Saving John’s Life

Photograph of wall with "Let It Be, Come Together" words painted on

helst1/Flickr

The first 10 minutes is crucial to the survival of a heart attack victim.

I remember it like it was yesterday. A well-dressed man was walking down the street with a briefcase and a soda in his hand when suddenly, he collapsed, cross the street from Barnes and Noble, the same side where the Warner Bros. building is at 12th and F Sts. NW. I was the first to get to him. I tried to make him as comfortable as possible, loosening his tie and unbuttoning his shirt. I was getting ready to perform CPR but Dana came in and asked me if I had training. I told her yes five years ago. Dana was the second person on the scene. Dana pushed me to the side and took charge like a good woman should in a situation like this. He was on his side so I put him on his back. Then Dana checked him for a pulse and began chest compressions. By that time Bill came in to take over the chest compressions for Dana. Bill was the third of the site. Bill told me later he had training as a life guard. Laura, who works with Bill, made the phone call to 911.

We found out the heart attack victim’s name was John and that he was a museum director.

Now he is doing well and back at work running the museum. His co-workers chipped in while he was sick and donated sick leave to him so he could get paid. A few days ago he invited Dana, Bill, Laura, and I to lunch. We talked about his life a little bit, how he worked in real estate, then got a job working for Gene Autry’s wife, helping her run Gene’s museum. I asked him why he came out of retirement. He got a phone call to come run the museum in Washington, he said it probably saved his life. I told him Dana and Bill really saved his life.

John would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the hospital and emergency staff. Human beings coming together in times of need to help is a great thing. We didn’t know this man but I feel we are friends now.

P.S. Thanks Ron

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