Ellen Davis Survived a Heart Attack
Ellen Davis was shopping in Wal-Mart when her heart suddenly stopped. She attributes her survival to being in the right place surrounded by the right people.
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June 3, 2010
Ellen Davis was shopping in Wal-Mart when her heart suddenly stopped. She attributes her survival to being in the right place surrounded by the right people, reports KNDO.com.
Five individuals came to her rescue, all of them having been trained in CPR. They also used an automated external defibrillator (AED). Their actions kept Davis alive long enough for the paramedics to arrive.
Davis was lucky to be in the location she was. The combination of CPR and the AED is what got her heart beating again. If she had gone any longer without CPR or the AED her chance of survival would have been very slim.
"The longer it goes without having the shock applied, the tougher it is to get it back so the best chances of survival have a defibrillator and get it applied and push the button," said Ron Melcher, deputy fire marshal, Yakima Fire Department.
According to the American Red Cross, 95 percent of those who suffer a heart attack die before reaching the hospital. The organization has been working with local communities to raise awareness about heart attacks and to encourage individuals to enroll in CPR courses.
The American Red Cross works to support individuals and their families affected by numerous emergencies. Not only does the organization promote CPR and AED awareness, but they can also assist in locating services for those affected by disasters.
