare, and those who were watching knew what a special act of kindness he demonstrated by fulfilling his Hippocratic Oath at that very moment.
