A teenage girl rescued her mother’s life shortly after acquiring CPR skills. Eliza Soward used her training just six days after completing the course, aiding her mother, Maggie, during a cardiac arrest at their Utah home. Doctors credit Eliza’s swift response for keeping Maggie alive until paramedics arrived.
Maggie, 46, emphasized the critical timing of CPR, stating that without her daughter’s prompt action, she could have suffered brain damage or worse. Following Eliza’s intervention, paramedics detected a faint pulse in Maggie after 26 minutes.
Maggie underwent surgery to have a defibrillator implanted and spent nine days recuperating in a Utah hospital. She expressed immense gratitude for her daughter’s recent CPR training, acknowledging that it saved her life.
Maggie’s husband, Scott, discovered her unconscious in their home and immediately sought Eliza’s help. The teenager applied her newfound skills for five minutes until emergency services arrived. Despite the challenging circumstances, paramedics struggled to detect a pulse for nearly 30 minutes.
Maggie, reflecting on her near-death experience, highlighted the significant impact of the support she received from her family, friends, and neighbors. She emphasized the life-changing nature of the event and stressed the importance of CPR awareness.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Maggie looks forward to a special celebration this year, recognizing the invaluable role CPR knowledge played in her survival. The national holiday will be observed on Thursday in the United States.