Story by Milestone Member Emily McGrath, who was vacationing in Jamaica this week... (picture below)
“On Monday, I saved a woman’s life. Since then, I have had the chance to follow up and have a conversation with this woman as she finishes recovering in the hospital. I learned that her name is Jackie. She has two children and is married to a man named Rob. She lives in Tucson and is in her late 60s or early 70s. She was vacationing in the same resort in Ochos Rios, Jamaica as my friend and me. If I can just tell you what I hope you take away from this story, is the importance of YOU getting certified in CPR and how to use an AED. So here’s the story…
As my friend and I walked to the spa that day, we stopped to lay out towels to dry at the pool nearby. That’s when I noticed Jackie; she may have been looking at something on the bottom of the pool. Despite the other people around, I stopped and observed her for another few seconds, noting that she didn't move.
Another 45 seconds later, with the help of a nurse and the nurse’s husband (who were napping by the pool), as well as a resort employee, we had her out of the pool and were starting CPR. After arguing with a resort employee about its necessity, I was able to get an AED and we put the pads on her chest. Two shocks from the AED and continued CPR later, she was breathing and had a pulse when EMS arrived.
Jackie is now in a cardiac ICU in the Florida, after being airlifted there. Her brain scan and chest x-ray are both clear; she has no brain damage and the only thing she can’t remember is Monday. She had a cardiac catheterization to remove the blockage and is expected to make a full recovery. She will be able to go home and hug her kids again.
On Monday, we saved this woman, who would have otherwise drowned in this pool. I would not have had the confidence to help had my team at work not been recertified two weeks ago in CPR/AED/first aid. While you never want to use the skills you learned, you may save a life."
The pool which is referenced in the story...
Group of the 4 people involved in saving the drowning woman's life...
This is Emily, the Milestone member who wrote this story about her experience this week...
