Columbus registered nurse named First Friday Hero for helping person injured in car crash

Columbus, Ga. (May 1, 2026) - Piedmont Columbus Regional has named registered nurse Megan Ward with the Piedmont Columbus Midtown Emergency Trauma Center the organization’s First Friday Hero for the month of May.

Ward was on the way to work where she was assigned to the trauma area. She saw a car wreck that had just occurred and decided to stop after seeing a woman who needed help.

She was on scene before first responders arrived and stayed to comfort the patient until EMS got there. She told police she would be the nurse caring for the patient at the hospital and needed to beat EMS there. Police cleared traffic for Ward allowing her to get to the hospital before the patient arrived. Ward cared for the patient until she was released.

A ceremony with Ward and hospital leadership was held on May 7 to commend her for her response. Her story is also featured throughout the hospital on commemorative posters and Piedmont Columbus Regional’s social media pages.

This is Ward’s second time receiving the First Friday Hero award. She was also recognized in September 2023 for recognizing a new mother had suffered a stroke— helping her get the appropriate medical treatment.

Piedmont Columbus Regional created the First Friday Hero program in 2016 to recognize first responders and everyday heroes each month who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

“Their line of work is often a thankless job, and we want to make the community aware of what our local heroes do to make the Chattahoochee Valley a safer place,” said Piedmont Columbus Regional CEO Scott Hill.