A Nurse’s Swift Action: The Heartfelt Story of How a KU Medical Center Nurse Saved My Life

The real first responder, the heartfelt story of how a KU Medical Center nurse saved my life. Living with advanced heart failure means that every day is unpredictable, and every moment can bring a new crisis. My journey has been a challenging one, but a recent experience at KU Medical Center profoundly changed my perspective on the life-saving dynamics of cardiac emergencies.

The Night in Cardiac ICU

It was shortly after I had been admitted into the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at KU Medical Center. I was feeling particularly unwell, and the medical team was closely monitoring my condition. Despite the constant supervision, nothing could have prepared me for what happened next.

I had changed into my hospital gown and walked out of the bathroom, everything seemed fine. My nurse immediately looked at me and asked me to lay down, not knowing what was going on, I did just what she asked me to do. At that point she yelled “starting compressions”, mind you that I am absolutely 100% coherent, or so I thought. Unbeknownst to me my heart rhythm became erratic, and I quickly slipped into cardiac arrest. The alarm sounded, and the room was suddenly filled with every available nurse, doctor, and I think I saw the chef from the cafeteria as well. The nurse was on her 4th set of compressions before the defibrillator shocked me, all I could think at that point was please call my wife and get her here. The staff was absolutely on top of everything given the gravity of the situtation that had just occurred.

The Unsung Hero: A Nurse’s Instinct

Among the flurry of activity, one nurse stood out, a young lady that seemed seasoned professional beyond her years with an uncanny ability to stay calm under pressure. As soon as the she realized that I was in a critical situation, she reacted immediately, before any machine alerted or alarms went off, that nurse was an angel at my bedside. Her trained eyes had already recognized the telltale signs of my deteriorating condition before the machines fully registered the crisis.

Without a moment’s hesitation, she began chest compressions. Her movements were trained, precise and powerful, driven by an instinctual need to save a life. I later learned that she was already on her fourth set of compressions by the time the defibrillator was ready to deliver its electric shock.

The Moment of Defibrillation

The defibrillator, an essential piece of life-saving technology, delivered an electric shock to my heart, a jolt that helped restore my heartbeat to a stable rhythm.

I was alive, thanks to the seamless blend of human and technological intervention.

Defibrillation and CPR: A Partnership in Saving Lives

There is a common misconception that defibrillation and CPR are competing life-saving techniques. The truth is, they are complementary and, together, form the cornerstone of effective resuscitation. Defibrillators deliver the necessary electric shock to restart the heart, while CPR maintains blood flow and oxygenation to the brain and other vital organs.

The swift action from my nurse demonstrated this synergy perfectly. Her immediate response with CPR provided the crucial support my body needed while the defibrillator was getting ready to go off. It wasn’t about one technique outshining the other; it was about using both in harmony to save a life.

A Heartfelt Reflection

Reflecting on that harrowing night, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my nurse and the entire medical team at KU Medical Center. Their dedication, skill, and quick thinking made all the difference. The hands of my nurse, driven by compassion and expertise, were faster than any machine. Her actions that night were not just about protocol; they were about saving a life, mine.

Living with advanced heart failure is a constant reminder of my vulnerability, but it’s also a testament to the incredible people who dedicate their lives to caring for others. My experience taught me that while technology is vital, the human touch is irreplaceable. Nurses are truly the unsung heroes who bridge the gap between technology and patient care.

In the face of a cardiac emergency, remember this: defibrillators and CPR are not competitors but partners. Together, they create a powerful force capable of turning the tide in the most critical moments. And sometimes, it’s the hands of a dedicated nurse that truly make the difference, beating the clock to bring you back to life.

As a note, I did not want to call my nurse and hero out by name, but she was kind enough to give me permission. Thank you Marissa, myself and my family are truely grateful for your quick thinking and jumping into action to save my life.