Family Thanks Crews Who Saved Mother's Life After Cardiac Arrest

CONROE, TX --

Just last May, as Juliana Crush and her husband, Paul, drove through Splendora to take her son to the doctor, something did not feel right. She felt an uneasy, tightening in her chest and told Paul he needed to call 911. A couple minutes later, she was unconscious on the floorboard of the car. Paul immediately pulled the car over on the side of the road and, while on the phone with 911, began giving his wife CPR. Thanks to Paul’s previous work as an x-ray technician in the hospital, his CPR education came back to him as MCHD 911 Call Taker Jordyn West talked him through compressions. Just four minutes later, MCHD Paramedics and East Montgomery County Fire arrived.

After MCHD Paramedics administered shocks from a cardiac monitor, inserted a breathing tube and gave medications to restart Juliana’s heart, she started waking up and fighting back. That is always a good sign because it shows a return of brain function. Once she was stable, MCHD Paramedics transported her to the hospital.

“The fact that you received early bystander CPR from your husband, Paul, and four minutes later, CPR and defibrillation from paramedics and firefighters was the key to you surviving cardiac arrest,” said Kevin Crocker, MCHD Division Chief of Quality. “Only about 9% of patients who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are ultimately released from the hospital, so it is amazing you are here with us today.”

Last Friday, Juliana and Paul reunited with all of the crews and thanked them for their work that day.

“I would not be here without you guys and my husband. You saved me,” Juliana said. “I have a son who has a traumatic brain injury. I take care of him… his life would never be the same without me. So, I thank you all so much from the bottom of my heart.”

MCHD would like to thank all of the first responders involved in Ms. Crush’s care:

MCHD Paramedics

District Chief Travis Clay

In-Charge Paramedic Nicola Buchanan

Attendant Paramedic Dakota Bagwell

MCHD 911 Dispatch Center

ALARM Medic I Jordyn West

East Montgomery County Fire Department

Cpt. George Cruz
FF Blaine Kaiser
FF Diego Hernandez

Montgomery County Hospital District’s mission is to care for the indigent and provide EMS services while protecting the interest of taxpayers and ensuring long-term stability through fund development. For more information about the Montgomery County Hospital District, please go to www.mchd-tx.org.