The Corinth community has one more reason to be proud.
Dr. Steven Haywood, MD, FACEP, an emergency room physician and Emergency Medicine Residency Program Director at Magnolia Regional Health Center, recently stepped in to help during a medical emergency while traveling through Orlando International Airport.
The day before their return trip, Dr. Haywood and Andrea Sanders, the Emergency Medicine Residency Program Coordinator, made a last-minute decision to switch to an earlier flight home. That change would soon place them exactly where they needed to be.
While waiting at their gate, an announcement came over the airport intercom asking if a doctor was nearby to assist with a child in distress. Without hesitation, Dr. Haywood rushed to the scene, with Sanders right behind him.
They found a young child, around one year old, whose condition had quickly changed. Acting immediately, Dr. Haywood cleared a nearby table, laid the child down, and began assessing and stimulating the child to improve breathing and responsiveness.
As the situation intensified, the child’s mother and sibling understandably became very upset. Sanders stepped in to comfort them, helping calm their fears and offering support during the frightening moments.
Just as Dr. Haywood prepared to begin CPR, the child suddenly became responsive again—reaching for a pacifier and returning to normal behavior. Shortly after, airport firefighters arrived and took over care.
At the start of the emergency, two other physicians approached and asked who was leading the response. After learning Dr. Haywood’s role and experience, they felt reassured knowing the child was in capable hands.
Afterward, several bystanders and airline employees expressed their gratitude and asked where the team was from. Sanders proudly shared they were from Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth. Many commented how thankful they were that Dr. Haywood and Sanders were there when it mattered most.
Moments like this serve as a powerful reminder that sometimes being in the right place at the right time can make all the difference. Because of a simple change in travel plans the day before, Dr. Haywood and Sanders were able to step in and help when it was needed most.
Corinth is fortunate to have dedicated providers like Dr. Haywood—individuals who represent our community with skill, compassion, and a commitment to helping others wherever they are.
