As a former EMT and Public Safety dispatcher, Kristi Meyer (pictured above, center) has responded to many medical emergencies, but administering CPR to a fellow co-worker was a new experience for her.
Fast response
Late last year, Kristi, parking and access control coordinator, and Peggy Buikema, onboarding coordinator, Talent Acquisition, reported to work as usual in the New Hire Center and Badging Office on the Parkview Regional Medical Center campus.
A few hours later, Kristi heard a loud “crash” coming from Peggy’s office and found her lying unconscious on the floor with no pulse. Peggy had collapsed and fallen out of her chair from cardiac arrest.
Kristi wasted no time, calling 911 and starting CPR. She also asked a new hire to stand outside and flag down the EMS and fire department. For several minutes, Kristi performed CPR until medics arrived.
Afterward, Kristi was understandably shaken from what had transpired, but she still took time to stop by the Emergency Department before going home. Indeed, Peggy’s situation was serious. For a while, she was unresponsive and on a ventilator. But by the third day, she started to talk and laugh – and was stunned to hear what had happened.
An incredible recovery
Today, thanks to Kristi’s swift actions, Peggy is back to work and becoming stronger every day. “I am living proof miracles do happen,” she said. “My family and I will be forever grateful to Kristi. We are so thankful that she had the background and knew what to do.” Peggy is also thankful for her cardiologists and caregivers in the Coronary Intensive Care Unit at the Parkview Heart Institute.
Looking back on the event, Peggy believes God had her and Kristi in the right place at the right time. As a hybrid co-worker, Peggy works in the New Hire Office only on Mondays. Ironically, the day before, she tried to get another co-worker to work for her that Monday. Had that co-worker been available to switch days – or had Peggy’s cardiac emergency occurred on another day that week – she would have been at home and the outcome could have been tragic.
Honoring heroic efforts
In December, Dena Jacquay, chief administrative officer, Parkview Health, both women’s leaders and the Support Division came together to honor Kristi with a coin for service excellence. This award recognizes co-workers who go above and beyond their assigned job duties.
Leaders hope that this small token will serve as a frequent reminder of the health system's gratitude for these heroic actions and swift thinking.
For opportunities to learn how to administer CPR, check our calendar of Classes and Events or visit redcross.org.
