Tuesday morning, right in front of my classroom, a student went into cardiac arrest. My room is in a pretty isolated part of the building. Luckily I was in the hall when he fell. I ran to get the nurse. The nurse and school police officer performed CPR on him until the paramedics arrived. I am trained in CPR and was next in line if either of them tired.
It was a very intense, scary scene for well over 30 minutes. He had to be shocked twice as well as receive other life-saving procedures. It was deja vu in a sense. I could not stop crying as I watched the paramedics work so hard to save his 19-year-old life. The school police officer was also equally shook up having lost his own 17-year-old son a few months prior.
He was finally rescuitated and transported to the hospital. Wednesday he had open heart surgery to repair faulty valves. If necessary, they may install a pacemaker.
I wondered why I had to bear witness to this trauma. It brought back so many painful memories. This was also the day I ran into my SIL’s husband. And of course, before I went to sleep that night, I saw a commerical on television and the man’s name was the same as my husband’s.
Yesterday on the way home for school Nicholas was telling me that their principal asked them to pray for one of the 8th grader’s brother who had a heart attack at school. I didn’t go into details but I told him that I was aware of what happened because it happened right in front of me. He seemed very surprised–and actually I was, too. What a small world we live in.
Neither one of us mentioned my husband, but I’m sure he was thinking about him as I was.
But it also made me appreciate first responders even more. They are so efficient, composed, and determined to save lives. I saw this firsthand with my husband as well as with the young man. I really have a lot of respect and admiration for what they do. They are as important, if not more so, than doctors.
Our principal announced that this story will be covered by the news. However, I don’t want to be in the limelight and will make sure I am unavailable when they do come.
Some say that there is a message in everything, but I have no idea of what it could be in this case.
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Thank goodness that you were there.
I hope that you are yours are ok
Hey Amy,
Yes, I was at the right place at the right time. We are doing okay, thanks for asking.
I, too, admire first responders. I have a brother who is an EMT and some of the stories he tells are heartbreaking. I’m glad you were there to help the young man.
BTW, I’m glad you are back! You’ve been missed in blogland.
Perhaps it’s more a challenge of your strength. To see how you would react. Or perhaps it’s a way to help you move along. You were there to help him. You should hold on to that positive part of your experience and let it wash over you.
I appreciate you opening up your heart in sharing this story with us. I am so happy that the student got help. I do appreciate the emergency crew that help to saved so many lives. It is hard to say what I would be feeling if I were you, regarding your personal loss. Our prayers are answered in mysterious ways.