Teamwork Saves Life: A Story of Quick Action and Collaboration at Merit Health River Oaks

12/13/2024

At Merit Health River Oaks, stories of quick action and collaboration in emergency situations often serve as reminders of the life-saving power of teamwork. One such story recently touched hearts across the hospital, showcasing the critical role played by a family member, an emergency medical dispatcher, and the skilled medical team in overcoming a life-threatening emergency.

Steven Saffold was relaxing in his favorite chair at home when his wife, Karen, noticed a change in his breathing. What began as a familiar snore soon became irregular, signaling something wasn’t right. Karen, ever vigilant, checked on Steven and was alarmed to discover that he had stopped breathing entirely.

Realizing the urgency of the situation, Karen immediately dialed 911. On the other end of the line was Averi Brown Terry, an emergency medical dispatcher with Pafford EMS. Averi’s calm, reassuring voice guided Karen through the crucial steps of performing CPR while paramedics were en route. For the next 12 minutes, Karen followed Averi’s expert instructions, keeping Steven alive until help arrived.

When paramedics reached the Saffold home, Steven was quickly transported to Merit Health River Oaks, where the emergency team was ready to provide the necessary care. Dr. Julia Thompson, an interventional cardiologist at the hospital, took charge of Steven’s case. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Thompson quickly diagnosed Steven’s condition and developed a treatment plan to address the underlying issue.

Less than 1 in 10 people survive a cardiac arrest that occurs outside of a hospital, with approximately 350,000 deaths from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually in the U.S. Dr. Thompson commented, “Steven is very lucky. There is no doubt in my mind that the quick actions of his wife, along with the guidance and care of the first responders, saved his life.” She emphasized that CPR is a critical, life-saving skill that everyone is encouraged to learn, as it can make the difference between life and death in medical emergencies.

For more information about cardiac services at Merit Health River Oaks, visit: https://bit.ly/3OQbIfB.

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