A Moments That Matter Story
At TeamHealth, our mission is to deliver exceptional care during life’s pivotal moments. In emergency medicine, those moments often arrive without warning—demanding equal measures of skill, courage, and compassion.
One such moment came when Dr. Charles Budzyn, an emergency medicine resident, was faced with a parent rushing through the doors carrying an unresponsive child.
“If you’ve ever heard the guttural yell of a parent when their child is in danger, you don’t forget it,” Dr. Budzyn said. “It’s the kind of sound that makes you drop everything and run.”
Without hesitation, he took the child in his arms and sprinted to the trauma room. Dr. Daniel Cobau, the TeamHealth attending physician on duty, arrived as the team worked to stabilize the child. “When I got there, we didn’t know what had caused the issue. That’s one of the hardest parts—you’re trying to put together the pieces in real time, and there’s no room for error.”
Together, the team worked methodically, running through possible causes. What both clinicians remember most is the seamless teamwork. “It was all hands on deck,” said Dr. Budzyn. “Every nurse, every physician, every staff member knew their role. In moments like that, hesitation isn’t an option.”
For Dr. Cobau, the case reinforced a lesson every emergency clinician learns early: preparation saves lives. “In an emergency, seconds matter,” he said. “You have to know exactly where critical equipment is—especially pediatric airways and resuscitation tools. It’s not enough to have a general idea. You need to be able to reach for it instinctively.”
Both clinicians noted how pediatric cases add another layer of intensity. “The stakes feel even higher,” said Dr. Cobau. “Every life matters, but when it’s a child, the weight is heavier. Tools like the Broselow tape are lifesavers because they take away the guesswork on equipment and medications in a high-pressure moment.”
For both doctors, the night left an imprint. “This is why we do it,” said Dr. Budzyn. “To be there for families in their worst moments, and to make a difference.”
Dr. Cobau agreed. “It’s terrifying in the moment, but when you see a positive outcome, it’s the most rewarding part of our work. It’s exactly why we chose this field.”
Moments That Matter Series
This story is part of Moments That Matter, a series that highlights the courage, skill, and compassion of TeamHealth clinicians as they live out our mission. Find more stories about moments like these.