When Erin Huey retired from the military, she moved backed to Simi Valley, California, so she could reconnect with family, most importantly, her brother John. “He loves that they’re back together, spending time together,” said John’s wife Lisa. “That was the icing on the cake for him.”
Erin quickly re-established her roots, working as an EMT, and teaching CPR and first aid for the local Red Cross. Over the years she has also been in the community as an active Girl Scout leader, teaching three generations of Scouts lifesaving skills that they can use at home and in the wilderness.
“Many people might freeze or panic in a situation like this, but Red Cross training helped me deal with it all.”
Having been a bit sedentary since he retired from the LA Police Revolver & Athletic Club, John knew he needed to get back in shape. Erin was his inspiration. She had been exercising with a private trainer, so they decided to work-out together. The trainer, Rebekka Armstrong, specializes in corrective exercise, assisting people with anything from lower back pain to hip replacement, stroke recovery and ALS.
“I started John out with a very basic routine, working on his flexibility, range of motion, balance,” said Rebekka. “After a few weeks he graduated to strength training with light dumbbells.”
At an early morning session, after tossing around a medicine ball, John sat down on a bench. Rebekka noticed that he stopped talking, and his head and arms were dropped loosely at his sides. After quickly determining that John was unresponsive, Erin and Rebekka sprang into action.
saved her brother’s life
Rebekka immediately dialed 911, remaining calm and clear in her responses to the operator about the situation and what services were needed. Erin lowered John down to the ground and determined that he needed CPR. She cleared his airway, beginning chest compressions and rescue breathing without delay.
Fire Department paramedics arrived within a few minutes and Erin assisted with moving John to a more open area. The medics hooked him up to an AED, established an IV and continued with CPR. On the third shock from the defibrillator, John regained a pulse and breathing. The ER was only minutes away.
The ER physician discovered a 99% coronary artery blockage which required the placement of a stent. Amazingly, John was recovering in the ICU within two hours of the collapse. A second surgery the following day found a secondary blockage that was completely calcified, but his heart had already created its own bypass.
The cardiologist and everyone at the hospital (ER doctors and nursing staff) stated John was saved by the quick, exceptional, and quality CPR he received from his sister. He would not have made it if Erin was not with him and provided immediate assistance. He has no signs of tissue damage from the incident as Erin acted so quickly and jumped right into life-saving measures. He has now fully recovered and has returned to getting fit.
Recalling the tense moments of that day, Erin said, “It was an epic journey. Red Cross training helped me deal with it all. Many people might freeze or panic but Red Cross training helps you to overcome that.”
“The stars couldn’t have aligned better,” added Lisa. “Who he was with, where he was, close to the hospital. We are just so fortunate.”
Story and Photos by Dave Wagner, Public Affairs Volunteer
The American Red Cross makes CPR certification fast, simple and easy. Our CPR classes take just a few short hours, but the skills you’ll learn during the process can make all the difference to someone in need. Find your class here
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