Last May, as Juliana Crush and her husband, Paul, were driving through Splendora to take their son to the doctor, Juliana felt something wasn’t right. She experienced a tightening in her chest and told Paul to call 911.
Just a couple of minutes later, she was unconscious on the floorboard of the car. Paul quickly pulled over to the side of the road and, while on the phone with 911, began administering CPR to his wife. Thanks to his training as a former x-ray technician, Paul’s CPR skills kicked in as MCHD 911 Call Taker Jordyn West guided him through the process.
Within four minutes, MCHD paramedics and East Montgomery County Fire Department arrived on the scene. The paramedics administered shocks from a cardiac monitor, inserted a breathing tube, and gave Juliana medication to restart her heart. She soon began to wake up and resist, which was a promising sign of brain function returning. Once stabilized, Juliana was transported to the hospital by the paramedics.
“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 percent 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 were reunited with the emergency crews who saved her life and were able to personally thank them for their work.
“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 expressed its gratitude to all the first responders involved in Juliana’s care, including MCHD Paramedics District Chief Travis Clay, In-Charge Paramedic Nicola Buchanan, Attendant Paramedic Dakota Bagwell, MCHD 911 Dispatch Center ALARM Medic Jordyn West, and East Montgomery County Fire Department personnel Cpt. George Cruz, FF Blaine Kaiser, and 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, visit www.mchd-tx.org.