All hands (and wings) on deck: Ducklings rescued through teamwork at Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center

An ordinary day at Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center quickly turned into an unexpected rescue mission Wednesday when a mother duck and her ducklings waddled through a parking area — and several of the babies slipped through a storm grate.

Thanks to quick action, teamwork and a little ingenuity, eight ducklings were safely rescued and reunited following a coordinated effort involving hospital staff, security, facilities personnel and the Morgantown Fire Department.

The rescue began when Susan Ornick, Director of Patient Access, spotted a mother duck and ducklings crossing the parking lot and realized several ducklings had fallen into a storm drain. She immediately called Christy Lyons, Safety and Emergency Management Officer, who responded within minutes.

For Lyons, the rescue reflected both professional purpose and personal passion. As Safety and Emergency Management Officer, protecting those on the hospital campus — even feathered visitors — was a natural extension of her role.

“When there’s a need, our teams respond,” Lyons said. “Safety is part of our culture, and that doesn’t stop at the hospital doors. It was incredible to watch so many people come together so quickly to help.”

Because the grate had been sealed during previous paving work, the rescue required additional support from the Morgantown Fire Department. Firefighters arrived with a ladder truck to help loosen the grate. Mon Medical Center facilities team members then used equipment, including a forklift and chains, to lift the grate so rescuers could safely retrieve the ducklings.

Working carefully, teams brought the ducklings out in pairs and returned them to their mother.

Lyons credited the success of the rescue to the collaboration of many, including Ron Cummings, BSN, RN, Director of Nursing Operations; Roy Johnson, Security Officer; Facilities Department staff members; and the Morgantown Fire Department.

While the rescue drew smiles across campus, it also reflected something deeper — the spirit of teamwork and compassion that guides the organization every day. For Lyons, an animal lover who manages a farm with her husband, the moment carried personal meaning as well.

“At the end of the day, this was about people stepping up to help,” Lyons said. “Caring for others is what we do, whether it’s our patients, visitors, staff or even unexpected guests on our campus. It was heartwarming to see that spirit of compassion and teamwork extend to this rescue.”