I was spending another cold and wet May weekend watching my 12-year-old son's baseball team. As the game progressed, a large storm front quickly approached. Our team was up 5 to 1, and we were all disappointed as we made our way to our cars for the rain delay. As everyone was returning to the field about an hour later, the coach's wife stopped me and asked, "Are you a medical person? There is something going on across the street and it looks bad." As my thoughts raced, I turned and saw a person on the ground. I started running to the scene when I noticed Maria running alongside me. As we entered the scene, we found a woman on the ground, clearly breathing although incoherent. Then someone called out, "There's another one, and I don't think he has a pulse." Maria and I ran to the other side of the car. One of the coaches was already present with the man, holding his head so he would not hit the ground. The coach stated, "He had a short, quick breath about a minute ago."
Maria quickly took his pulse and started compressions. The man's lips and ears were already turning purple. After the first round of compressions, the man stirred but went out again. After Maria did a second round of compressions, the man sat up. At that time, the paramedics arrived and dismissed us from the scene. This man was someone's son, brother, or possibly father, and we have no idea how these individuals came to be in this situation, but they needed help. There is no doubt in my mind that Maria saved this man's life. She truly demonstrated the SwedishAmerican mission, "Through excellence in healthcare and compassionate service, we care for our community." I am thankful to serve with this amazing nurse and am proud of her and the way she represented our Swedes family. Thank you, Maria, for serving our community both at SwedishAmerican and at the baseball field. You make a difference!