Driving home and a an older lady was hit by a car while she was crossing the road. One guy was doing chest compressions and a dozen or more were watching and recording. There was a parallel spot that I pulled into, jumped out and asked if he needed help with compressions. He said hell yes, and I took over. We checked for a pulse and there was none. After the fourth set of 100 compressions we stopped compressions to check for a pulse. It was weak and at that time she gasped a big breath. (This was right when the firetruck arrived and the paramedics jumped in) She had a lot of blood in her mouth/airway as she was gurgling on blood. They were calling for suction and I realized I was going to be a body in the way, so I stepped aside.

I only did 200 compressions, but holy shit, that wore me out.

It really makes you think differently about life. This lady was just down in old town for a night with friends and some food and wine. Next thing, she’s having two random strangers giving her CPR and praying that she survives.

At first I was a little pissed that everyone was standing around. After thinking about this for a few minutes, I imagine most were scared and didn’t know how to help.

quote:

Originally posted by Beancooker:...

At first I was a little pissed that everyone was standing around. After thinking about this for a few minutes, I imagine most were scared and didn’t know how to help.

You had a natural reaction.

Hope she makes it.

Sounds like you may have helped save her life. How old was she?
Glad you came to her aid. That speaks volumes of the man you are.

Late 50’s to Early 70’s. Hard to say. She didn’t look so great when I saw her.

I really home she ends up okay.

quote:

Originally posted by Beancooker:
Late 50’s to Early 70’s. Hard to say. She didn’t look so great when I saw her.

I really home she ends up okay.

You gave her the best chance she could have, and that's everything you could do. You are to be commended regardless of the outcome.

Good job!

Well done Beancooker!
If I may, I’d like to ask you how long did it take for the adrenaline dump to wear off or if you even noticed it?

quote:

Originally posted by 400m:
Well done Beancooker!
If I may, I’d like to ask you how long did it take for the adrenaline dump to wear off or if you even noticed it?

Didn’t notice until you asked and I thought about it. Probably 40 minutes or so. About the time I was in the shower. I realized I am pretty tired, and felt like I wanted to cry. (I was wondering why I felt like crying too, because that’s not a normal emotion for me. I hadn’t thought about the adrenaline rush.)

Thanks for helping her out. I totally understand what you just went through.

quote:

Originally posted by Beancooker:...

Didn’t notice until you asked and I thought about it. Probably 40 minutes or so. About the time I was in the shower. I realized I am pretty tired, and felt like I wanted to cry. (I was wondering why I felt like crying too, because that’s not a normal emotion for me. I hadn’t thought about the adrenaline rush.)

Again. You had a natural reaction.

It will stay with you, visit you again in the future.
Don't let it trouble you.
Accept that you made the right choice and did what you could.

Second guessing any part of it is futile, if you ever encounter it again, it will be a new and unique thing.

Do what you can, and accept how it turns out.

That's healthy.

Welcome to the club.

quote:

At first I was a little pissed that everyone was standing around. After thinking about this for a few minutes, I imagine most were scared and didn’t know how to help.

It sucks being in that situation. It's like "fuck I guess I'm the only one who is going to do something here."

I remember the one and only time I had to do it. I had just recently taken the class and I felt like I had no clue what I was doing. I was able to bring him back, but unfortunately he died a few weeks later.

Well done sir, most people in life are witnesses, you made an attempt.

Tip of the hat to Beancooker. Good job on having the training and the fortitude to use it.

quote:

Originally posted by Beancooker:
At first I was a little pissed that everyone was standing around. After thinking about this for a few minutes, I imagine most were scared and didn’t know how to help.

You're a nicer guy than I am. IMO, they weren't scared enough to forget how to use their phones and record it. They've trained for years to post on social media, but haven't trained for anything useful. Excerpts from Harvard Med article with statistics on cpr training:

quote:

Although 65% of people in the United States say they've received CPR training at some point in their lives, only 18% of people are up to date on their training.
...
Just over 75% of young adults who did a single, 20-minute CPR training session — either face-to-face or with virtual reality — said they'd be willing to perform CPR on a stranger when asked six months after the training...

As 400M stated, that adrenalin afterwards is quite the experience.
I am glad you made it home before it hit you.
Great job being prepared and willing to help.
I applaud you sir.

Thank you all, I appreciate the replies.

It is my understanding that she was taken to Verde Valley Medical Center and never even went inside, straight into a helicopter and flown to Phoenix. There was nowhere to laundry it quickly and safely in old town, so a quick ride up the hill to the hospital landing pad was fastest.

Just as well, last I heard is that she is in critical condition. No other details were available.

Forget all the over paid guys playing kids games nor the tv/movie actors.

People like you are my heroes.

Good Work, Beancooker.