Engine 4 Recognizes 'Community Hero' Who Helped Save a Life With Hands-Only CPR
postedWhen a fellow customer at a local coffee shop suddenly collapsed from cardiac arrest, Miriam Navin knew what to do.
Trained in hands-only CPR, she went to the person's side and began performing continuous chest compressions until EMS arrived. Another customer had dialed 911.
In just four minutes, Engine 4 was there to take over high-performance CPR. Medic 6 and Ladder 1 weren't far behind with additional medications, equipment, and the ability to transport the patient to the hospital.
Months later, the person who collapsed is home and doing well!
Weeks after the incident, Engine 4 ('B' shift) paid Miriam a personal visit to her place of work to deliver a thank-you card and present her with a "Community Hero" challenge coin from the Madison Fire Department.
This story of survival is a real-life reminder that hands-only CPR is a simple skill that can make a lifesaving impact. Thanks to Miriam stepping in to keep blood flowing until EMS arrived, the patient eventually left the hospital 100% neurologically intact.
We at the Madison Fire Department need more "Community Heroes" who are willing to provide chest compressions if they ever find someone in cardiac arrest. Your help makes a difference!
There are two simple ways to get started:
- Download the PulsePoint app. Set your app to follow the Madison Fire Department and turn on "Nearby CPR-needed" notifications. The app will alert you when someone in a nearby public space needs hands-only CPR.
- Enroll in one of our upcoming Hands-Only CPR/AED classes! Each month we offer a free class so more people feel equipped and able to help someone in sudden cardiac arrest. View our list of upcoming classes and sign up today.
You do not need to be "CPR Certified" to help save a life. Anyone with any level of CPR training is encouraged to download the PulsePoint app and be a link in the chain of survival.
Our community is stronger when more people know Hands-Only CPR and use the PulsePoint app!
This content is free for use with credit to the City of Madison Fire Department.