~ Clark Public Utilities

~ Fort Vancouver Assisted Living

Hello Michelle,
I just wanted to share with you that I administered CPR yesterday to a stranger outside the Jamba Juice on 164th Ave in Vancouver, WA.

I was on my way back home with my son after his orthodontist appointment. I asked if he wanted a treat. We stopped at Jamba. He asked to stay in the car, so I went inside to order.

While I was waiting, I observed a vehicle pull up alongside the sidewalk. A lady got out with a walker. A few moments later I looked back outside and there was a man behind her trying to assist her from her knees to her feet. The next second, I see her head completely droop.

I went outside and approached the woman. There were several other people standing around. She appeared unconscious and there was drool off the side of her mouth. I noticed a man on the phone and asked if he was on with 911. He stated he was. The driver of the vehicle she was in pulled up along the curb. I asked him if he was related and he said he was her husband. I asked her name, age, any medical conditions and if she was taking medication. He said she was diabetic and had just had a toe surgery and was on some antibiotics. He asked if we could just put her in the vehicle and I told him that paramedics were already on the way. I relayed her information to the man on the phone with 911.

I returned to the lady. With the help of three other men, we moved her from her knees to her back. She looked slightly pale, her lips slightly purple. Her eyes were wide open. I shook her. No response. I attempted to find a pulse along her neck, but there was neck fat. We looked and felt for any breathing. The 911 operator advised CPR. I called for two people to bring an AED. No one brought one. I placed my hands and began compressions. I felt the sternum crack 3 times.

I continued compressions. I may not have been doing them fast enough or deep enough, but a lady next to me said my compressions needed to be deeper. I moved and she took over. Then paramedics arrived.

Time didn’t seem to pass slowly or quickly. I told a paramedic that I did not administer breaths and he replied that I didn’t need to. I don’t know when the bystander first called 911, but I imagine from his call to the arrival may have been 6-10 minutes or less???

People began leaving the scene when paramedics arrived. I asked if they needed me to stay or any information from me. As I left with my son, we drove slowly past the scene. I saw the paramedics wheeling the cart over to her. I don’t know what came of her, but I didn’t sleep well last night.

In hindsight, I replay what I did or didn’t do. I think about the order of operations. There’s that saying about how under pressure, you don’t rise to the occasion, you fall to the level of your training. It’s so important for people to spend ample time practicing CPR.

I’m thankful I took the CPR course just last week. I’m thankful for the company I work for offers employees this critical education.

~ Georgene

~ M Hollister OT

You always get great reviews from the staff. We appreciate your excellent work!

~Safety Administrator