Quick Response Saves Co-worker's Life

As healthcare workers, we realize that a few seconds can turn an ordinary day into a tragedy.  The following story reflects the importance of being prepared in an emergent situation and the difference it can make in someone’s life. 

On Friday, June 12th, Amy Matthews, NRV Rehab Manager, was eating lunch at her desk and talking on the phone when she began to choke.  She realized that she needed help, but she couldn’t speak, so she stepped out of her office.  Sheena Gum, NRV Rehab CTL poked her head out of her office to ask Amy if she was okay, but all Amy could do was shake her head “no” and give the universal “hands around the throat” choking sign. 

Amy said that Sheena immediately kicked into action and started the Heimlich maneuver.  Amy has no idea the number of abdominal thrusts performed, but during this time she could not get any air at all.  She remembers thinking, “They’re going to have to do CPR” because she sensed that she was about to stop breathing.  Finally, she felt something in the back of her throat.  Although hesitant to do a “blind finger sweep”, she thought it was worth the risk. After the sweep, the object dislodged on the next thrust! 

She immediately could breathe – the crisis was over as quickly as it started.  She realized that her other co-workers, Jennifer Kennedy and Jennifer Linkous, were there with Sheena ready to start CPR.  Amy said, “I know if I hadn’t had a co-worker that knew immediately what to do, I most likely would not have survived.” 

Amy said that Sheena “is constantly doing something to help me, and I often tell her she’s a ‘lifesaver’…but now she literally is MY Lifesaver!!!”  Amy also credits her co-workers for being there the whole time, ready to take over or help.  Amy said, “I’m very thankful and blessed!”

We are so grateful that Sheena and both Jennifers were onsite and able to come to Amy’s rescue!  Sheena shared, "We can get into the habit of thinking our CPR training is just something we have to do, but this reminded me that we never know when it may be needed."